Student’s outburst over Rethymno Pride march insults goes viral
Student TikToker Lyra criticized a Rethymno Pride march for anti-religious chants about the Virgin Mary, violent rhetoric, and the presence of minors, calling the community hypocritical.
It all started when a poster and invitation for Pride and a drag show was sent to her school’s group chat. Lyra caustically commented on the use of “inclusive language” in the message, as the call stated “We’re waiting for all of you” using a gender-neutral form instead of the standard gendered forms. Although she didn’t react at that moment, the final straw came when, returning from work, she ran into the march at the “Megalh Porta” (Great Gate) of Rethymno. She herself was forced to wait for 200 to 300 people to pass before she could get home.
Reactions to anti-religious chants and violence
The focal point of the creator’s anger was the chants at the march. She denounced that, in their attempt to defend their rights, the protesters insulted sacred matters to make rhymes, specifically mentioning a chant that offended the Virgin Mary. She strongly condemned this act, stating: “You go and insult someone’s religion… just to defend your rights that you already have.”
At the same time, she denounced as hypocritical the fact that, while the LGBTQ+ community has suffered violence and intimidation in the past, at the march the chant was heard “Kicks with size twelve boots to knock some sense into you,” which, according to her, promotes violence.
“You marginalize yourselves”
Lyra strongly maintained that the community has now been fully integrated and is doing “just fine” in society, pointing out that it no longer faces marginalization. On the contrary, she accused the participants that, through such behaviors, they isolate and marginalize themselves. She even stated that this particular event didn’t resemble a march demanding human rights, but rather an attempt by anarchist individuals to make “a commotion” and show that they exist.
Shock at the presence of elementary school children
An additional point that provoked the creator’s reaction was the presence of children at the march. She described how she saw small elementary school children holding flags, comparing the sight to how children hold Greek flags at school parades. She expressed her bewilderment and disagreement about how children at such a young age, who are unaware of basic biological concepts, are involved in a march with such chants.
“I don’t have a problem with gay people, but with these anarchist creatures”
Closing the video, the creator clarified her position, emphasizing that she doesn’t care at all if she loses followers because of her views. She stated that she has many gay friends (gay men and lesbians), who have a special place in her heart, right next to her straight friends. She emphasized that none of her own circle would participate in a march with such characteristics. She finally clarified that her problem is neither with gay men nor lesbians, but “with these anarchist creatures who think they’re something different.”
Comment from Afroditi Latinopoulou
It is noteworthy that the president of the Voice of Reason party applauded the creator’s statements with a flattering comment. Afroditi Latinopoulou characteristically wrote:
My dear Lyra, I don’t know you, you don’t know me, but what you’re saying expresses the overwhelming majority of all of us. Bravo for your courage my girl 🔥🪷🔥
Enjoy the video!
@lyragew♬ πρωτότυπος ήχος – Λύρα
