Photo Story: On 17 May, Values Clash

On 17 May, Tbilisites were to make their choice in predominant values: either they marked the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), or walked in solidarity with mostly religious and conservative Georgians who celebrated the Day of Family Sanctity, slated by the Georgian Orthodox Church in 2014 to coincide and contrast with IDAHOT. Many of those who stayed home, engaged in online acts of solidarity in social media.

Activist’s poster reads “No to Homophobia, Transphobia, Fascism” as IDAHOT supporters gather in front of State Chancellery. Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge

Police cordons off IDAHOT with overwhelming force. Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge

Family Sanctity marchers take to the streets. Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge

Family Sanctity marchers, carrying icons, arrive to their destination: Holy Trinity Catherdral. Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge

Police form the carre to accompany ultra-nationalists trying to disrupt IDAHOT. Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge

Altrecations with police erupt, but no major scuffles. Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge

Youth (15) who punched one of IDAHOT activists taken away by the police. Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge

Police stands guard, as some IDAHOT activists are bused off by authorities to avoid confrontation. Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge..

IDAHOT activist smiles at friends, as she takes place in the bus. Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge