The Voices of the Volunteers Spoke About the 4th Queer Event – “ELEUSIS NO LONGER KEEPS SECRETS”
Kostas, a queer person from the Thriasio Plain, wrote:
As one of the queer kids of the Thriasio Plain, when I first heard about Cultterra and the initiative of the first Queer event here in Elefsina, it was the first time I felt hope — that this city could finally move forward, that the time had come for things to change for the better, without mystery and, most importantly, without secrets. It was an opportunity for all queer beings from the surrounding areas to come together. It all began with the question, “Is there an LGBTQIA+ community in the Thriasio Plain?” Gradually, through our union, the question mark was removed and replaced with an exclamation mark — confidently declaring, “YES, there IS an LGBTQIA+ community in the Thriasio Plain!”
From the very first event, which I had the joy of attending when it first took place, we started as a few but strong people — and yet there was this deep sense of safety, of a safe space, something that moved me immensely. It didn’t stop in 2022 — quite the opposite. It continued, and every year we grew bigger. Along with us grew the audience, the activities, the workshops, the event’s program, and the support and solidarity from the community. This still humbles me deeply because, in the beginning, there can always be difficulties, doubts, hesitation, and fear of failure or rejection.
But it’s beautiful to see that fear doesn’t have to stop us from taking a step toward a better tomorrow. Because we, the youth, are the ones who have the strength, passion, and drive to uproot stereotypes, overturn conventions, and make the impossible possible — in a city that, as someone who has lived here for 21 years, truly needed a rebirth, a change, an active group of people who would bring out the colors of Elefsina and breathe life into it again, reminding everyone of what it truly stands for. That opportunity was given to us through events and actions, especially during and after its title as the Cultural Capital.
From the city of refineries and a once-forgotten town just outside Athens, I believe that as a community, we have managed to highlight the colors of our city. I’m deeply grateful for the people and personalities who have attended our events — for the conversations we’ve shared, the important talks that took place, the awareness we’ve gained on things we didn’t know, and the support offered in every possible way. We are grateful for that.
We may not yet have reached the point of organizing a parade, but starting in 2022 and reaching 2025, every Queer Event has had something unique to offer each year. For example, in the first year, what I took away was immense hope — the fact that so many beautiful, colorful beings came together, exchanged experiences, shared stories, and talked about how things can change. That made me genuinely proud of my city — that we are taking steps forward, even though there is still room for growth, which is absolutely certain.
Looking back, I can say we’ve taken steps toward a better Elefsina, though that doesn’t erase the fact that, yes, there have been times we’ve faced homophobic attacks — on public transport or in the streets. We’ve also read hateful comments online from people opposed to such events. Yet, this has never stopped us from celebrating the Queer Event — because, at the end of the day, we know that love conquers all, no matter how much malice exists.
It’s a beautiful feeling to know there’s a safe, warm place where you can feel secure and comfortable. For me, that’s what the Queer and Pride events held in our city represent. As a queer person who usually feels more comfortable in Athens — where most queer hangouts and my friends are — it has a special meaning to now feel visible in my own city, where I once felt invisible, strange, or “in the closet.” To now feel that I finally am seen and that I am not alone — that there are other queer beings in nearby areas whom I meet every year through these events, and they are all such sweet souls.
I can say that this year’s Elefsina Pride, as I like to call it, was the moment I realized how much we’ve achieved over the years. It had everything: queer stand-up comedians, drag shows and performances, DJ sets, workshops with hands-on activities and meaningful discussions, a full program, parties lasting until dawn — everything. What’s most beautiful, though, is that every year we have the chance to meet new people, to be given spaces that perfectly capture the spirit and energy of the event, achieving our goal of making each year even better — every event more unique, special, and unforgettable than the last.
What makes me proudest, however, is that we’ve reached a point where things we once only saw happening in LGBTQIA+ venues and clubs in Athens are now happening here in Elefsina. Seeing it with my own eyes, I realize it’s not as impossible as it once seemed. Once, I would’ve laughed at the thought — it felt unimaginable — but time changes everything, and we change with it. It’s a beautiful thing when time surprises you.
Starting from a single question that has now been answered, Elefsina has finally reached a point where it truly no longer keeps secrets. After all, why should something so beautiful — something that unites people for a good cause — remain a secret, when we all have the right to love, unity, color, knowledge, and joy? Above all, we have the right to use our voices to create an Elefsina, a Mandra, a Magoula, a Thriasio Plain with open doors, open horizons, equal opportunities, and no discrimination — regardless of color, race, origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
And I believe that together we can achieve this, as long as we keep trying, keep helping in whatever way we can, to get where we want to be.
To sum it up, my dream is that we make this city a true home — for everyone who feels left out, who feels that “home” is just a word and not a feeling, who wants to belong. I can say that this dream is slowly becoming reality — I feel it every year through the Pride events held here in Elefsina. And I always want to help however I can, because I deeply appreciate everything that’s been happening since it all began.
It’s beautiful that, in times dominated by darkness, hatred, and ignorance, we can see brighter, more hopeful days emerging — it gives me faith in a better tomorrow, one I want to help create for my city and for the world.
— Kostas
Nektaria, from the new generation of Cultterra members, wrote:
Two large, colorful flags hang from the door of the Leonidas Kanellopoulos Cultural Center, waving proudly in the cool evening breeze of September 13th. What am I referring to? Of course — to the event dedicated to the queer community, organized by Cultterra, held in Elefsina.
On the poster, one can see the question: “Is there an LGBTQIA+ community in the Thriasio Plain?”
By taking part in this celebration of visibility, we answer with a resounding YES.
How could I not be moved seeing such a beautiful space filled with booths, with people arriving in the best of spirits to watch the comedians’ stand-up sets? Especially when we all burst into applause as the radiant Andromeda Balls proudly holds up the flag of the trans community. How could we forget the confidence that Cyka de la Blyat brings into every space she enters? Or the expressiveness of Prifti when he dances?
I am grateful that I witnessed an entire community openly declaring, through its participation, that indeed — Elefsina no longer keeps secrets. Out there exists a world that refuses to remain silent — a world that demands something better.