Pride in Sarajevo: How Local Activism Creates Contrasting Attitudes

In socially conservative societies, how do citizens respond to LGBT+ advocacy? Examining the first Sarajevo Pride event reveals that local support can surge even when national attitudes remain resistant.

Panel Surveys & Local Data

• Revealed a localized increase in support following the event
• Found limited diffusion of these positive effects nationwide
• Demonstrated how proximity mechanisms amplify event impacts

Survey Experiments

• Showed citizens respond strongly to both mobilization and counter-mobilization appeals from local activists
• Tested the effectiveness of different messaging strategies during this sensitive period

Behavioral Experiment

• Documented a shift toward funding pro-LGBT+ organizations locally
• Highlighted positive changes in resource allocation despite overall resistance

Interview Insights

• Identified operational challenges for LGBT+ activists in conservative contexts
• Revealed substantial potential for minority collective action