Donald Trump’s return to the White House has had a ripple effect beyond the United States, emboldening conservative governments across Europe to adopt more aggressive anti-LGBTQ policies.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a self-proclaimed ally of Trump, acknowledged that a controversial bill banning Budapest’s Pride march was only politically feasible because of the changing political climate in Washington. As conservative leaders feel reinforced by Trump’s stance, activists worry that a global rollback of LGBTQ rights may be underway.
Hungary has seen escalating anti-LGBTQ legislation, culminating in a ban on the annual Pride parade, reinforced by a constitutional amendment. Thousands have protested weekly, but for many LGBTQ individuals and families, like Bogadi’s, daily life remains a struggle.
Her transgender son faces constant bureaucratic discrimination, prompting him to consider leaving the country. Meanwhile, voices like computer programmer Nikolett Hollosy warn of a “creeping dictatorship,” highlighting how institutionalized prejudice is gaining ground amid diminished international scrutiny.
Toxic Rhetoric and Far-Right Surge Fuel Growing Threats Against LGBTQ Visibility and Safety
Journalist Adam Andras Kanicsar described a surge in overt hostility against LGBTQ people, fueled by toxic masculinity and radical rhetoric. Despite this, he plans to participate in the upcoming Budapest Pride march. The emboldening of anti-LGBTQ sentiments has created an atmosphere of fear, where even visibility can feel dangerous. These changes are not isolated but part of a broader trend that Kanicsar believes Trump’s rhetoric has legitimized globally.
Trump’s Return Fuels Anti-LGBTQ Crackdowns as Eastern Europe Embraces Far-Right PoliciesIn Romania, the return of Trump has coincided with a rise in far-right populism, leading to increased reports of violence and threats against LGBTQ individuals. Florian-Mihail Paun, who organizes Bucharest’s Pride parade, notes a chilling effect on sponsors and participants alike.
Romania’s political elite, including the prime minister, have aligned with anti-“woke” sentiments, rejecting inclusive policies and instead promoting traditional values. The LGBTQ community finds itself increasingly at the center of a political and cultural battleground.
Eastern Europe’s LGBTQ Rights Under Siege Amid Rising Far-Right, Russia-Inspired Political Shifts
In Slovakia, a brutal double murder of gay men in 2022 was expected to spark greater solidarity with the LGBTQ community. Instead, things have worsened. Prime Minister Robert Fico, inspired by Trump, has introduced constitutional changes that restrict gender recognition and cut funding to LGBTQ-friendly NGOs.
Activists point to Russia as a model for these policies, highlighting close ties between Eastern European leaders and Putin. The suicide of a 12-year-old boy who was bullied for his orientation underlines the devastating human cost of state-sponsored bigotry.
Across Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia, there’s a clear pattern: a coordinated, right-wing effort to roll back LGBTQ rights using similar rhetoric, legislative tools, and alliances.
These efforts are often justified under the guise of protecting children or national identity, echoing strategies used in Russia. As LGBTQ advocates struggle to push back, many fear this is only the beginning of a much broader erosion of human rights, fueled by international political dynamics and reinforced by silence or complicity from the global community.