I saw Viktoria Radvanyi at Budapest Pride this year—eyes sparkling with energy and joy matched by over 100,000 marchers from dozens of countries. Viktoria helped organize the city’s largest Pride march ever, despite a ban on LGBTIQ+ events. In Viktoria, I see the future of Europe. Resolute and unbowed. As part of a passionate new generation of leaders taking risks and fighting for more justice and equality, on June 28, Viktoria showed amazing courage in standing up to discrimination, reminding us intolerance is a poison we must never accept. I joined the crowds to show that we will never turn our backs on the LGBTIQ+ community—we will keep shining a light on their call for equal rights. As such efforts face a backlash around the world, Viktoria and allies are on the front lines—organizing, getting out the vote, and making their voices heard. Diversity is the soul of our European Union. Viktoria embodies this spirit of inclusion.
Lahbib is the E.U. Commissioner for Equality and for Preparedness and Crisis Management