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Description
The Equal Treatment Network (ETN), established in 2013, unites organizations whose main activities include the protecting the equal rights of their target groups. They work together for the equal rights and opportunities of their target groups, but currently lack a common strategy. There is a need for deeper coherence between members, so all members understand each other''s issues and the importance of intersectionality and solidarity.
The overall objective of the project is to promote the principle of equal treatment and to enhance protection against discrimination through extensive network-based intersectional advocacy and cooperation. The target groups of the project are ETN member organizations, their target groups, LGBT + people and people in the general public who are exposed to ETN’s topics.
Within the framework of the project, there will be an ETN’s strategy seminar and a conference for Baltic Pride 2023 in co-creation with network members. In addition, ETN members, their target groups and the LGBT Association''s LGBT+ network will have the opportunity to meet each other at the networks’ round table. The project will conclude with ETN''s final seminar where a plan for future activities will be established.
As a result of the project, the capacity and cooperation of ETN members in the field of advocacy will improve, and vulnerable groups will be empowered and motivated to stand up for the rights and well-being of other vulnerable people. In addition, non-LGBT+ communities and advocates will stand for LGBT + issues and public awareness on the importance of intersectionality and solidarity will increase.
The project partner is the Estonian Human Rights Center which is the coordinator of the ETN. They will organize the strategy seminar and the final seminar. The Center will participate in all project activities.
Summary of project results
The member organizations of the Equal Treatment Network (ETN) work together for the equal rights and opportunities of their target groups, but currently lack a common strategy. There is a need for deeper coherence between members, so all members understand each other''s issues and the importance of intersectionality and solidarity.
The overall objective of the project is to promote the principle of equal treatment and to enhance protection against discrimination through extensive network-based intersectional advocacy and cooperation. The target groups of the project are ETN member organizations, their target groups, LGBT + people and people in the general public who are exposed to ETN’s topics.
The following activities took place during the project:
- Organization of the Baltic Pride conference, focusing on the common interests, solidarity, and intersectionality of member communities. In addition to the LGBT Association, ETN members such as the Estonian Human Rights Centre, Feministeerium, and the Estonian National Union of Students participated as speakers. Attendees included ETN members and members of the LGBT Association’s network.
- Organization of brainstorming sessions for individuals belonging to multiple minority groups. The need to map the situation and needs of LGBT+ individuals within multiple minorities was identified. As this topic remains largely unexplored in Estonia, the Baltic Pride conference and these sessions served as an important starting point for further research.
- Conducting of three in-depth interviews, which highlighted that LGBT+ individuals in multiple minority groups require community events where safety and accessibility is considered across various aspects—ranging from mobility challenges to mental health support.
- Developing of a guide for event organizers on hosting accessible events. This guide includes a straightforward and practical checklist to help create safe and inclusive spaces for all participants.
- Organization of a retrospective week online in celebration of the LGBT Association’s 15th anniversary, aimed at strengthening the LGBT+ network and community. The content reached thousands of views.
- Joint strategy and future planning seminar for the Equal Treatment Network.
- Organization of a mental health first aid course for members of the LGBT Association’s network and peer counselors.
The project strengthened the advocacy capacity of the Equal Treatment Network and its participating organizations through strategic cooperation and mutual empowerment. The project also empowered and motivated vulnerable groups, including ethnic minorities, refugees, LGBT+ individuals, women, and young people, to advocate more independently and effectively for the rights and well-being of vulnerable communities.
In addition, the association introduced and promoted the principles of intersectionality and solidarity with LGBT+ individuals. LGBT+ people remain one of the most vulnerable groups in Estonia due to societal misconceptions, prejudices, and hostility. Furthermore, LGBT+ issues have been politicized and polarized, making progress more difficult to achieve.
Through the cooperation of the Equal Treatment Network, individual initiatives, and the outreach efforts of Baltic Pride, public awareness of intersectionality and the importance of solidarity has improved.