To the world-wide community of the LGBT,
Krimeon has been considered to be a country where the ideas of progressivism has flourished. When the Imperial Commonwealth was founded in 1569, namely 450 yrs ago, important political concepts such as confederalism and federalism, elective and constitutional monarchy as well as democracy, multiculturalism and religious tolerance were combined into one to form one of the most unique political systems of its time. Fast forward a couple of centuries and we reached the year 1791 when Krimeon was transformed into the country it is today when one of the oldest national constitution was adopted. Over time, Universal suffrage was granted to all citizens no matter his or her rank, class and gender to name a few previous restrictions.
When it comes to the rights of the LGBT it has sadly like many other countries been ignored and not taken seriously, though the pursecution of those who identified themselves as LGBT has never been sanctioned through any piece of legislation, including the Constitution of the Imperial Commonwealth. Eventually and rightly so, the Krimeonite Parliament ratified a bill which granted the right for LGBT individuals to form civil unions with one another, making Krimeon one of the first countries in Mundus to do so. Debates past the following years raged from left to right and vice versa about transforming the law into full status of same-sex marriage, as to which it was finally adopted in the Legislature in 2003, thanks to the inspiration we received from our New Derusmian friends in the south, and thus Krimeon can proudly claim to among the first in Mundus to legalise same-sex marriage.
All of the above stems from an integral notion which is part of the Krimeonite identity and soul, namely the 'Truth', which can't be defined within a single, narrow category and instead envelops everything that exists in this world. 'Veritas vincit' or 'Truth Prevails' is our 2nd national motto, which has its origins from the Krimeonite philosopher Jan Hus' phrase: "Seek the truth, hear the truth, learn the truth, love the truth, speak the truth, hold the truth and defend the truth until death". Some truths have been easier to seek and uphold, some have taken a longer time to do them justice but in the end the Truth with many facets always prevail, and this is what all Krimeonites take literally and seriously.
If the Pride 2019 were to be held in Krimeon, the capital city of Vindobona would be the ideal location. Known wide and far as the 'City of Music' and 'City of Dreams', one can't find a more suitable city for hosting this beautiful and encompassing event celebrating the right to be with and love whoever, no matter each and everyone's size, shape, colour, race, or sexual preference. Besides the main event being the parade in which millions take 'pride' in attending, there would be myriads of other LGBT events taking place in connection with Pride 2019 and blends perfectly with the city's long-lasting traditions including theatre, opera, classical music and fine arts. A perfect example being the famous Vindobona balls, as to which the city is the last great capital of the 19th-century ball, where there are over 450 balls per year, some featuring as many as nine live orchestras. Another one would be art exhibitions promoting this event in the Vindobona cafés, an extremely long and distinguished history that dates back centuries, and the caffeine addictions of some famous historical patrons of the oldest are something of a local legend. These coffee houses are unique to Vindobona and many cities have unsuccessfully sought to copy them. Some people consider cafés as their extended living room where nobody will be bothered if they spend hours reading a newspaper while enjoying their coffee.
Lastly, Krimeon's well-reputable tv show QX Gay Gala will broadcast live on the same day from an concert establishment and those who aren't able to attend can watch the entire spectacle through large screens strategically locate in the city's largest parks. The gay gala is an annual event organized by the LGBT 'QX Magazine'. A lot of famous Krimeonite artists perform at the gala, and awards are awarded to such as this year's gay / bi / trans, hetero and gay establishment. The winners are voted by the magazine's readers in different categories. The categories may vary but the main prices are the gay / bi / trans of the year and the year's hetero person and these are always distributed. In addition, the magazine awards the QX Honors Prize.
No matter where the Pride 2019 is held, on behalf of the Imperial Commonwealth I would like to give my very best wishes and blessings for the event to be successful and everyone having a jolly good time celebrating the ultimate 'Truth' about Love.
God Bless and May the Truth Prevail!
Andrea Bottová
Chancellor of the Imperial Commonwealth of Krimeon