The fourth edition of Monaco Pride drew nearly 200 representatives from government, business, associations and the LGBTI community to Marius on Thursday evening.
Monaco Pride was created in 2021, according to co-founder Lorenzo Turco, to recognise the contribution of the LGBTI community to Monaco, and encourage discussion about the imbalance of civil and social security rights for thousands of LGBTI community members.
According to the European Union’s annual Rainbow Map, Monaco ranks 43rd out of 49 countries for overall rights and treatment of the LGBTI community. A significant concern is the principality’s failure to recognise same-sex marriages legally contracted in other countries.
Partners in same-sex marriages currently cannot access government family allocations, spousal retirement benefits, or adoption rights in Monaco.
“The LGBTI community must not remain invisible for fear of problems at work, from parents or at church,” said co-founder Annette Anderson. She quoted former US President Barack Obama: “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
New association gains momentum
The evening also featured the work of Mon’arc en ciel, a one-year-old LGBTI association that has already recruited approximately 80 members. The association is actively engaging with Monégasque authorities, including meetings with the National Council, government officials, and lawyers to advance LGBTI rights. “We have a lawyer following us already,” Salvanhac confirmed Monaco Life.
Salvanahc acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating: “We know the path will be long, but we’re trying to make things change. At least we want Monaco to understand that even if laws can’t change immediately, our families and personal situations exist, and they can’t close their eyes to this situation, because it impacts our partners, our families, our children.”
The association aims to change laws while recognising the complexity of the task. “These are people who don’t really accept our sexual orientation, but we have as much right as others to exist,” Salvanhac explained.
Barclays Bank of Monaco also demonstrated its commitment to the cause, with Chief Operating Officer Gaelle Migani and Relationship Manager Ben Hood noting the bank’s dedication to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture.
To commemorate the event, Barclays illuminated the front of its building on Avenue de la Costa in LGBTI colours.
Hervé Aeschbach, Director of Fight Aids Association for over 20 years, expressed delight at the large turnout and declared it was time to “make some noise” to gain equality.
The event was accompanied by live performances by Fat Cat Hacket and the Diva Darlings, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration alongside serious advocacy.
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