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Description
This project addresses the problem of discrimination and violence towards LGBT + people. LGBT+ people have been the target of a hate campaign and an increasing number of homophobia-motivated attacks for a number of years. Dehumanising language is resulting in verbal and physical abuse. Attacks that occurred during the 2019 Białystok gay pride march or during unrest at protests to defend a Stop Bzdurom activist in 2020 are just two examples. More than 2/3 of LGBT+ people are subjected to mental and physical abuse, while almost 60% do not trust the police, and this results in a low rate of reporting of violent acts. Poland is the most homophobic country in the EU, due to both a lack of laws to counter discrimination, and unequal rights regarding marriage and partnership, but most of all due to a policy of oppression, i.e. attempts to ban gay pride marches, and also LGBT-free zones created by local councils. On one hand, all of this leads to social radicalisation, while on the other it makes life increasingly hard for LGBT+ people, causing a growing feeling of danger and vilification, and an increase in the rate of depression.In the project, Lambda will provide short-term and long-term psychological support, intervention in emergencies, and legal support for LGBT+ people who experience violence and discrimination. Assistance will be provided in Warsaw in a permanent service and at all gay pride marches held in Poland. The Project Promoter will also conduct a campaign on the support available and a public campaign on ten billboards promoting rights of LGBT+ people. The final element of the project will be a report summarising the psychological and legal aid provided.The project will primarily benefit LGBT+ people (approximately 300 people), who will receive professional help in dealing with minority stress, depression, and discrimination. LGBT+ people will also have a more visible profile.