Since the 1970s, Pride marches have been crucial for LGBTI organizations, communities and individuals to mobilize against homophobia and transphobia, to send clear-cut messages to policy makers and to take a stand against discrimination. For the first time since 2010, the Belgrade Pride went ahead in September 2014 with adequate police protection against potential violence by counter-demonstrators. Regrettably, in some European countries including Russia and Ukraine, LGBTI organizations and individuals continue to face discrimination when exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
