- / Česky /
Capitalism can turn anything into a commodity that is sold on the market to maximize profit. Even aspects of our sexuality and gender become part of a grand business plan. We can see this at various “pride” festivals and parades sponsored by corporations or by political parties, and serving as advertising campaigns for companies that try to convince us that as long as their dirty business operates under the rainbow flag, everything is fine.
In June 2026, we took part in a “Pride” event in Graz with our “pirate bar.” Before that, someone had expropriated alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from the capitalist temples of consumerism and brought them to the Lotta Occupato squat , where the mobile bar was decorated and set up. Cocktails and other drinks were then served for voluntary donations. With this small subversive gesture, we siphoned off a portion of the revenue from the “rainbow capitalists.” However, we didn’t invest the money we collected into expanding our business, as the bigwigs* behind pinkwashing campaigns would have done. The 320 euros we collected were transferred to the “Solidarity is the Way” solidarity network fund, which will use the funds to organize practical assistance for deserters and refugees from the war zone in Ukraine.
Thanks to everyone who took a drink, made a voluntary contribution, and/or discussed why (rainbow) capitalism cannot bring liberation to queer people or any other oppressed groups and individuals.
