More information
Description
The project deals with the perception of the LGBTI community in Slovakia. According to a 2015 Eurobarometer survey, the acceptance of transgender people in Slovakia is very low compared to the EU-28 average. 71% of respondents in Slovakia reject the basic idea of universal human rights and that LGBTI people, should have the same rights as heterosexuals.
Waldemar Švábenský is a photographer, graphic designer and father. He initiated and organized the 1st year of the festival of transgender culture: World According to Gabriel created as a natural reaction to the death of his child, Gabriel, who was a transgender person. Even though Gabriel was supported by his family, on 5th March 2018, he decided to end his life. After Gabriel´s death, his father and brother created a website www.gabrielsvabensky.sk, full of Gabriel´s paintings, thoughts and memories. They wanted to elevate Gabriel''s death to a legacy that would help other people in a similar situation.
The project is a continuation of Waldemar´s personal initiative, which aims to: support transgender people and their families/relatives and sensitize the society to them in Slovakia. The result of the project will be the 2nd year of the festival, a live library of transgender people stories and a public discussion.
The main activities of the project are the preparation and realization of the transgender culture festival, World According to Gabriel, the live library and public discussion in cooperation with SME daily.
The project focuses on opening public debate, increasing understanding, uncovering the world of transgender people, their relatives and families, who are also part of our world, building cohesive communities and fulfilling the individual lives of these people.
The project is beneficial for various target groups, such as the LGBT community, parents and relatives of transgender persons, the arts and culture community, high school and university students, citizens in the broader sense, etc.