📅 FRIDAY, October 10th
🕠 16.30 – 22.00
Korzo (in front of City Hall) + Circolo (2nd floor), Uljarska 1
Since this year’s Smoqua is a celebration of the power of togetherness and of (the first) 25 years of LORI, Friday, October 10, is dedicated exactly to that!
- ➔ At 16.30, in front of City Hall , we invite you to the group photo “Togetherness Under the Rainbow!” to capture a moment of queer togetherness beneath rainbow flags and Smoqua’s banner at Korzo.
Afterward, we move to the beautiful space of Circolo (2nd floor, Uljarska 1) for a proper birthday celebration:
- 17.30 Festival opening with a toast to memories and plenty of laughter,
- 18.00 Conversation on lesbian* achievements in activism bringing together changemakers from across the region – from Slovenia to North Macedonia – who will share stories of how we organised, what motivated us, and what we achieved
- 19.30 Premiere of Noah Kraljević’s documentary film about LORI.
- 20.30 The hilarious quiz The Weakest Barbie hosted by fabulous Drag hens will spice up the evening – we’ll learn a thing or two about queer history, and yes, there will be small prizes!
And what exactly are we celebrating?
In October 2000, a dozen girls and women, determined to raise public visibility of LGBTIQ+ people, break down prejudices, and work toward greater acceptance in society, founded in Rijeka LORI. At the time, local media reported on them as the “lesbians in Dolac” – with little public attention, yet with the beginning of a story that would profoundly change the community.
From the first small office in Rijeka to the second, slightly larger office in Rijeka to becoming a nationally and internationally recognised organisation – LORI celebrates 25 years of existence! A quarter of a century of activism, advocacy, educations, art, and friendships has shaped our lives, our city, and society at large.
This year, as part of Smoqua, we dedicate a special space and moment to this milestone. Founders, long-time members, allies, friends, and a new generation of activists will come together to reflect on the path we’ve taken, celebrate our achievements, and imagine what still lies ahead.
What has it meant to be part of LORI through the years? How has the community changed and grown? Which victories continue to inspire us, and which challenges still call for our togetherness and creativity? This gathering is both a celebration and a journey through LORI’s history – filled with memories, laughter, and, of course, queer joy. 💜
Join us in celebrating a quarter century of LORI and be part of the story that continues!
