Terms for participation and safety rules

This page describes the terms for participation and safety rules during the march of Sofia Pride. Although over the past 15 years Sofia Pride has contributed immensely to increasing LGBTI+ acceptance in Bulgarian society, prejudice and discrimination are still widespread in Bulgarian society. And this is why our pride may not be as free and safe as many other prides in Western Europe and North America.

The organizers of the event are taking security measures very seriously. As the procession is a mass event, it will be guarded by many policemen. Nevertheless, the responsibility of each participant in the event is to meet and comply with the terms, rules, and recommendations listed here. Failure to comply with some of the terms and conditions may be a reason not to be allowed to participate in the march or be removed during the course of the event.

We invite the participants:

before and after the procession, to walk in groups without displaying rainbow accessories or other symbols that distinguish them as non-heterosexual, transgender, intersex, or people supporting the procession;
to enter the event in the front of the Monument of the Soviet Army (Knyajeska Garden, Sofia)—from Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd—after the opening of the event; Joining the procession while it moves will not be possible. Joining the event after the procession finishes will be allowed again.
to avoid entering the park from the Gen. Joseph V. Gurko St;
in case you are traveling by underground, to use the metro station Sofia University and walk by foot from there;
to come and leave from the metro station (Sofia University), by another public transport or by taxi;
not to provoke or respond in any way (neither negative nor positive) to provocations by people outside the procession;
to avoid leaving the march before its official end;
if you notice an irregularity, you should turn to a person who has a security designation or a policeman.

It is recommended to carry not an umbrella but a raincoat. If you carry an umbrella, please use a folding umbrella.

People carrying the following will not be admitted:

firearms, knives, metal boxes, chains, etc.;
explosive materials and highly flammable liquids (including de-oxidants);
glass bottles with a volume of more than 50 ml.

Persons under the influence of alcohol or intoxicants, persons whose identity cannot be identified, and persons suspected of posing a risk to the security of participants or intending to violate public order will not be admitted. It is up to the organizers to decide who to admit to the pride.

Persons under the age of 14 should be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.

We warn the participants to be alerted that usually a counter-demonstration is planned to take place in the city on the same day.

In the event of an incident after the march, we call on all participants to notify the organizers via phone at +359 884 851 222 (on the day of the pride), at +359 2 944 0670 after the pride, as well as the police.