Credit: Research Luxembourg webpage
On Saturday 11 July 2026, Luxembourg's Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity, Yuriko Backes, took part in the 27th edition of Luxembourg Pride, held in Luxembourg-Ville.
According to Luxembourg’s Ministry for Gender Equality and Diversity (MEGA), Luxembourg Pride is the flagship annual event organised by Luxembourg Pride Asbl. It is aimed to celebrate diversity and promote the rights of LGBTIQ+ people. It serves both as a major public celebration and as a demonstration in support of equality and against intolerance, discrimination and all forms of violence based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Minister Backes, reportedly, reaffirmed her commitment by endorsing the 2026 Pride slogan, "Growing Together", stating: "At this time, this is a strong signal, both within and beyond our borders. Luxembourg remains a country where tolerance, respect, solidarity, social cohesion and respect for fundamental human rights occupy a central place."
She also stressed: "For several years, we have observed trends that seek to roll back hard-won rights. Around the world, across Europe and also here in Luxembourg, more and more young people no longer feel able to be themselves and are turning to our LGBTIQ+ organisations to find a space for dialogue, advice, or to report and overcome the discrimination, insults and psychological or physical violence they experience."
Minister Backes further reiterated the government's commitment: "This is why we will continue to support our partner organisations with the means at our disposal, so that we can place the necessary emphasis on better combating hatred, discrimination and violence. We want a society in which everyone – regardless of gender, sexual orientation or gender identity – feels welcomed, understood and able to flourish fully while enjoying the same rights."
As part of Pride Week, Minister Backes also took part in the Pride Run on Friday 3 July 2026, where she reiterated that tolerance, respect and non-violence are values inseparable from a society founded on human rights.
On Monday 6 July 2026, Minister Backes was represented by Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Foreign Trade, Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, Xavier Bettel, and MP Mandy Minella, Chair of the parliamentary Committee on Family, Solidarity, Living Together, Reception, Gender Equality and Diversity, at the national commemoration ceremony for victims of LGBTIQ+-phobic acts in Esch-sur-Alzette, recalled the ministry.
