Wiener Linien celebrates Pride Month with colorful activities and love!

Wiener Linien celebrates Pride Month with colorful activities and love!

As part of Pride Month, Wiener Linien is showing strong support for the queer community this year. On the occasion of these celebrations, which last from May 31st to June 15th, numerous actions and events are held, including the traditional Rainbow Parade. This parade, which takes place on June 14th on Vienna's Ringstrasse, has become an important event for LGBTIQ+ people as well as their friends and supporters. The Rainbow Parade's motto is “We ride with pride,” representing a commitment to acceptance and equality.

Wiener Linien will lead the parade, which is celebrating its 23rd edition this year, with special Pride vehicles. In addition, trams and WienMobil bikes will be on the road in rainbow colors throughout the month. Special “Love Bikes” will be provided for the day of the Rainbow Parade. These 200 bicycles in rainbow progressive colors can be rented at ten stations in the city center on June 14th and offer 100 free minutes with the code “Pride25”.

Diverse activities and visibility

Pride Month in Vienna offers more than just the parade. From June 11th to 14th, the Pride Village will take place at Rathausplatz, where information stands, stage programs, food trucks and concerts will be offered. The University of Vienna is also actively represented by queer @ universities and participation in the parade with a truck and a walking group is firmly planned. The celebrations begin on June 14th with a warm-up in the Pride Village, before the parade starts at 12 p.m. at the town hall square and moves against the direction of travel around the ring and the quay.

Wiener Linien also launched a campaign entitled “Your visibility counts!” initiated that gives queer people and their supporters space to express themselves. These messages are visible both on social media and on digital screens in subway stations. Managing director Alexandra Reinagl emphasizes the importance of diversity and respectful treatment in the company, which is also reflected in the range of merchandising items in Pride design.

A look into the queer history and culture of Vienna

The Rainbow Parade and the many Pride Month events are part of a long queer tradition in Vienna that began in the 19th century. The Turquoise Rosa Lila Villa, founded in 1982, functions as a symbol of queer resistance and engagement in the city. Vienna has established itself as a vibrant queer capital, offering culture, history and a safe space for the LGBTIQ+ community all year round, with numerous drag shows and other cultural events.

Additionally, during Pride Month there are special offers in shops, hotels and museums for those who want to discover Vienna's queer scene. Queer hotspots like Villa Vida Café, Why Not Club and Felixx Bar are among the most popular places to go. Events range from sports to film screenings to readings and workshops, all in an effort to celebrate diversity and create visibility.

Overall, Vienna shows that Pride Month is more than just a celebration - it is an important platform for equality, respect and the celebration of queer identity. Preparations are in full swing and the anticipation for the celebrations is already palpable. Everyone involved is invited to participate and have their voices heard.