Tens of thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Paris for the annual Pride march, mobilizing in defense of LGBTQ+ rights against a backdrop of rising far-right influence in French politics. The procession, organized by Inter-LGBT, departed from Place d’Italie in the city’s south and concluded at Place de la Bastille in the east, where a concert was scheduled. Approximately 50 associations participated in the event.
Speaking as the march commenced, Alexandre Schon, co-president of Inter-LGBT, emphasized the political urgency of the moment. “We are just a few months away from the presidential election, so we are calling on LGBT+ people and allies to mobilize for a future based on solidarity,” Schon stated. “We must stand up against the far right.” He expressed deep concern for the future of LGBTQ+ rights, warning, “We could be the next targets,” and pointing to rollbacks in the United States and Senegal as evidence that rights are “under attack” internationally.
Prominent left-wing figures joined the demonstration, including Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise (LFI), and Green Party MP Sandrine Rousseau. In a subsequent post on X, Mélenchon called for broader societal acceptance: “Sexual orientation or the sense of belonging to a gender are not choices. As long as one hasn’t understood that, one is not a fully realized human being. Rights must follow. Gender freedom must be declarative. The process must be simplified.”
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire also addressed the crowd, highlighting persistent threats against the community. “LGBTQIA+ venues are still being threatened, attacked, discriminated against, subjected to violence and intimidation,” he said. On X, Grégoire urged stronger protections for LGBTQ+ spaces and increased resources for advocacy associations.
Traditionally held in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York—the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement—this year’s march was postponed due to a severe heatwave. Organizers estimated last year’s attendance at 500,000, while police figures placed the number below 100,000.
