Pongau Pride draws 300 protesters to St. Johann

About 300 people demonstrated for the rights of queer people and against discrimination at the second Pongau Pride in St. Johann, the district capital of Pongau, ORF reported. The rainbow parade took place on Saturday afternoon in good weather and without any incidents.

Florian Niederseer, the event’s organiser, said acceptance of queer people in rural areas was steadily increasing. Organisers had faced hateful comments online before the event, he said, but had also received substantial positive feedback.

“The hate is visible, but the support and solidarity are also growing louder,” Niederseer said.

Attendance was lower than at the first parade in St. Johann im Pongau last year, which drew about 600 supporters. Niederseer attributed the decline mainly to a Pride event taking place at the same time in Freilassing, Bavaria.

He said continued visibility was nevertheless having an impact in the mountain districts. “The potential for openness is everywhere. Not only in the cities, but also in rural areas, where it is particularly needed,” Niederseer said.