The first sanctioned mass action of LGBT community took place in St. Petersburg. 150 activists and supporters of the LGBT-organization "Vychod" Coming Out, including parents of gays and lesbians and members of the human rights society, celebrated International Day Against Homophobia under slogans: “Different people – same values”, “We are against violence”, “Born to be ourselves”. To symbolize our wish for diverse world without violence or discrimination, 300 balloons were released into the sky.


Approximately 50 members of right extremist groups gathered in an attempt to foil the celebration but were stopped from entering the area of the rally by no less than 50 members of Russian police. Russian Imperial Movement held an officially sanctioned counter-rally in the center of St. Petersburg “against gays, lesbians and pedophiles,” which, however, consisted of no more than 10 people.

Our struggle is only starting, but we believe this day marks a significant step in our work for recognition of LGBT rights by the Russian society.

International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia is marked every year (since 2005) on May 17 all over the world. On this day, in 1990, the World Health Organization excluded homosexuality from the registry of diseases. In Russia, Rainbow Flashmob is organized by the Russian LGBT Network and is held in dozens of regions of Russia. "Vychod" (Coming Out) organizes the event in St. Petersburg - home to the largest LGBT street demonstration in Russia, with 150-250 people coming out to rally.


Photos:
http://comingoutspb.ru/ru/gallery?sid=1&gid=14#1_14

Video:
http://piter.tv/event/Raduzhnij_fleshmob_v_parke/