"Time to show your colors".
The first St.Gallen Pride will take place on Saturday, 12 August 2023 under the motto "Time to show your colors". Andi Giger, co-organizer of Pride, told us in an interview that it's high time.
Please introduce yourself briefly.
I'm Andi, 25 years old and live in St.Gallen. Together with other queer people from St.Gallen, I founded the St.Gallen Pride association last summer.
Why is there only now a Pride in St.Gallen?
Because nobody organized a Pride before! It's high time that St.Gallen had one too. Pride is hugely important because it gives queer people visibility and a platform to make demands.
What is the message of Pride?
Our motto is "Time to show your colors". St.Gallen should show solidarity with queer people and their concerns. The city should belong to the LGBTQIA+ community for once. All people should have the same rights and opportunities - regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
How open do you think the city of St.Gallen is when it comes to Pride?
Not particularly open, to be honest. However, something is happening, queer people are organizing themselves and taking up more space, which is important. Because there is still a lot to do - in society and also in politics. Generally speaking, St.Gallen is a very warm and welcoming city and many people actually support us. We are simply not yet as visible as in other places.
"Something is happening in St.Gallen, queer people are organizing themselves and taking up more space, which is important."
Andi Giger, St.Gallen Pride Association
How can people who are not directly part of the LGBTQIA+ community contribute to support and solidarity?
Get informed, read books, watch documentaries and listen to the people affected. Show openness and support the queer people around you. Come to Pride and show your solidarity!
What highlights can we expect at Pride on Saturday?
The parade will present a colorful picture of St.Gallen that has probably never been seen before. We're looking forward to lots of rainbow flags and glitter. And the stage program after Pride will make St.Gallen dance, marvel and sing along.
How can interested parties find out more about the Pride event?
On Instagram @st.gallen.pride or at www.stgallenpride.ch
