Serbia gets its first female – and openly gay – prime minister

A few days ago Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic has nominated a gay woman Ana Brnabic to be prime minister.

Maybe this news shouldn’t be so interesting and intriguing if this country had a good reputation for respecting rights of gay men and women.

Symbolism of the appointment vs reality - prevailing homophobic attitudes toward gay people in Serbia

First gay parade ever held in this country 2001, caused huge anti-gay riots. Homophobic rioters fought with about 5000 armed police, throwing Molotov cocktails, bricks, stones, glass bottles and firecrackers. As a result, 17 civilians had been injured.

Even though conditions are a little bit better for LGBT people in Serbia today, they still continue to face discrimination, attacks and harassment. The majority of Serbian people retain strong attitudes against homosexuality.

The protection of LGBT people in Serbia is further complicated by the existence of various nationalist and neo-nazi associations like 'Obraz', '1389' and 'Stormfront', which are supported by some right-wing political parties.

Influenced Serbian Orthodox Church has a strong impact on homophobic attitudes toward being gay. Also, so-called family walks, supported by Orthodox Church and neo-nazis, are common expressions of opposition to Belgrade Gay Pride.

Brnabić’s appointment, as an allusion to Serbia's EU ambitions

Major public interpretation of Brnabic’s appointment is that Serbia President is using Ms. Brnabic's nomination to demonstrate Serbia's adoption of EU values in the hope that Brussels will overlook other shortcomings.

What are the conditions for gay people in your country? Share your opinions and thoughts ;)