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Serbia's safety plans for LGBT Eurovision fans
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Serbian gay-group produce fan advice for a safer Eurovision
"The GSA have asked gay fans to be especially aware of any possible attacks and to use common sense and discretion whilst in public."
The Serbian Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) have created a leaflet ahead of this month's Eurovision song contest in Belgrade.
As Pridelife reported a few weeks ago, there have been growing worries for the safety of the large amount of LGBT fans who will go to see the contest in Belgrade next week.
In 2001, the first Gay Pride march in Belgrade ended in disaster as the marchers were met by violence from members of the country's neo-fascist groups. Furthermore, Obraz, the main Serbian fascist group, announced their intention in a Serbian daily newspaper last month to attack the gay fans who will be coming to watch Eurovision.
The GSA have asked gay fans to be especially aware of any possible attacks and to use common sense and discretion whilst in public. The leaflet, entitled Short Guide Through LGBT Belgrade, was funded by the Serbian government and can be picked up on arrival into Serbia.
The GSA have also asked any gay fans travelling together in large groups or staying in one hotel, that they contact the GSA so that a stronger police presence can be placed around the building.
Although homosexuality is not illegal in Serbia, gay men and lesbians still encounter a large amount of prejudice. Many Serbs consider it to be an illness and there has been pressure for the government to find a 'cure'.
The competition takes place next week, with the semi-finals on the 20th and 21st and the main event on the 24th. The contest is expected to be watched by over 100 million people world wide.
