Eastern European Coalition for LGBT+ Equality

Living free from discrimination is a fundamental human right. Queer rights are human rights, and when basic freedoms are denied, everyone suffers. Across Eastern Europe, these rights are being systematically eroded. The violations of human rights in our region are unmistakable: 🇬🇪In Georgia, freedom of speech and assembly—key pillars of any democratic society—are under threat, with peaceful gatherings often met with violence and intimidation. We witness every day massive violation of fundamental rights and backsliding of democracy and establishment of authoritarian regime 🇺🇦In Ukraine, Russia’s war crimes represent a profound violation of human rights, with civilians bearing the brunt of atrocities in a brutal, unjust war. 🇵🇱In Poland, a highly restrictive abortion law strips individuals of their bodily autonomy, denying them the ability to make critical decisions about their own lives and futures. 🇷🇺And, of course, in Russia and Belarus, authoritarian regimes relentlessly suppress fundamental rights, from freedom of speech to the right to live without fear—a grim reality that has become synonymous with these regimes. These are not isolated events; they are part of a broader pattern of disregard for human dignity and fundamental freedoms in Eastern Europe. We at the Eastern European Coalition for LGBT+ Equality believe in the universality of human rights. LGBT rights are human rights, and the fight for justice will not end until every person in our region can live free, safe, and equal. #standupforhumanrights

On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we stand in unwavering solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence across Eastern Europe. ❗️Domestic violence remains alarmingly prevalent in the region, with many survivors facing significant barriers to justice and a severe lack of support services. Patriarchal norms, often reinforced by political leaders and religious institutions, continue to foster a culture in which violence against women is normalized. 🇺🇦 In Ukraine, the ongoing war has exacerbated the situation, with widespread sexualized violence against women adding a horrific layer to the suffering experienced by so many. As of now, approximately 350 cases of sexual violence (involving both women and men) have been documented by the Ukrainian Prosecutor General. However, it is important to note that many cases of sexual violence remain unreported. Digital violence is another growing threat that remains largely overlooked. Online harassment, cyberbullying, and digital threats are escalating dangers to women's safety, particularly in spaces where they are vulnerable and exposed. ❗️Moreover, intersectional violence—experienced by women with multiple marginalized identities, such as LBTQ+ women, women from underrepresented populations, and women with disabilities—demands urgent focus. ❗️On this day, we reflect on the urgent work that remains and reaffirm our commitment to shedding light on all cases of injustice, while supporting regional organizations in their mission to protect and empower women across Eastern Europe. We also renew our call for all countries in the region to ratify the Istanbul Convention, emphasizing that, even with this crucial step, greater efforts are needed to fully implement its provisions. Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse

On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, we pause to honor the lives of transgender individuals who have been taken by violence, hatred, and systemic injustice. Across Eastern Europe, transgender people continue to face unrelenting violence—often exacerbated by authorities who either fail to act or, worse, perpetuate an environment of hostility. Today, we remember and say the names of those whose lives were tragically stolen. While we reflect on these losses, we must also acknowledge that these are just the most recent victims of a much larger, ongoing crisis. Behind every name is a person—a friend, a loved one, a community member—whose life was cut short by hate. And yet, for every name we know, there are countless others whose stories remain hidden, unreported, or ignored. We remember: Adriana from Armenia (2023) Kesaria Abramidze from Georgia (2024) Aytan, Nuray Nurieva, Hulya Sadighova, and Aysu Mammadli from Azerbaijan (2024, 2021, 2023, 2020) Vika Basakovskaya, Tamara, Antonina Babkina, and Valera from Russia (2021, 2020, 2024, 2020) Felis from Moldova (2022) On this day of remembrance, we stand in solidarity with all transgender individuals who continue to face violence, discrimination, and fear. We say their names to honor their memory, and we commit to continuing the fight for justice. Photo: Maia Saganelidze (RFE/RL) TGEU — Trans Europe and Central Asia

On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, we pause to honor the lives of transgender individuals who have been taken by violence, hatred, and systemic injustice. Across Eastern Europe, transgender people continue to face unrelenting violence—often exacerbated by authorities who either fail to act or, worse, perpetuate an environment of hostility. Today, we remember and say the names of those whose lives were tragically stolen. While we reflect on these losses, we must also acknowledge that these are just the most recent victims of a much larger, ongoing crisis. Behind every name is a person—a friend, a loved one, a community member—whose life was cut short by hate. And yet, for every name we know, there are countless others whose stories remain hidden, unreported, or ignored. We remember: Adriana from Armenia (2023) Kesaria Abramidze from Georgia (2024) Aytan, Nuray Nurieva, Hulya Sadighova, and Aysu Mammadli from Azerbaijan (2024, 2021, 2023, 2020) Vika Basakovskaya, Tamara, Antonina Babkina, and Valera from Russia (2021, 2020, 2024, 2020) Felis from Moldova (2022) On this day of remembrance, we stand in solidarity with all transgender individuals who continue to face violence, discrimination, and fear. We say their names to honor their memory, and we commit to continuing the fight for justice. Photo: Maia Saganelidze (RFE/RL) TGEU — Trans Europe and Central Asia

