Under the slogan Love is not Afraid, the Cyprus pride march, organised by Accept, was held on Saturday with many taking part wearing black as a sign of protest.

“Black is used as a unique choice of ensembles that sow fear, malice, violence, hatred, misanthropy. This is wrong. Anyone can use it without a negative connotation. And this is what we will do,” Accept said. Similar moves were made in other marches around Europe.

“On a global scale, the regime of democracy, equality and respect for Man and Human Rights are at stake,” Accept added.

On behalf of the presidency, the event was welcomed by Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Rouna. In a post on X, she wrote that “pride is the opposite of shame. Pride is the answer. It is colour and light. It is a statement: That every person has the right to be himself – without shame and without fear. That human rights are universal and non-negotiable.”

She added: “as a government, we actively support the right of every human being to free expression, self-determination and equal treatment. The National Strategy for LGBTQI+ Rights 2025–2028 is an important step forward”.