On behalf of four LGBT organisations in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania we would like to invite you to participate in the Baltic Pride 2010 in Vilnius, Lithuania, from 7 – 8 May 2010.

The Baltic Pride 2010 is an unique opportunity for human rights defenders across Europe to get together and discuss common problems and challenges, share experiences and best practices on tackling discrimination and advancing equality and human rights for LGBT people, as well as celebrating achievements. The “Baltic Pride 2010” is dedicated to highlight the importance of equality of homosexual, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons.

Pursuing solidarity and support in fight against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation throughout the week 5^th – 9^th of May numerous events will take place. Main focus will be held on the awareness raising regarding discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, the causes and consequences of homophobia. So photography exhibition and Film Festival will be one of the core events.

During 7th and 8th of May, 2010 we will gather around political discussions, cultural events, a social program and, of course, also the march for equality. The international human rights conference will start at 10 am on Friday, 7^th May at the Vilnius Conti hotel. Around 100 participants from all Europe are expected. The topic of the discussion will be „Human Rights Combating Fear and Prejudice“. The march for equality in central Vilnius is planned for 1 pm on Saturday, 8^th of May.

The culmination of the “Baltic Pride 2010” will be reached as the biggest rainbow flag, which will measure 30 meters in length, will be displayed in the central Vilnius. This public act will seek to highlight the importance of solidarity, communal spirit and support. The rainbow flag itself has a very old tradition in symbolizing diversity and hope. With an aim to emphasize the importance of diversity and hope for the social change LGBT movement has chosen the rainbow flag as its symbol.

Unfortunately, the new legislation adopted by Lithuanian MPs is part of a growing climate of intimidation and discrimination in Lithuania against lesbians, gay men and bisexual and transgender people. In the past years, municipal authorities have issued derogatory statements and several LGBT events were banned, including EU initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and combating discrimination.

Your presence in Vilnius during the Baltic Pride 2010 would give political gravity to the event and make it very difficult to ignore the fact that homophobia and human rights violations are a growing concern at the European and international level.

We hope to see you in Vilnius!