Pride: Out Loud! presents Mariam Kvaratskhelia

🏳️‍🌸 Pride: Out Loud! presents Mariam Kvaratskhelia

Mariam Kvaratskhelia (she/her) is a Georgian democracy activist and co-founder of Tbilisi Pride — and her story is one of extraordinary courage and resilience.

🇬🇪 The Queer Struggle in Georgia

At the south-eastern edge of Europe, Georgia's LGBTQIA+ community has fought for dignity against remarkable odds. In 2019, Mariam was among the founding voices behind Tbilisi Pride. Their inaugural 'March for Dignity' was banned just five days before it was due to take place — and yet, year after year, the organisers refused to give up. The event grew steadily in both scale and symbolic power.

That momentum was violently disrupted in 2023, when police stood aside as a far-right anti-LGBTQIA+ mob stormed and destroyed the event entirely.

✊ Young, Queer, and at the Forefront of Democracy

Less than 18 months later, Georgia's broader democratic collapse sparked the protests that continue to this day. Yet what much of the international coverage overlooks is who is actually leading these movements: young people — often young queer people, often young queer women — standing at the very heart of the struggle for Europe's democratic future.

Despite the dangers and repression, the queer community in Georgia continues to find ways to come together — offering solidarity, kinship, and space to simply exist. Tbilisi's drag scene, though forced underground, is very much alive and thriving.

🎤 Talk, Q&A & Exclusive Performance

Mariam will speak about the inspirational stories of these activists and their unwavering demand for dignity. Her talk will be followed by an open Q&A session.

The evening will conclude with an exclusive performance by Levau 🎭 — a celebrated Tbilisi drag artist making their very first appearance outside of Georgia.

🎟️ Get your tickets here: tickster.com

📍 Location: Charlotte Ammundsens Pl. 3, København