In a country where gays have no rights, where landlords can evict tenants on discovering their sexual orientation and where a proposed law against ‘gay propaganda’ has widespread support, organisers time the Gay Pride event to coincide with Euro 2012, believing that the media attention focused on Ukraine will provide some security. They soon see their plans for a peaceful event disintegrate in an atmosphere of violence and latent homophobia.
The very first Gay Pride in the Ukraine, which was to be held on 20th May 2012, was cancelled at the last moment due to extremist threats. The secret route had been leaked and hundreds of members of dangerous anti-gay groups hunted down gays who were on their way to the Pride event. Two of the organisers were hospitalised.
Two Dutch journalists Tim den Besten and Nicolaas Veul were in the Ukraine for VPRO Dorst to report on the Gay Pride. In the documentary Gay-champions they follow the journey to the very first Gay Pride in the Ukraine. The preparations, the safety measures, the secrecy surrounding the route, and finally the drama on the day of the gay parade.