As joy-filled Pride celebrations take place around the world, it’s a reminder of the progress we have made towards LGBTQIA+ equality, but also of the challenges that continue to face the community globally. This year alone, draconian new anti-homosexuality laws have come into force in Uganda and a record number of anti-LGBTQIA+ bills have been introduced in state legislatures across the US. Same-sex acts are still criminalised in 64 UN countries. It has never been more important to cultivate safe spaces where people can be their authentic selves without fear of persecution. For Service95’s Pride issue, we wanted to explore the idea of ‘A Safe Space’. I feel so proud to see my city of Prishtina celebrating love, so we commissioned Prishtina-based editor Besa Luci to interview four queer activists to discuss what the concept means to them, alongside stunning photography by Besfort Syla. I found their stories incredibly inspiring, and I hope you do too.
Dua x
