Horn of Africa Pride 2025 flyer announcing the theme, ‘Respect the Freedom to Love!’, in Ethiopia’s working language Amharic. Image by House of Guramayle
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.
by Beza Lealem
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, 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.
From far and wide, revellers made their way to the Austrian capital — 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 ‘Respect the Freedom to Love’ as they embarked on four days of activities.
Photos፡ House of Guramayle
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.
“Our…purpose is to showcase our existence through celebration—conjuring joy in our community and telling each other and those who are not with us physically: ‘We are here, we were here and will be here.’ 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,” House of Guramayle declared on the Horn of Africa Pride website.
Reflecting on the event’s origins, House of Guramayle co-founder Faris Cuchi Gezahegn credited Norway-based community members with helping to inspire the travelling format.
“In 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,” said Cuchi, in their opening remarks at the Vienna event, revealing that next year’s edition will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark.
LGBTQ+ activists Faris Cuchi Gezahegn (L) and Bahiru Shewaye (R).
The founders of House of Guramayle, Faris Cuchi Gezahegn (‘Cuchi’) and Bahiru Shewaye (‘Bahi’), were both born and raised in Ethiopia before they were forced into exile, becoming LGBTQ+ activists in Vienna and London respectively.
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.
“I know for a fact we will do it back home too…I have zero doubt,” said Cuchi. “I 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.”
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.
“Pride is not just a parade or party; it’s the quiet defiance of living another day as yourself. Even if you can’t march openly, your existence is already a protest. But Pride belongs to you—it’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,” said Bahi.
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.
“In 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—not just survival. Horn of Africa Pride carves out a rare and sacred space where we are not abstracted, silenced, or criminalised. It’s where we get to be visible without having to explain or justify ourselves,” said Bahi.
Photos: Beza Lealem
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.
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.
A day later, in partnership with local advocacy group Afro Rainbow Austria, attendees took part in the street march during Vienna Pride. Wearing t-shirts with powerful messages on a special float in the main parade, they waved the rainbow flag, shouted and echoed the event’s rallying cry, “We are here! We were here! We will be here!” with a sense of pride, joy and solidarity.
Photo፡ House of Guramayle
Although the event was held in Europe, its significance to LGBTQ+ communities in Africa should not be underestimated, suggests Bahi.
“Horn of Africa Pride offers a blueprint: not of western mimicry, but of rooted liberation. It teaches that queerness is not a threat to culture—it’s a part of it. Our home countries and our continent at large can learn that safety and dignity for queer people doesn’t mean the loss of tradition—it means the evolution of tradition.”
“We invite people in Horn of Africa countries to listen—to our stories, our struggles, and our joys—and recognise that when queer people are free, everyone breathes a little easier. Pride teaches us all how to build futures where difference isn’t punished but protected.”
After the groundbreaking event wrapped up and guests departed Vienna, organisers took to Instagram to offer a parting thought.
“Our presence together is a living reminder that…chosen family knows no borders,” House of Guramayle wrote. “In a world that often denies us space, we made one…Thank you for travelling across cities, countries, and even continents to join us for Horn of Africa Pride…We are truly honoured.”