Event slogan: Visibility ̶o̶r̶ then Bust.

Gaza City, May 25 – Local authorities granted permission today for LGBTQ activists to mark next month’s Queer festivities with the march down main thoroughfares that characterizes such events the world over, but with a local twist that directs the procession up five flights of stairs, out into the daylight, and over past the edge of the building, in keeping with the host culture’s sensibilities.

Hamas officials described the approved route as “a historic compromise that balances Western decadence with Islamic values.” Spokesman Iyad al-Burini told reporters, “We are not monsters. These people may celebrate their identity openly, provided the celebration concludes in the traditional manner. What is more liberating than freefall?”

Organizers expressed guarded enthusiasm. “For years we’ve been forced to hide,” said Fatima al-Rainbow (née al-Hams), speaking via smuggled cell phone before her brothers could confiscate it. “Now we get to march, wave flags, and finally be seen by the entire neighborhood—from the rooftop. It’s like Stonewall, but with better views and gravity doing the heavy lifting.” She added that the event’s official slogan, “Visibility or then Bust,” was chosen with care.

Logistical challenges remain. Float construction has been hampered by the dual-use nature of all available wood and glitter in Gaza. One proposed rainbow chariot was repurposed as an anti-tank barrier after organizers ran out of crepe paper. Security concerns are also paramount: Hamas has insisted on embedding “community safety officers” along the route, armed with binoculars and strong throwing arms, to ensure no participant deviates from the designated endpoint.

Local residents offered mixed reactions. “I don’t understand the obsession with rainbows,” said shopkeeper Mahmoud, 47. “We already have green flags — that should be enough color.”

The announcement drew immediate praise from progressive circles abroad. In Brooklyn, a Queers for Palestine solidarity march paused briefly so participants could denounce Israel for “pinkwashing” and trying to upstage Palestinian Pride by holding the largest such parade in the region in Tel Aviv, basically a form of Nakba denial.

Human Rights Watch issued a carefully worded statement applauding the “rare moment of tolerance” while urging Hamas to consider softer landing surfaces, perhaps imported from Qatar. Amnesty International called the route “innovative” but stopped short of endorsing defenestration as best practice, citing concerns over carbon emissions from the screams.

Gaza’s fledgling LGBTQ community is already planning next year’s theme: “Out and Down.” Applications for parade marshal positions have flooded in, though most applicants listed their expected tenure as “approximately eight seconds after reaching the fifth floor.” The event is scheduled for June 28th, conditions and building codes permitting. Organizers remind potential marchers to travel light — no heavy backpacks, as they interfere with aerodynamics.

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