Antwerp (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): Emzar Kvaratskhelia a Georgian activist highlights violence against LGBTQ individuals at Antwerp Pride while JF a Haitian refugee celebrates newfound freedom and advocates for equality in Haiti and beyond.
Emzar Kvaratskhelia is participating in a Pride event with a Georgian delegation for the first time to highlight the serious struggles faced by LGBTQ people in Georgia. He shares that as an open activist he has experienced severe aggression including threats and physical attacks and many others share similar stories. The violence is so extreme that it has resulted in tragic deaths including that of three trans women five years ago. Emzar points out that there is no support from the police who often encourage the attackers and the government is worsening the situation with anti-LGBT statements and proposed laws against LGBT propaganda.
What role does Antwerp play in advancing LGBTQ rights?
Five years ago three trans women lost their lives to extreme violence in Georgia with one case being particularly horrific as a woman was set on fire. Emzar Kvaratskhelia a Georgian refugee speaks out about these tragic events stressing the urgent need for change and support for the LGBTQ community. He highlights how such violence not only takes lives but also creates fear for those just trying to live authentically. Emzar feels guilty for leaving Georgia while others are still in danger. As an openly gay activist he fought for LGBTQ rights but eventually felt too exhausted to continue. He dreams of going back when it’s safer and co-founded a non-profit, Bel-Geo Fusion to help other activists. Although he experiences some freedom in Antwerp he notices growing hostility towards LGBTQ people as he and his friends have faced insults after Pride events. For Emzar this year’s Pride is important as it is both a celebration and a protest reminding everyone that the fight for love and rights must continue everywhere including in Georgia.
JF who escaped Haiti in 2022 now enjoys the freedom to express himself in a way he couldn’t back home due to violence and oppression linked to his activism and LGBTQ identity. He recalls terrifying experiences like life threats from neighbors and a lack of police support which made life dangerous for him and others in the queer community. Although he dreams of returning to Haiti he knows he can’t until the rights of gay men are respected. Participating in Antwerp Pride he celebrates his identity and believes that while understanding different lifestyles is important people should at least tolerate them. He feels both happiness and sadness during the event wishing for those in Haiti to have the same freedom and hoping that people in Belgium recognize their privilege in having supportive leaders. JF emphasizes that the fight for rights must continue to prevent losing the progress made highlighting the need to celebrate achievements while striving for greater equality.
