The trademark of Reykjavík Pride is to fill our city with life, colour and joy – and this has been the case ever since it was first held in 1999. Together with the playfulness that characterizes the festival, it has still maintained a strong undertone for the struggle that the LGBTQIA+ community carries out every day, around the world.
The joyous atmosphere and the sense of solidarity makes the festival here in Reykjavík so unique. The general public has seized the opportunity to show their support, and have always made a strong presence for the Pride Parade.
The Reykjavík Pride has been one of the most popular family festival in Reykjavík for the past 20 years. Up to one third of the country’s population has gathered in the city centre to take part in the Pride Parade and celebrate diversity – and demand equal rights for everyone. The organizers
of this year’s festival have shown great responsibility
and courage by rearranging the programme to match the official restrictions on mass gatherings in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Although the festival will be different this year, there is no less need for making the cause of LGBTQIA+ people visible. This year’s slogan – Pride in Every Step – welcomes the steps that have already been taken towards improving the rights of LGBTQIA+ people in Iceland, and reminds us at the same time that the battle is far from being won.
Now, more than ever, we need to unite – as it is up to each and every Pride participant to organize their own Pride Parade and make it visible wherever they are throughout the country. Together we must fight prejudice and demand equal rights for everyone.
On behalf of the City of Reykjavík, I want to congratulate you on your relentless spirit in the fight for a better world – and you can take pride in every step along the way! But more than anything, let’s have fun and enjoy this extraordinary Reykjavík Pride of 2020!
Dagur B. Eggertsson
Mayor of Reykjavík