Description
Currently remains high degree of homophobia as recent surveys show in Slovakia. The main project objective is to eliminate homophobia and sensitization of the general public on issues of LGBTI people through research, cultural and information activities, which make them visible. Target group are the general public, students, youth, LGBTI community. Innovative component is the realization of historical research in the field of LGBTI activism and information activities connected with it. Furthermore, we plan to implement theatre performances that display LGBTI people stories in connection with discussions, as well as literary competition Kvírenie, literary evenings and workshops for youth about perceptions of the homophobia consequences for LGBTI people’s life. We support Drama Festival, Film Festival Otherness and International sport competition Lotos Cup. All these activities will be part of information campaign LGBTI History Month.
Summary of project results
The support of the project resulted from the high degree of homophobia in relation to LGBTI people in Slovakia, which is confirmed by research, their invisibility in the public space, as well as the state failure in addressing the problems of LGBTI people. Several outcomes of the project continue after the completion of the project, such as LGBT History Month 2016, exhibition about Imrich Matyas, the first gay activist of Slovakia, will be hosted in other regions. During these activities the organization will distribute anthology of short stories on LGBTI people "Kvírenie" and the publication about Imrich Matyas. Aim of the project was to mitigate homophobia and LGBTI visibility. Acceptance of LGBTI people was sought in all project activities and people could hear personal stories of LGBTI people from the past and present. The public events were attended by more than 2,250 visitors from all walks of life, LGBTI people and young people. LGBTI people influenced the content of the project to a great extent, for example, they could contribute to the literary contest and participate in the activities of the LGBTI history month. During the LGBTI history month, young people also participated in most activities such as "human libraries" and discussions on prejudices and the current situation of LGBTI people. The main benefit of the project was the discovery of the history of LGBT emancipation movement in Slovakia and the historical research which resulted from it, creating space for personal stories of LGBTI people in the public space through theatre performance, the opportunity to show the general public the problems of LGBTI people and trigger their empathy and understanding of this vulnerable group. The partnership with donor countries helped establish a unique project that would not otherwise arise.
Summary of bilateral results