The starting line for queer people is different than for the majority – we must first discover and realize who we really are. For most of us, this is followed by coming out to those closest to us, and then every other coming out throughout our lives.

All the more important for us are the crossroads in life, at which we decide which direction we want to go. We are faced with the decision of who to love and who is worth devoting our feelings to. We need to think about which people we want to surround ourselves with so that we can move forward and at the same time feel safe. Unlike most people, we often don't know the stories of others to help us navigate the complex maze of life. We lacked queer role models around us.

It is only now that we find ourselves at perhaps the most important crossroads and simultaneously the starting point as a society. Only with full equality will one of the burdens we have to deal with as queer people be removed.

The program of this year's Mezipatra offers guidance, inspiration and, above all, entertainment. I wish you to enjoy this precious week that will hug your soul and embrace you with its openness in times when we are troubled by conflicts around us.

Pavel Bicek