Revellers from Horn of Africa countries Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia and Djibouti and the global diaspora assembled in the Austrian capital to celebrate their own special pride event.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n by Beza Lealem<\/p>\n\n\n\n It all began in 2020 when thousands of LGBTQ+ people logged on to a virtual pride event for their own unique community. Five years after that milestone meeting, Horn of Africa Pride was reborn as a physical gathering, held for the first time in the city of Vienna from June 12-15. Organised by advocacy group House of Guramayle<\/span><\/a>, the vibrant event brought together people who hail from Horn of Africa countries, namely Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia and Djibouti, and those with roots in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From far and wide, revellers made their way to the Austrian capital \u2014 some flying in from the African continent and others from places in the US, the UK, France, Sweden, Germany and Norway where they form part of the diaspora. Upon reaching Vienna, members of this diverse yet distinctive community united under the banner \u2018Respect the Freedom to Love\u2019 as they embarked on four days of activities. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Photos\u1361 House of Guramayle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n As they gathered, guests were encouraged to remember that joy is still an act of resistance for LGBTQ+ people in Horn of Africa countries and reminded of the motivations behind the special occasion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOur\u2026purpose is to showcase our existence through celebration\u2014conjuring joy in our community and telling each other and those who are not with us physically: \u2018We are here, we were here and will be here.\u2019 This is an unapologetic statement. We exist beyond the arguments of the antagonists. Our existence is not a debate. We do not perform for acceptance. We are here. Not for them, but for us,\u201d House of Guramayle declared on the Horn of Africa Pride website<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reflecting on the event\u2019s origins, House of Guramayle co-founder Faris Cuchi Gezahegn credited Norway-based community members with helping to inspire the travelling format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn 2024, our wonderful [LGBTQ+] family in Oslo invited us to celebrate Oslo Pride. With their initiative, we are pleased to announce that Horn of Africa Pride will tour all over the world until the time that we get to do it back home,\u201d said Cuchi, in their opening remarks at the Vienna event, revealing that next year\u2019s edition will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n LGBTQ+ activists Faris Cuchi Gezahegn (L) and Bahiru Shewaye (R).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The founders of House of Guramayle, Faris Cuchi Gezahegn (\u2018Cuchi\u2019) and Bahiru Shewaye (\u2018Bahi\u2019), were both born and raised in Ethiopia before they were forced into exile, becoming LGBTQ+ activists in Vienna and London respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In pledging to one day hold pride events in Horn of Africa countries, Cuchi embodies the unflagging optimism and determination that communities often need in the face of adversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI know for a fact we will do it back home too\u2026I have zero doubt,\u201d said Cuchi. \u201cI believe in the capacity of our people to love us. Because [proof of that] capacity is that we love ourselves. We were born and raised in the same [place] with the same conviction and conditioning and yet we choose to love ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Organisers went on to explain that Horn of Africa Pride is about much more than making connections in a festive environment and emphasised that the event is certainly not limited to those fortunate enough to be able to attend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPride is not just a parade or party; it\u2019s the quiet defiance of living another day as yourself. Even if you can\u2019t march openly, your existence is already a protest. But Pride belongs to you\u2014it’s found in your dreams and the way you care for those around you. And when the time is right, we will hold space for you, because no part of our community is ever left behind,\u201d said Bahi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Guests at the event paused to pay tribute to all the LGBTQ+ people living in the Horn of Africa region, from those enduring conflict and displacement to those going about their daily lives despite the potent forces of persecution they face because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn regions where queerness is often treated as a foreign import or moral threat, this celebration reclaims our histories and affirms our futures. It reminds us that we are not alone, and we deserve joy\u2014not just survival. Horn of Africa Pride carves out a rare and sacred space where we are not abstracted, silenced, or criminalised. It\u2019s where we get to be visible without having to explain or justify ourselves,\u201d said Bahi. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Photos: Beza Lealem<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Shifting their attention to the mood of camaraderie around them and the infectious atmosphere permeating the city, guests were then escorted to the Vienna Pride Village in Rathausplatz square where they were given a warm welcome. It was heartwarming to witness friends reuniting after years apart, many of whom had only connected through social media and were meeting in person for the first time, exchanging joyful greetings and hugs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The following day, House of Guramayle treated guests to a traditional Ethiopian food and coffee ceremony. The day was filled with love and care, as attendees listened to and sang along to beautiful songs that stirred memories of childhood and home. Before the day concluded with a dance party, Cuchi inaugurated the special exhibition they had organised. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fattehmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Horn-of-Africa-LGBTQ-Community-Celebrates-Pride-in-Vienna--1024x555.png\")
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