Hi everyone! My name is No and I come from France. I first volunteered for Ljubljana Pride as part of an ESC group project to support the implementation of the Ljubljana Pride Festival 2025 that lasted one month. I like it so much that I came back for an individual ESC project the next year, for two months!
The second time around, my work focused on the intersection between queerness, climate justice and sustainability. I mainly worked on conceptualising and implementing the Green corner on Pride village. To do so, I got to work with multiple green organisations of Slovenia, create my own art project, conduct more academical research and present it through a small exhibition, as well as support the implementation of sustainable merch workshops. I felt like my ideas were valued and my initiatives encouraged. I was given space and time to create and invest in personal projects that I was motivated about. I felt trusted and supported by my coordinator, in a way that pushed me to voice out my concerns and take care of my mental health needs.
On a personal level, getting to work on a topic that was both queer and green, fulfilled me in ways I didn’t know were possible. I used to think I had to choose between my interests, and volunteering for Ljubljana Pride made me realise that I might find a job that combines both.
I got the chance to immerse myself in the amazing local queer community, and formed deep friendships that will survive the trial of time. I made connections with other queer activists from all over Europe during the seminar, and attended panels that broadened my horizons and inspired me on personal and professional levels. It was very interesting to be on the inside of an amazing festival, and get to bring my own little stone(wall) to the edifice. I learned a lot about organising events of such scale, and I will be taking it with me throughout my next experiences!
Volunteering for Ljubljana Pride was one of the best choices I ever made and I would love to be back anytime.
