• Society Without Violence: Queer Monologues – u fundraising event for LGBTQ+ shelter; May 17 from 7:00 p.m. @ Yerevan
• Pink Armenia: IDAHOT Week 2017 – presentations, social media campaign, community events, performances; May 15 – 21 @ Yerevan:

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Opening event of the “Week against Homophobia and Transphobia The opening of the week against homophobia and transphobia was held on May 15th in Yerevan. During the event, the situation of human rights of LGBT people was discussed and some social advertisements were shown. The event was attended by the Czech Ambassador, the representatives of the embassies of US, Germany, France, and Poland, representatives of the EU Delegation to Armenia, people from international and local organizations and members of the LGBT community and supporters. To raise awareness about LGBT issues, PINK Armenia has sent letters to the RA President, Prime Minister, Ministries, Constitutional Court, Police, and Prosecutors. Social Advertisements During the week public social announcements about the LGBT people were released. You can watch them below. English subtitle are available.     “I am against homophobia” video campaign and “Read me” letters Helsinki Association has produced and published short interviews, where sexologist, journalist, actor, film director, activist and writer spoke against homophobia while explaining their position. The videos are available in Armenian here. We also asked LGBT people to write a personal letter, including episodes of their life that have connection with their sexual orientation. We also got a letter from an asexual person, who is perhaps the first asexual Armenian to come out. Letters are available in our website in Armenian. “Queer Monologues” performance On May 17, International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia, the “Queer Monologues” performance took place. Lesbian and bisexual women, trans and queer people talked about their life experiences. The performance was organized by our partner organization Society Without Violence NGO. About 100 people attended this event and enjoyed the performance of brave people. “We are related” stickers We are related. This was the motto of this year’s campaign, based on which stickers were prepared and posted all over the city with slogans: “I am gay and your friend”, “I am bisexual and pay taxes”, “I am trans and your child”, “I am gay and guard the border”, “I am trans and your favorite professor”, “I am bisexual and your doctor”, “I am lesbian and your employer” and so on. LGBT flag waved in Yerevan The British Embassy in Yerevan raised the rainbow flag of LGBT people instead of their national flag. This happened on May 17, International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. Extremists group mobilized and organized a protest in front of the Embassy building. LGBT-themed posters and attacks On May 25 three LGBT-themed social advertising banners were posted in the center of Yerevan. One of the posters depicts two gay men hugging, with this text on it: “Do you want everyone to be happy? Then wish us happiness.” The other poster is a collage of people with different professions and states: “You meet them every day.” The third poster depicts three arms and reads: “Trans people are part of our society.” On May 27 they were removed by the advertising company, without issuing us any notice. A few hours after the removal of the posters the head of the external design and advertising department at Yerevan Municipality posted the following on his Facebook page: “Three advertisements have been illegally posted in the capital that preach tolerance towards people with different sexual orientations… regardless of the content, the three advertisements have been dismantled, as the Yerevan Municipality never gave permission for their installation.” The banners did not contain anything prohibited by the law of the Republic of Armenia. Banner installation was made in accordance with existing market practices of Armenia, by an organization that has immense experience in the field of advertising. We evaluate the act of Yerevan Municipality as an arbitrariness, which violates the NGO’s and LGBT people’s freedom of expression. This is a discriminatory treatment, based on the content of the banners. Therefore, the municipality contributed to the further development of dangerous manifestations of discrimination against LGBT people. We appealed to the Yerevan Municipality to get clarification on the reasons of the removal of the banners, challenge the legality of the decision (if such exists) and restore the banners. After the removal, discussions on this topic started on social media. Extremist groups started cyber attacks on PINK Armenia, staff members and those partners who supported us during IDAHOT week. Some people revealed the address of PINK Armenia on Facebook to force society to attack the organization. Organization also received dozens of threats and offensive messages. We will provide additional information about the follow-up later.

Throughout the IDAHOT week New Generation NGO also launched a campaign calling for legal reform and anti-discrimination laws within Armenia designed to protect the LGBT community, and other marginalized members of society. A number of infographics and online resources were also released, designed to improve education and change perceptions of LGBT individuals.

