‘Many are still afraid’: hope and caution in Budapest before first Pride since Orbán

Hope and Caution in Budapest as Pride Returns

Many are still afraid - After a year of political upheaval, Budapest is set to host its first Pride march since Viktor Orbán’s tenure began. The event, scheduled for Saturday, represents a renewed push for LGBTQ+ visibility in a country where rights have faced intense scrutiny. Despite the government’s previous attempts to suppress the community, the march is expected to proceed without major disruptions, according to police assurances. Yet, as organizers prepare for the celebration, they remain wary of the lingering impact of Orbán’s policies, which have long shaped public perception of LGBTQ+ identities.

One year ago, the streets of Budapest echoed with the voices of over 200,000 people who defiantly marched to challenge the nationalist leader’s tightening grip on civil liberties. Participants risked fines and facial recognition technology to assert their right to assemble, turning the event into a powerful statement against the government’s recent legislative actions. This year’s Pride, however, occurs under a different political landscape, as Hungary’s ruling party has been replaced by a new coalition. Still, the sense of cautious optimism is tempered by the awareness that change may not be as profound as it appears.

A Political Shift and Its Implications

Following Orbán’s 16-year rule, the parliamentary elections in October brought a significant shift. Péter Magyar’s Tisza party secured a decisive victory, marking the first time the Fidesz party lost power in a decade. Magyar, who has promised a “regime change,” has positioned himself as a reformer. But even as he praised diversity, his government has not yet moved to reverse the anti-LGBTQ+ laws enacted under Orbán. This includes a landmark legislation banning Pride events, which was hailed as the first of its kind in the EU’s recent history.

“This year’s Budapest Pride March is particularly important because it is about hope, caution and perseverance all at once,” said Petra Buzás, a member of the organizing team. “Budapest Pride’s hope is that LGBTQ people in Hungary will finally be seen not as political targets, but as whole citizens.”

Buzás highlighted the dual nature of the event: a celebration of resilience and a test of whether the new administration will prioritize the community’s rights. While the government has softened its rhetoric, she noted that the practical barriers to LGBTQ+ equality remain intact. “Many people are still afraid to be open about who they are, about their families, or their relationships, and social stigma remains strong,” she explained. “We cannot yet speak of a meaningful, widely perceptible change in the everyday lives of LGBTQ people.”

A Legacy of Resistance

The return of Pride in Budapest is a reminder of the community’s enduring spirit. Last year’s march, despite the threat of legal consequences, became a symbol of defiance. Participants braved the specter of fines and surveillance to assert their presence, demonstrating a collective resolve that outlasted the government’s efforts to marginalize them. This momentum, however, has not translated into immediate legislative reforms, as the new government continues to operate within the framework established by Orbán.

Buzás emphasized that the shift in power does not automatically mean an end to the anti-LGBTQ+ climate. “Compared with the openly hostile government communication of previous years, there have now been several signs suggesting at least a more open attitude towards the LGBTQ community,” she said. “This gives us reason to hope, but our trust is tied not to words or gestures but to concrete legislative and institutional steps.” The coalition of civil society groups has already called for the repeal of the Pride ban, arguing that it has no place in a democratic state governed by the rule of law.

Yet, the law’s symbolic weight persists. It restricts the presence of LGBTQ+ topics in schools, media, and bookstores, curtails adoptions by same-sex couples, and denies legal gender recognition to transgender and intersex individuals. These measures continue to shape the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people, reinforcing a sense of vulnerability despite the change in leadership. “The most important obstacles still remain,” Buzás stated. “Our greatest concern is that change will remain at the level of symbolic gestures, while the everyday safety, dignity and legal equality of community members remain fragile.”

Broader Context of Far-Right Politics

The evolving situation in Budapest reflects a wider trend across Europe, where far-right politicians increasingly use LGBTQ+ issues to deepen societal divides. As these leaders amplify messages of traditional values, they often frame LGBTQ+ rights as threats to national identity. This strategy has contributed to a surge in hate crimes, creating a backdrop against which Budapest Pride now takes place. The march, which originated in 1997 as the first of its kind in central and eastern Europe, has since become a powerful emblem of the community’s struggle.

Magyar’s recent statements suggest a more inclusive vision, with promises of a Hungary where “no one is stigmatised for thinking differently than the majority, or loving differently than the majority.” But his administration has yet to address the core issues facing the LGBTQ+ population. The absence of concrete actions on the Pride ban and other restrictive laws has left many in the community questioning whether the new government will follow through on its pledges. “The story of the Hungarian LGBTQ community in recent years has also shown that repression does not always achieve its goal,” Buzás observed. “Those in power may try to create fear, restrict a community through laws and stigmatise it through propaganda, but this can also backfire: for many, the visibility of Pride has become a rallying point for broader acceptance.”

As the march approaches, organizers are balancing the need to celebrate progress with the recognition that challenges persist. While the new government has not yet revoked the Pride ban, the event’s resumption signals a shift in public discourse. Buzás acknowledged the cautious optimism among attendees, noting that the march could serve as a catalyst for more tangible change. “We are watching closely to see if this moment of hope translates into action,” she said. “For now, the focus is on demonstrating that the community remains resilient, even as we wait for the political will to dismantle the barriers that have long defined its experience.”

The historical significance of Budapest Pride cannot be overstated. In a region where LGBTQ+ rights have often been contested, the march has consistently challenged the status quo. The event’s return under a new administration underscores its role as a barometer for societal progress. Yet, as Buzás pointed out, the path to equality is fraught with uncertainty. “This is not just about a single parade,” she said. “It is about ensuring that LGBTQ+ people can live without fear, and that their rights are protected in all aspects of life.” The stakes have never been higher, and the march’s success will depend on the government’s commitment to transforming rhetoric into real change.