Thousands march through the streets of Paris for LGBTQ+ rights

Thousands of people marched through the streets of Paris as part of Paris Pride, demanding protection of the rights of LGBTQ+ people at a time when far-right parties are gaining more support in France.

The march started at Place d’Italie, in the south of the capital, and ended at Place de la Bastille, where a concert was planned. Around 50 organisations took part in the event.

Alexandre Schon, co-president of the Inter-LGBT organisation, which organises the march, called on LGBTQ+ people and their allies to mobilise ahead of the presidential elections.

“We must rise up against the far right,” Schon declared, expressing concern about the future of LGBTQ+ rights. He also mentioned the situation in other countries, including the United States and Senegal, where, he said, these rights are coming under pressure.

Several figures of the French left were also seen at the march, among them the leader of France Unbowed (LFI), Jean-Luc Mélenchon, and the Green MP Sandrine Rousseau.