Last month, the Eastern European Coalition for LGBT+ Equality took part in the 26th Annual ILGA Conference in Romania, hosted by ACCEPT and MozaiQ. With over 430 participants from 53 countries, the conference focused on the theme: "The Call to Courage." 💬During the event, we co-hosted a session on the shifting political landscape in Eastern Europe, highlighting the unique struggles of transitional democracies and the challenges faced by civil society organizations. 📍We discussed how traditional, often rigid approaches from international funders can sometimes limit the flexibility needed to respond to rapidly changing situations, as seen in Georgia, where civil society faces growing threats. ❗️In these times, it’s crucial that our partners understand the specific needs of each country and offer targeted, tailored support. 🗳️Since the conference took place just before elections in Moldova and Georgia, we also focused on how LGBT+ issues are being used by pro-Russian politicians to stir anti-EU sentiment. 🇲🇩In Moldova, the Kremlin interfered in the elections by backing pro-Russian candidates, amplifying anti-EU propaganda, and engaging in vote-buying to influence voters. 🇬🇪In Georgia, the ruling Georgian Dream party, which recently passed the anti-LGBT law, rigged the elections, sparking protests as people took to the streets to reclaim their votes. We look forward to participating in future ILGA events to continue building solidarity and resilience among LGBT+ organizations in our regions. Photo: ILGA Europe

🇲🇩🌈🚪 From October 10th to 13th, we participated in the 6th Coming Out Day Fest and the 4th LGBT+ Film Festival in Chișinău, Moldova. Organized by GenderDoc, a member of the Eastern European Coalition for LGBT+ Equality, these events provided a vibrant platform for LGBTQ+ voices and visibility in the region. ❗️Despite two bomb threats and last-minute venue changes—reflecting the ongoing challenges for queer people in the region—the festival continued as planned. Queer Café, a free and vibrant safe space for Moldova’s queer community, bravely stepped up to host the events, embodying true solidarity and courage. The event featured a compelling lineup of films that explored themes of identity, love, and perseverance, alongside a powerful exhibition highlighting the experiences of Ukrainian LGBT+ individuals amid Russian aggression. 📍These cultural moments facilitated important discussions not only about discrimination but also about the necessary adjustments in legislation and the need for a more comprehensive effort in educating society. The ideas we shared and the topics we discussed were especially pertinent, considering the elections in two countries of the region: Moldova and Georgia. 📍The courage it takes to come out in some parts of Eastern Europe cannot be overstated. Events like these provide hope and strength to those facing oppression, building bridges not only between different LGBT+ communities but also with people who may hold different perspectives. We remain committed to continuing this work and expanding collaboration across the region, driving forward a future where everyone can live authentically and without fear.

🇲🇩Between October 12 and 14, the Eastern European Coalition for LGBT+ Equality hosted a digital security training in Chișinău, Moldova, designed to empower LGBT+ activists. The training addressed specific challenges faced by activists in the region, focusing on: 📍Types of threats activists encounter, including surveillance and harassment by state and non-state actors. 📍Digital footprints and online behavior, offering strategies to reduce exposure and protect personal data. 📍Spy apps and trackers, discussing how to identify, prevent, and remove malicious software. One full day was dedicated to misinformation, disinformation, and fact-checking, addressing the rise of online trolls, coordinated campaigns, and online harassment that often target LGBT+ individuals. The training was tailored to the hostile environments in some Eastern European countries, where oppressive laws and societal attitudes pose significant risks for the LGBT+ community.

On Coming Out Day, we honor the bravery of LGBT+ individuals by in Eastern Europe who live authentically despite significant risks, including social ostracism, discrimination, and violence. We also express our solidarity with those who still cannot come out, as doing so can pose a direct threat to their lives. We envision a future where coming out is celebrated rather than feared, allowing individuals to share their experiences without the threat of marginalization. Achieving this vision requires strong legislative protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Eastern European Coalition for LGBT+ Equality is committed to supporting local activists and organizations striving for these changes. Together, we can build a more inclusive society where love and acceptance prevail.

On this International Lesbian Day, we welcome the Council of Europe’s recent resolution calling for stronger protections for lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women. The struggles faced by racialized, trans, and intersex LBQ women highlight the urgent need for comprehensive action. Lesbians have long been at the forefront of LGBT activism, leading movements, championing women’s rights, and advancing human rights for the entire LGBT+ community. Yet, their contributions often go unrecognized. Today, we honor lesbians' vital role and continue to advocate for policies that safeguard safety, dignity and equality.

In Eastern Europe, many still live in environments where open discussions about sexual orientation and identity are heavily suppressed. In some countries, these conversations are not only discouraged but outright impossible, as they are prohibited by law. Fear of harassment, job loss, and even violence forces countless LGBT+ individuals to conceal their true selves. For bisexual people, these challenges can feel even more profound, as they often face additional layers of misunderstanding and invisibility. On Bisexual Visibility Day, we come together to celebrate the diversity within the LGBT+ community. By fostering acceptance and visibility, we can work toward a society where everyone can live openly, authentically, and free from fear.