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Description
According to the European Agency for Human Rights, 60% of LGBTIQ people in Croatia felt discriminated or stigmatized because of their sexual orientation. It is a group that enjoys a worse status in society and does not have much power. There is a large percentage of the public who are willing to discriminate against others on the grounds of their sexual orientation. It is expected that LGBTIQ people in our society will be exposed to situations of violence and discrimination, ie a high risk of minority stress, which will have a negative impact on their quality of life and the development of permanent psychosocial difficulties. Although there are many associations in Croatia and the LGBTIQ movement is relatively branched, in eastern Croatia (Slavonia) there is no association, movement or service that deals with the protection of LGBITQ people who are exposed to violence and discrimination in this part of Croatia. LGBTIQ people are invisible in society, they hide their identities, and with severe violence and discrimination, lose self-esteem which leads to the development of psychosocial difficulties. With this project proposal we want to strengthen the providers of psychosocial services and counseling to work with the LGBTIQ population, and through the establishment of a platform to support LGBITQ people lay the foundations for the development of content and services for this vulnerable, invisible and discriminated group in our society. Donor country organisation contributes with know-how on target group and hosting of study visit while local partnes contribute with knowledge on target groups, establishment of info office for LGBTIQ+ population in Požega County, legal aid and recearch.
Summary of project results
The project "With rainbow colors to menthal health" focused on addressing the challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ individuals in the Croatian Slavonia region, where, according to research by the organization Zagreb Pride, there was a lack of specific services and support for this community. One of the main issues in focus was the mental health of LGBTIQ+ people, recognizing the urgent need for intervention to improve their quality of life. The project aimed to strengthen the capacity of professionals to work with this group by collaborating with key local institutions like hospitals and public health services.
The primary objective was to provide a safe space for LGBTIQ+ individuals through an online platform, "Queer Slavonia," offering them anonymity, counseling, and expert articles. Additionally, the project sought to normalize LGBTIQ+ identities in society by providing information about their rights, challenges, and needs. Through awareness campaigns, identity week events, and donations of specialized literature, the project worked to integrate LGBTIQ+ people into the broader community.
The project also addressed the need for LGBTIQ+ individuals in Slavonia to have local support services, reducing their reliance on traveling to the capital of Zagreb for assistance. It developed the first protocol for handling LGBTIQ+ cases within psychosocial support systems, established information points, and created an online support platform. Research on violence against LGBTIQ+ individuals was also conducted to gather data for future human rights efforts. These activities aimed to address the lack of content and support for the LGBTIQ+ community in Slavonia, laying the groundwork for further development of services and community support.
The project implemented a range of activities to support LGBTIQ+ individuals in Slavonia, focusing on improving mental health services, raising awareness, and building a sustainable support network. A key activity was forming a dedicated team, which included healthcare professionals, social workers, police, and NGO representatives. This team participated in a study visit to Norway and received training on affirmative approaches to working with LGBTIQ+ individuals, equipping 23 professionals with the necessary skills to provide effective support. The team’s capacity was further strengthened through the creation of a coalition that now continues to offer legal and psychosocial support to LGBTIQ+ individuals, ensuring long-term sustainability.
In addition to direct support services, the project focused heavily on public awareness. An advocacy campaign was launched, which included a week-long event called "Week of Identity" in Slavonski Brod and Požega, where local libraries hosted information stands on LGBTIQ+ issues. These libraries also received donations of LGBTIQ+ literature to increase public knowledge. To further engage the public, promotional materials such as tote bags, brochures, and USB drives were distributed. The project also emphasized the importance of inclusive volunteerism, involving volunteers in advocacy efforts and raising awareness through media, which led to the production of 15 radio shows, 2 TV segments, and multiple media reports.
The project also produced significant resources for professionals and the LGBTIQ+ community. A protocol for handling LGBTIQ+ cases in healthcare and social services was created and distributed alongside two brochures: one on LGBTIQ+ terminology and another on healthcare services available to LGBTIQ+ individuals in Croatia. A total of 1,500 printed materials were distributed, and an online platform, "Queer Slavonija", was established, providing support for victims and allowing five individuals to access direct online assistance. Additionally, two physical info centers were set up in Slavonski Brod and Požega to offer ongoing support and guidance to LGBTIQ+ individuals and stakeholders.
Finally, the project conducted research on violence against LGBTIQ+ individuals, surveying 201 people. The data collected informed advocacy efforts, leading to the submission of a report to the Croatian government, the Gender Equality Ombudsman, and the Ministry of Health. This research lays the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at improving the rights and protections of LGBTIQ+ individuals in the region.
