For this edition of the DiGiN newsletter, we spoke with a representative from Thessaloniki Pride, one of Greece’s most prominent LGBTIQ+ organisations and a driving force for equality in Northern Greece. Known for its vibrant annual festival and year-round advocacy, Thessaloniki Pride has also stepped into the policy space, contributing to civic education, strategic partnerships, and institutional change.
With active involvement in a CERV-funded project focused on rights and equality, and ongoing engagement with the Municipality of Thessaloniki, their work offers rich insights into how civil society and local authorities can collaborate to make inclusion a lived reality.
We asked about challenges, wins, and the evolving role of Pride in public life. Following their successful hosting of EuroPride 2024, Thessaloniki Pride returned in 2025 with a clear message: “No Step Back.” Against the backdrop of ongoing backlash and rising anti-rights narratives across Europe, this year’s events were as much about solidarity and resilience as they were about celebration.
In the interview that follows, Apostolos Karampairis, representative of Thessaloniki Pride, reflects on the legacy of EuroPride, local advocacy and the realities of inclusion work in today’s climate.
1. Thessaloniki Pride hosted EuroPride in 2024 — a milestone not just for the city, but for the region. How has that experience shaped your vision for Pride in Thessaloniki moving forward?
Hosting EuroPride was a strategic choice for us. By taking on this title, we aimed to enhance the visibility of our community and promote our causes to local, national and regional audiences. After winning what we called the “bid of tolerance” we were ready to move to the next level: acceptance and inclusion.
The EuroPride title opened up numerous opportunities, connections and prospects for the movement and we are committed to building on that legacy. It also enabled us to strengthen the organisational capacity of Thessaloniki Pride. Lastly, we were fortunate to host EuroPride before the global backlash we’ve witnessed this year, doing so now would have been far more difficult.
2. This year’s Pride carried the motto “No Step Back.” What inspired this theme and how does it reflect the current climate for LGBTIQ+ rights in Greece and beyond?
We chose this slogan, along with several other Prides, as a direct response to the alarming rise of opposition to the values of open societies, diversity, equity and inclusion. These are now under serious threat, particularly in the wake of far-right gains in the recent European elections and the broader influence of Trumpism.
With this motto, we aim to remind everyone that fundamental rights and freedoms are non-negotiable. They do not depend on shifting governmental majorities. Most of all, we want to inspire people not to give up. Many progressives feel powerless in the face of today’s hyper-conservative forces, but surrender would only confirm the prophecy of regression.
We need to realise that power lies with the people. We’ve already seen resistance movements succeed, in Hungary, Turkey, Serbia, proving that change is possible. Even countries like Canada and Australia are recognising the harm of Trumpian politics. We believe this moment calls for renewed resolve, not retreat.
3. What does your collaboration with the Municipality of Thessaloniki look like in practice both during Pride and in your year-round work? What would you name as key successes and challenges in that relationship?
During EuroPride 2024, our cooperation with the Municipality of Thessaloniki was excellent, deeply engaged and effective. From the very beginning, we had their support both politically and materially and they played a key role in encouraging other stakeholders to get involved. It was a high point in our collaboration.
This year, however, we noticed a more limited level of commitment. Whether that’s because Thessaloniki is no longer in the European spotlight or a reflection of broader trends, it’s hard to say. In any case, we would welcome more assertive and consistent engagement from local authorities. At a time of rising hate speech, institutional support is more crucial than ever.
4. Thessaloniki Pride is part of a CERV-funded project focused on rights and equality. Could you share more about the project’s goals, activities and how it strengthens your work locally?
Our involvement in the CERV-funded project is actually a legacy of EuroPride 2024. Major institutions, including the Hellenic Police and the University of West Attica invited us to join. The project focuses on building the capacity of police officers to respond more effectively to homo- and transphobic hate crimes.
It also has a transnational component, with partners in Cyprus and Germany and activities at the European level. For us, this project is important because it allows us to expand into new areas such as institutional training beyond our usual focus on public campaigns and Pride events. It’s also a great way to engage more people in the organisation and foster greater community involvement.
More info about the EXIS project, here.
5. Beyond symbolic gestures, what are some of the structural changes or municipal policies you would like to see adopted to improve the everyday lives of LGBTIQ+ people in the city?
One of our strategic priorities is to establish a Queer Community Centre, a public facility that would serve as a focal point for Thessaloniki’s LGBTIQ+ community and beyond. This space would have both practical and symbolic value: providing tailored services, addressing specific vulnerabilities and offering year-round visibility and support.
It would not only help meet immediate needs, but also send a clear message of recognition and solidarity to the broader community, including those coming from more rural areas seeking connection and safety.
6. Finally, what advice would you offer to other municipalities or community organisations across Europe looking to deepen their commitment to LGBTIQ+ inclusion — not just during Pride month, but throughout the year?
There are many practical tips and good practices municipalities can follow, but the golden rule is simple: listen to the needs of your local LGBTIQ+ community and involve them in your efforts. This means creating real partnerships between local government and civil society.
As a former EuroPride host city, we’d also love to see Thessaloniki play a more outward-facing role encouraging other municipalities, especially in rural areas or twinned cities abroad, to support local LGBTIQ+ communities and become ambassadors of inclusion.
Networks like the Rainbow Cities Network already exist to support this goal. By working together, we can help make cities across Europe safer, more inclusive and more connected.
