Solidarity Network for LGBTI in Armenia and Georgia

In the wake of the homophobic demonstrations and violence against LGBTI persons in Tbilisi in May 2013 and the burning down of an LGBTI-friendly pub in Yerevan in May 2012, numerous social, political and situational factors have continued to fuel the challenging environment and discriminatory attitudes towards LGBTI individuals in the South Caucasus. Homophobia and transphobia constitute very profound and longstanding issues intrinsic within these societies, backed by various state and non-state actors, and deeply rooted in tradition and culture.

Thus, combating discrimination against LGBTI persons, enhancing their protection from all types of violence, adequate provision of their human rights, and supporting their full-fledged inclusion into Georgian and Armenian societies constitutes the principal objectives of the action. The project seeks to overcome homophobia/transphobia through consistent public awareness raising, positive media visibility, civil society mobilization, promoting the human rights movement and increased advocacy expertise of CSO and LGBTI organisations.

Partners/ implementing Agencies:

Heinrich-Böll South Caucasus office
Women’s Initiatives Supporting Group (WISG)
Human Rights Education and Monitoring Center (EMC)
Society Without Violence (SWV)
Public Information and Need of Knowledge (PINK)

Activities:

- Conduction of an unprecedented large-scale comprehensive study of societal attitudes towards LGBTI individuals in both countries
- A situational assessment of existing conditions, including access to and accessibility of certain services to LGBTI persons

Results:

- A more comprehensive understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) issues in the civil society

- Mainstreaming and internalization of LGBTI-friendly attitudes and the reduction and eventual elimination of discrimination
- The guarantee of the protection of LGBTI rights, and the full inclusion of LGBTI persons in society in both Georgia and Armenia.

For further information, please visit the site of our South Caucasus office.
You can find a dossier on the situation of LGBT people in South Caucasus here.