The organisation Right Side has also held a commemorative events. Reports and photos here

On May 17 campaigners also took part in a provocative public performance, aimed at highlighting discrimination towards the LGBT community. Video of this are available here.

Also throughout the IDAHOT season New Generation NGO will run a number of small campaigns aimed at anti-LGBT legislation in Armenia. The campaign will call upon lawmakers to make legal changes to protect the LGBT community and will also feature a handful of public addresses to media and supporters on the difficulties faced by LGBT Armenians.

More details for both these campaigns will be shared as they are made publicly available. 

PINK Armenia initiated personal letters to all of the MPs, some of the relevant ministries, prime minister of the country and the president. PINK called the state officials to monitor direct and indirect cases of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), to ensure the legislative amendments to combat discrimination based on SOGI, thus ensuring equal rights and respect towards LGBT people. The letter addressed to the president urged him not to reward persons and organizations openly demonstrating hate calls with national awards.  The letter addressed to the MPs pointed out not to use the chair of the National Assembly as a platform for hate speech. The letters stated that the Government is also expected to adopt and implement the recommendations of UPR on regards to prohibiting and preventing discrimination based on SOGI.

PINK also gifted state officials postcards with personal stories of LGBT persons who were subjected to violence and discrimination.

On May 17 PINK activists raised the LGBT flag in the very heart of Yerevan, and after all, to conclude the day, IDAHOT was celebrated in a closed venue with more than 120 LGBT people and allies. Rarely in Armenia does LGBT community have a safe and secure platform to express themselves openly, yet IDAHOT was celebrated in ease and free environment.

Ahead of the International Day Against Homophobia “New Generation” Humanitarian NGO Announces a Photo Contest titled “Homophobia in my eyes”.

They also released a statement in support of IDAHOT:

“New Generation” Humanitarian NGO in solidarity with the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia calls to refrain from discrimination against LGBT people.

The term homophobia originates from the Greek words homо- same and phоbos- fear this term introduced into circulation in 1972.

There is discrimination against LGBT people everywhere: in 80 countries, homosexuality is forbidden by law in most countries it is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment. Sometimes the law provides for life imprisonment. About 10 countries apply the death penalty for LGBT people.

The idea of declaring May 17 International Day Against Homophobia comes from ​​French writer and scholar Louis-Georges Teninn in 1990. On May 17, the General Assembly of the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the list of mental illness. International Day Against Homophobia has been officially celebrated from 2003. That puts certain obligations in front of the international community united on homophobia and discrimination on the recognition of other forms of discrimination and to stop violence.  Demonstration of any king of discrimination is prohibited by the European Convention on Human Rights and Freedoms and by the number of international acts.

Officials also have shown their support on IDAHOT.

U.S. Ambassador to Armenia

In recognition of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on May 17, U.S. Ambassador Richard M. Mills, Jr. met with Armenian civil society representatives who advocate for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights in Armenia.  During their meeting, the Ambassador heard from the civil society representatives about their work to ensure that the legal and human rights of LGBT Armenian citizens are fully protected.

The United States remains unwavering in its commitment to advance LGBT equality at home and around the world. Both former Secretary Clinton and Secretary Kerry have made strong statements condemning discrimination and violence against LGBT persons, recognizing that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, and that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The U.S. Embassy has supported NGOs who advocate for equal rights for all Armenians through its Democracy Commission Small Grants program.

IDAHOT 2015 Statement by the British Embassy in Yerevan:

May 17 is the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. This is a day marked globally to raise awareness about the discrimination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Despite progress in some parts of the world, there is still a lot to be done both to fight against prejudice and also to ensure everyone is equally protected under the law.

The UK has always been next to the individuals and organizations that are under very challenging circumstances trying to promote LGBT rights locally and globally. Here in British Embassy Yerevan we have welcomed and supported the efforts of local LGBT activists, media and bloggers. This year an LGBT community dedicated media started to function –www.lgbtnews.am – which took the local efforts a step further.

No one should face discrimination because of who they are and who they love. Our goal is a diverse, respectful and fair world.

