a human wave of 15,000 people in the city center
After two years of absence due to the Covid health crisis, the Pride March was back, this Saturday, October 9, 2021, in the streets of Toulouse. At least 15,000 people attended. Back in photos on this human wave.
The Pride March was canceled in 2020 because of the Covid health crisis, then postponed for the same reason to the summer of 2021. After two years of absence, the event was finally able to take place this Saturday, October 9, 2021 in Toulouse . A return without changing the course. At least 15,000 participants were able to stroll through the streets of the city center.
A “complicated” return to the city center
The Prefecture of Haute-Garonne wanted to modify the route of the parade. State services cite security reasons. The organizers of Pride Toulouse respond with an online petition. At the end of this showdown, the Pride March was able to return to its usual route, from the rue de Metz through the boulevard de Strasbourg and the place du Capitole, in Toulouse.
🏳️🌈 It was the 26th #MarketPride a #Toulouse and you are very many and many ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
Photo credits: Patrice Nin. Toulouse Town Hall pic.twitter.com/3eB4IwT6Ng
– Toulouse City Hall (@Toulouse) October 9, 2021
For Olivier Gazzera, the 2021 edition was “very complicated to organize“.”There was no question of being rejected outside the city center. Being visible and safe, at least once a year, is the raison d’être of the Walk.», Underlines the representative of the Jules & Julie association.
A heavy health context that is still present
“The confinement led to a return to families with violence, and many, felt isolated. We need to meet and reconnect between communities», Insists Olivier Gazzera.
Cléa, 16, is taking part in the Toulouse Pride March for the first time. It is held with friends, and above all, with family. “They accept the comment I think. Suddenly, it’s really good, all my family is in cohesion with what I feel.“
I think it’s a time when family provides security. Listening, understanding, rather than rejection.
When the organization of the March was confirmed, Jérémy Perrard, director of development at Pride Toulouse, explained that he was “delighted”. “This is the only time of the year when participants can be who they are, without fear of being insulted or assaulted.“
With thousands of people gathered in the streets of Toulouse, this October 9, 2021, the Pride March was able to meet its main objective: to give visibility to the LGBT + community.