Tens of thousands marched through Paris from Place d'Italie to Place de la Bastille to defend LGBTQ+ rights amid concerns about rising far‑right influence ahead of France's presidential election. Inter‑LGBT co‑president Alexandre Schon urged mobilisation, warning that rights are under threat both at home and abroad. Prominent left‑wing figures joined the march, and Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire called for stronger protection of LGBTQ+ spaces and more support for associations.
Tens of Thousands March in Paris for Pride as Far Right Gains Ground Ahead of Election
Tens of thousands of people take to streets of Paris to march for Pride
Tens of thousands of people filled the streets of Paris to take part in Paris Pride, demonstrating in defence of LGBTQ+ rights amid concerns about the growing popularity of the far right ahead of France's presidential election.
March Highlights and Messages
The procession set off from Place d'Italie in south Paris and finished at Place de la Bastille in the east, where a concert was scheduled to mark the end of the march. Around 50 associations joined the event, organisers said.
“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,” said Alexandre Schon, co-president of Inter‑LGBT, which organises the march. “We must stand up against the far right.”
Political Participation
Several prominent left‑wing figures marched alongside participants, including Jean‑Luc Mélenchon, leader of France Unbowed (LFI), and Green MP Sandrine Rousseau. Mélenchon later posted on X, calling for acceptance and simplified procedures for gender recognition: “Sexual orientation or the sense of belonging to a gender are not choices… Rights must follow. Gender freedom must be declarative. The process must be simplified.”
Concerns and Context
Schon voiced alarm about the future of LGBT+ rights in France and abroad, warning, “We could be the next targets,” and pointing to pressures on LGBT+ communities in countries such as the United States and Senegal. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire also highlighted ongoing threats: “LGBTQIA+ venues are still being threatened, attacked, discriminated against, subjected to violence and intimidation.” He used his post on X to call for better protection of LGBTQ+ spaces and increased resources for associations that support the community.
Timing and Background
Paris Pride is traditionally held in June but this year's march was postponed because of a heatwave. The event's usual timing commemorates the Stonewall riots in New York on the night of 27–28 June 1969, widely regarded as a founding moment of the modern LGBT+ rights movement.
Attendance note: Organisers reported that last year's march drew about 500,000 participants, while police put the number at under 100,000—an often-seen discrepancy in crowd estimates.
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