QueerBeograd is a group of eight people who decided to stand against the violence:

Because first attempt of organizing Pride Parade in Belgrade in 2001. was blocked by large group of violent homophobic hooligans.
Because this violence is a result of politics of war, clericalism, nationalism, militarism and machismo that has been mainstream politics in Serbia during last 15 years.
Because second attempt to make LGBT community and politics visible on streets of Belgrade in 2004. had to be canceled coz organizers again couldn’t guarantee for participants safety.
Because the state and citizens are still ignorant toward problems of LGBT population and all the others who are “Different”. Because Human Rights are abused on daily bases.

That is why this year we had new concept – we refused to spend time on worries about Violence that might happen and hiring private security or police.
We wanted to build exciting cooperation between people on an international and local, level, to have fun, and to promote queer politics.
In this context to be queer means to refuse social rules and to constantly re-question supposed norms of patriarchal tradition.
To create space beyond the rigid boxes of LGBT or straight sexuality, allowing each other the ‘privilage’ of self definition.
To present a radical politics that sees the interconnectedness of all froms of oppression.

My favourite moments at 'queer beograd'

watching 20 women armed with sticks cross the bridge in the morning to start self defense training.
lying in the chill out space the last morning of the festival...
everyone exhausted, holding hands, kissing, laughing.
riding the late night tram home with irmi and rita the self defence trainers from munich and feeling like we had our own personal body guard.
all the belgrad girls dancing on stage with Tribad the french lesbian band, while big fascists guys stand in the audience looking confused
connie playing electric guitar on the main street in belgrad, her foot up on the bumper of a car...
stopping traffic.