Romanian LGBT Millennials Coming Out Despite Lack of Rights

Sexual minorities are increasingly visible and confident in Romania - despite a surge of homophobic discourse in the public space that has, paradoxically, prompted many to stand up more firmly for their rights.

"People come out constantly, especially the younger generation, which is more and more outspoken and self-assured," LGBT rights activist Teodora Rosetti-Ion-Rotaru told Balkan Insight.

Romania has passed no legislation recognizing or promoting gay rights since the Balkan country joined the EU 12 years ago, and since it decriminalized same sex relationships 18 years ago. As a result, gay couples and transgender people still face huge problems as they try to go about with their lives.

Rosetti-Ion-Rotaru is the executive director of Accept, an NGO founded in the 1990s that pioneered and still leads the cause of LGBT rights in Romania. 

The growing assertiveness she describes can be seen clearly at the PRIDE parades held annually in the country since the first one was staged in Bucharest in 2005. 

A member of Romania's LGBT community attends the Gay Fest pride parade in Bucharest, Romania, 09 June 2018. Abaut 2,000 people attended the parade. EPA-EFE/Bogdan Cristel

Eggs and insults:

Back then, only a few dozen diehard activists dared to take to the streets and openly wave their rainbow flags. Many covered their faces with masks, and the marchers were advised to hide any sign of support for sexual minority rights after leaving the parade. At some points, the police cordon guarding the parade seemed bigger than the demonstration itself.

But a heavy police presence was definitely needed to protect the demonstrators from a combination of threats, insults and even eggs hurled by far-right protesters as well as...