Kathy Leach
British Embassy Yerevan

]]> https://dayagainsthomophobia.org/idahot-event-2015-armenia/feed/ 0 https://dayagainsthomophobia.org/idahot-report-2014-armenia/ https://dayagainsthomophobia.org/idahot-report-2014-armenia/#comments Wed, 04 Jun 2014 17:00:48 +0000 http://dayagainsthomophobia.org/?p=6909 Armenia

In a very hostile environment, PINK Armenia and other groups, including the “New Generation” Humanitarian NGO, marked May 17 with 15 videos in dedication to freedom of expression. Activists also sent letters to the President of Armenia, the President of National Assembly, the Ombudsman and Minister of Justice, as well as the Prime Minister, to urge them to take necessary actions to end systematic violence against LGBT people.

Together with the Independent Journalists Network (epress.am) and the Helsinki Association for Human Rights, PINK Armenia prepared a specific set of videos ahead of the events.

Armenia shouts: “I am against homophobia”!

ʺI am against homophobiaʺ video series presents activists, artists and opinion leaders and society members who talk about homophobia/transphobia and its negative effects on Armenian society.

The video series which was created for the promotion of debate about LGBTI Freedom of Expression consists of 15 videos. The videos are mainly in Armenian, with one video in Russian.

To see all videos, click here.

And you can watch one of the videos directly here:

Letter writing campaign

PINK Armenia also sent letters to the President of Armenia, President of National Assembly, Ombudsman and Minister of Justice and Prime Minister to urge them to take necessary actions to end systematic violence against LGBT people. Here is an English copy of the letter send to officials.

“In the Republic of Armenia, RA Constitutional Order must be approved for the sake of freedom of our society and nation, dignity and multicultural development.”

More info on the campaign can be found here.

Photo: The Armenian Gay and Lesbian Association of New York, 2011. Source

Together with Independent Journalists Network and Helsinki Association for Human Rights, PINK Armenia has prepared a set of videos.
“I am against homophobia” video series present activists, artists and opinion leaders and society members who talk about homophobia/transphobia and its negative effect on the Armenian society.
The video series that are created for the promotion of Freedom of Expression have 15 videos. The videos are mainly in Armenian, and one video in Russian.

To see all videos, click here.

English website here

Karine Aghajanyan, Women’s Resource Center Armenia NGO, Armenia

Photo: Milena Abrahamyan, contributor from Armenia & NYC

Egypt

“Egypt, as a conservative closed religious country, has a specific image on the hierarchy within its society. If you are not a heterosexual male in Egypt, you will definitely be discriminated against. And with the all the political and economical problems Egypt is having over the past years, people have started to express their feelings out very violently, and because they are still not able to face the authorities, they started taking it out on those who they believe they are the weakest links which are LGBTI and women. They believe when they do assault these categories, authority will be on their side this time, which is true. Now a lot of rape cases, sexual assaults, physical and verbal harassment, and attacks on Feminists and LGBTI groups and centers is happening in Egypt, and the authorities and media end up doing nothing as they believe that these groups are effecting public morals and traditions, and because they are very busy fighting political activists, they leave Feminists and LGBTI activists for the society to deal with.

As a Feminist and lesbian activist, I feel that my goal is to try to tie the two cases together and work on both of them. I believe that if I don’t have my full rights as a woman, my rights to have proper education, proper health treatment, political rights, the right to control my own life and make my own choices, I will not be able to express my gender and sexuality freely. Also if I skip all that and just focus on LGBTI problems like criminalizing it or the right in marriage and adopting, I will still be discriminated against as a woman. It is basically like a chain and each end is linked to the other, either we keep it tied up or break it and make it easier for anyone to step in and destroy all our hopes and dreams.”

- Maha Youssef, Bedayaa Organization for LGBTQI of the Nile Valley Area

Switzerland

“If feminist and LGBT activism aim at transforming power relations, we have to ask ourselves what justice entails for whom. Switzerland was comparably ‘late’ in its political and legal recognition of women and is still reluctant to fully recognize LGBTI claims. Whilst it is tempting to reduce March 8 to a celebration of measurable feminist achievements such as anti-discrimination legislation or principles that make inequality comparable such as the gender pay gap, why not think about those women whose experiences have been outside of what has been accomplished. On March 8, it deems important to broaden our understanding of justice and violence. Many experiences of sexism and queerphobia cannot be accounted for in the existing legalistic framework yet they still matter.

