Transphobia and homophobia as a political weapon
Eastern Europe
Following the current civil and political developments in Eastern Europe, an international conference titled “Transphobia and Homophobia as a Political Weapon in Eastern Europe”, organized by the Regional Office East and Southeast Europe of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, took place on 2-3 December 2024 in Sofia, Bulgaria. The event brought together over 30 experts from international organizations and think tanks, as well as representatives of civil society and politics from 11 countries across Eastern Europe.
The focus of the conference was the situation of LGBTIQ+ rights in Eastern Europe, which is significantly affected by the region's prevailing political and cultural conservatism. This environment makes it extremely difficult for LGBTIQ+ people to live openly and safely. Contributing factors include: strict legislation, widespread political narratives targeting LGBTIQ+ communities, and even state-led repression in some countries. In addition, rising nationalism, media manipulation, religious conservatism, and civil discrimination further compound the challenges.
Video 1
Think Freedom: Freedom is an action. Denitsa, Bulgaria
Video 2
Think Freedom: The visible man, Georgi, Georgia
Click the CC button for English subtitles.
During the conference, participants shared and discussed case studies and examples from diverse contexts but with similar challenges. These included countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine, Russia, and Central Asian countries including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
A key topic throughout the conference was Russia’s influence in shaping anti-LGBTIQ+ policies and public opinion through its political, cultural, and economic presence in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Discussions covered the legal repercussions of anti-LGBTIQ+ “propaganda” laws, “foreign agent” legislation, and broader law enforcement practices that undermine civil rights and civil society. Specific examples included the consequences of such policies in Central Asia, Georgia, Türkiye, and even the EU member state Bulgaria, where a law banning LGBTIQ+ “propaganda” in schools has been enacted.
Ein Angebot der
Informationen
Service
Weitere Angebote
Toleranz für Diversität