Belgrade Has Suffered Misery Caused By Tribal Hatred & Aggressive Nationalism, Stephen Fry Says
Misplaced religious prejudice and nationalism are often the root cause of misery, bigotry and violence inflicted on the LGBT community, best-selling author, actor and playwright Stephen Fry has said.
“We only have to look around the world to see how the twin evils of nationalism and distorted religion have focused on LGBT people as the target for their hate, just as the Jews were singled out in the 20s and 30s,’ he said.
“If that sounds hysterical and exaggerated – remember the words of Edmund Burke, that ‘for evil to flourish all that is required is for good men to do nothing’.
“Belgrade knows more than most cities how tribal hatred fostered by false religion and aggressive nationalism can cause death, disaster and misery.”
Cyndi Lauper, Kim Wilde & Holly Johnson Lead Singers in Support of Belgrade Pride
Cyndi Lauper, Kim Wilde and Holly Johnson are among a growing band of international singers who have added their voice to support Belgrade Pride 2012.
These multi-million selling musicians have come forward to encourage the LGBT community who intend to exercise their right to walk side by side on the streets of Serbia’s capital city.
The Belgrade Pride Parade, which is scheduled for Saturday 6 October, is still far from confirmed to go ahead. If last year’s debacle is anything to go by, when the Serbian government banned public gatherings due to ‘security issues’, organisers could be in for a bumpy ride. For that reason and more, Serbia’s LGBT community should appreciate knowing that the world is watching.
Gypsy Kings, Moustachioed Women & Belgrade Love Stories at Raindance London
Gypsy kings, moustachioed women and a ruthless gynaecologist are among the colourful characters portrayed in an impressive roll-call of contemporary Balkan films to be screened at London’s Raindance Film Festival 2012.
The cream of Balkan cinema from the past year will be brought to London as part of the international film festival’s annual showcase of the best of independent filmmaking. As befits any Balkan film list, there is also a rose-tinted story of life in the former Yugoslavia.
Almost all of these films will be receiving their UK premiere, while many have been lauded in their home territories and at prestigious festivals, such as Pula. While films come from various countries across the wider region, Slovenia is especially well represented in this year’s selection. Unusually, Bosnia does not have one entry.
Gay Prejudice Shames Serbia, Harry Potter Actress Says
A rising tide of high profile international voices has spoken out in support of next month’s Belgrade Pride Parade (Saturday, October 6). Among the growing messages of support and encouragement to Serbia’s LGBT community as they prepare to take to the streets in a peaceful act of solidarity against prejudice and bullying in their country, some leading stars of stage and screen have gone on to scold Serbian authorities for the country’s black history of gay rights.
Recalling the Serbian government ban that was slapped on last year’s planned gathering of gay people, their friends and families, admired British actress Miriam Margolyes issued a damning statement on the country’s human rights record. “It is intolerable that anywhere in the world, prejudice against gay people should be upheld by a government,’ she said. “Shame on Serbia to permit such a thing.