As LGBTI and feminist activists, we have to ask ourselves who we are allowing to set the political agendas. If Swiss feminism is so concerned with women’s economic independence and the gender pay gap, which in Switzerland currently hovers around 20%, why are we not concerned with the precarious labour conditions of sex workers and domestic workers? And what about the specific difficulties trans women, non-conforming genders or lesbians face in the work place? The discrimination Muslim women have to deal with, especially if they dare to wear a headscarf?. These are all feminist issues that have not made it on the mainstream feminist -or LGBTI- agenda in Switzerland.

Intersectional workings of queerphobia and sexism are particularly difficult to contest if the subjects who represent them are always marked as ‘marginal’. Queer-feminist activists worldwide have shown that a critique of power relations -also within feminist and LGBTI movements- has to go hand in hand with their political claims. In Switzerland this became particularly pertinent in 2009 when the country voted in favor of banning minarets. The campaign led by the Christian-Conservative front was using gender equality as an argument to push through their racist agenda. The violence against Muslim women and queers emerging from that campaign was subsequently contested by anti-racist feminist activists and researchers.

March 8 therefore is an opportunity to come together and think about the power relations that inform our work as feminist and LGBTI activists. It starts with who is allowed to take part in the marches, whose claims are deemed important and whose have ‘no priority’. Creating justice is also a result of power relations.”

- Maria von Känel, General Manager of the Swiss Rainbow Families Association and co-founder of NELFA (Network of European LGBT Families Associations) & Stefanie Boulila, a Swiss queer-feminist researcher from the University of Leeds

Japan

“Lesbian, bisexual women and transgender people have always been in women’s movements. Those of us who fight against homophobia and transphobia believes in women’s rights regardless of one’s sexual orientation, sexuality, gender identity, gender expression or bodily diversity. On this day, let’s celebrate diversity among women all over the world.

Happy International Women’s Day from Japan!”

- Azusa Yamashita, Co-Secretary General, International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA)

Armenia

“March 8th is ultimately about fighting for respect. It is not, as is common practice in Armenia, about giving flowers to women to highlight how fragile and beautiful they are. We shouldn’t live in a world where our only value is beauty, and where we are deemed fragile creatures to be protected, especially when we certainly aren’t protected from the violence of patriarchy.

To me, feminism is simply put the act of loving women, which ultimately means loving humanity. This is meaningful to anyone who has ever loved a woman not for being their sister, not for being their mother, not for being their wife or lover, but for being a human being. When girls are harassed in their own homes, when young women are shamed for expressing their sexuality, when women are subjected to violence by their husbands or partners, when feminists fighting for women’s rights to equal status in society are attacked by street mobs, when LBTI identified women are harassed, attacked, discriminated against at all levels of their lives, we are given a clear message that we live in an anti-woman world. The kind of love this world wants to give women is rooted in dehumanizing them to the level of sexual objectification or submissive servants. This is not love. This is disrespect.

March 8th is my everyday, the conscious act of loving women, and thereby loving and respecting what is human.”

- Milena Abrahamyan, Armenia & NYC

If you would like to add your voice, email us at contact@dayagainsthomophobia.org

Organisers from the group Pink Armenia advised:

‘RainbowFlash events are organized every year. The idea of the event is to release balloons with the six colors of the rainbow by which confirming one’s eagerness to fight against homophobia and transphobia. Every willing person participates regardless their sexual orientation, gender identity and/or other characteristics.

On May 17 at 6pm people gathered in Yerevan near Tumanyan park for participating in RainbowFlash 2013. Few seconds, and the pleasure began: lots of colorful balloons in the sky that have started their peaceful mission.’

Since 2010 “Public Information and Need of Knowledge” NGO together with partners have been organising ‘rainbowflash’ balloon releases to mark International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia.

For more information

• Pink Armenia http://www.pinkarmenia.org/en/2013/05/rainbowflash2013/.