Police Clash with Anti-LGBTQ Protesters at Kyiv’s Sunny Bunny Film Festival

On 19 April, 2025, Kyiv's Podil district saw clashes as right-wing group Prava Molod protested the Sunny Bunny LGBTQ film festival.

Overview of the Incident

On April 19, a significant confrontation occurred outside the Zhovten Cinema in Kyiv’s Podil district. The unrest was sparked by members of the right-wing organisation Prava Molod who were protesting against the Sunny Bunny LGBTQ film festival, The New Voice of Ukraine reports. This event marks a notable clash in an ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights, against the backdrop of rising tensions in Ukraine.

Police Response to the Protest

According to reports from public broadcaster Suspilne, police officers quickly intervened as scuffles broke out between the protesters and participants of the film festival. Dmytro Hryshchenko, a spokesman for Kyiv police, confirmed that the most active individuals among the protesters were taken to the Podil police department for identification. This move reflects the authorities’ aim to maintain order and prevent further escalation of violence.

The Significance of the Festival

The Sunny Bunny film festival is an important event that celebrates LGBTQ cinema and promotes inclusivity and acceptance. Events like this often face opposition, highlighting the ongoing discrimination and challenges faced by the LGBTQ community in Ukraine. Despite these challenges, the organizers and supporters of the festival continue to advocate for their rights and visibility in society, as emphasized by Hryshchenko’s comments about the police’s intention to provide a legal assessment of the actions taken during the protest.