The project not only achieved its goals but also exceeded expectations, demonstrating that Slavonia can be a leader in LGBTIQ+ rights advocacy. It significantly strengthened the organizational capacity of the lead organization and its partners, laying a foundation for sustained support and future collaborations.
The project created lasting positive changes for professionals, CSOs, and LGBTIQ+ individuals in Slavonia, providing crucial services and resources that did not exist before. Prior to project implementation there were no services or resources specifically for LGBTIQ+ individuals in Slavonia, particularly in the areas the project focused on (Brodsko-posavska and Požeško-slavonska counties). There was no protocol for handling LGBTIQ+ cases, no unified guide on healthcare services for LGBTIQ+ individuals in Croatia, and no public discussion or visibility of LGBTIQ+ topics. Professionals in health and social services lacked the knowledge and skills to work with LGBTIQ+ people, and there were no NGOs that LGBTIQ+ individuals could turn to for support. Furthermore, there was no online platform offering psychosocial support or a list of LGBTIQ+-friendly professionals.
The project''s primary results can be summarized across three main target groups:
First, professionals working with LGBTIQ+ individuals in healthcare and social services were significantly empowered. They received training in areas such as affirmative approaches to LGBTIQ+ care and public advocacy, creating a network of trained experts in Slavonia. These professionals now have connections with experts in Zagreb and can provide continuous support to LGBTIQ+ individuals in the region. A key output was the creation of a protocol for working with LGBTIQ+ individuals, along with valuable tools such as guides on LGBTIQ+ terminology and healthcare, contributing to the strengthening of the local healthcare system. For the first time, a list of LGBTIQ+-friendly professionals from Slavonia was published, enhancing the recognition of their expertise.
Second, the project strengthened the capacities of civil society organizations (CSOs) and their employees. Those involved gained tools and knowledge for working with the LGBTIQ+ population and can continue addressing LGBTIQ+ issues and advocating for human and civil rights beyond the project''s end. These organizations are now equipped with resources to work on future projects involving LGBTIQ+ individuals and other sexual minorities, having formed cross-sector collaborations with healthcare professionals and human rights organizations across Croatia. This collaborative effort also resulted in ongoing partnerships with LGBTIQ+ organizations such as Zagreb Pride and ISKORAK.
Third, LGBTIQ+ individuals and their families saw a significant improvement in available services. LGBTIQ+ people no longer have to travel to Zagreb for medical consultations, as most services can now be accessed through trained professionals in Slavonski Brod and Požega. These individuals also benefited from a positive, affirming approach to their social status and rights, contributing to their mental health and sense of security. Additionally, the project established dedicated info centers in Slavonski Brod and Požega, as well as an online platform, "Queer Slavonija," providing continuous support and legal services. A rich collection of LGBTIQ+ literature is now available in public libraries in these cities, making LGBTIQ+ topics more visible and accessible to the wider community.
The project also conducted research on the level of violence against LGBTIQ+ individuals in Slavonia, with results submitted to government bodies to advocate for further protections. Moreover, LGBTIQ+ individuals received direct psychosocial and legal support, leading to successful outcomes in cases such as gender marker changes and the resolution of legal issues.
Summary of bilateral results
The project benefited significantly from having a donor project partner, especially through the partnership with the Foreningen for kjønns- og seksualitetsmangfold (FRI) organization. FRI provided support throughout the entire project, including hosting a study visit where the project team learned about their models for working with the LGBTIQ+ community. This partnership was stable and essential, particularly in sharing knowledge about their approach to delivering psychosocial support and communicating their advocacy messages. However, because Croatia is an EU country with a relatively developed human rights framework and protections for LGBTIQ+ people, the FRI organization focuses its international efforts on regions where LGBTIQ+ individuals face more severe challenges, such as imprisonment or death due to their sexual orientation, in parts of Africa and the Middle East. Although FRI remains supportive, Croatia is not a priority for their future partnerships.The main results from the bilateral partnership were the strengthened capacities of the project team, particularly those who participated in the study visit to FRI. The knowledge gained was adapted and applied to the local context in Slavonia. FRI had a moderate level of involvement in the project, mainly contributing to organizing the study visit and providing ongoing support and feedback to the project lead, especially in planning and executing local activities like the Identity Week campaign.Looking ahead, bilateral cooperation will likely continue between FRI and kolekTIRV, a Zagreb-based organization that shares similar interests and is part of the same LGBTIQ+ networks. While FRI’s future involvement with the current project team may be limited, they will remain a supportive partner when needed for capacity building.