Zimbabwe Zimbabwe was one of various countries in Sub-Saharan Africa where the IDAHOT 2014 provided an entry point for encouraging discussion around sexual rights, with religious and political leaders, and on the part of the general public. Communities gathered at the Dutch embassy in the capital Harare, where Richman Rangwani, a leading councillor with the country’s ruling Zanu-PF party, spoke …

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 …

Poland Polish LGBT communities are currently facing big challenges. There has recently been a sustained upsurge in attacks on LGBT communities from the Polish Church hierarchy, as well as from neo-fascist groups, which are acting to silence communities, and have also started to “guard” people against the “gender ideology” they say is being imposed by activists. In this context, activists …

Bulgaria The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia was commemorated with three different events in Bulgaria: A discussion with MEP Candidates, a Live Art Installation, and a Bike Rally in Sofia on May 17. Discussion event focuses on European elections For IDAHOT 2014 in Bulgaria, a key discussion event took place with the participation of Victor Lilov, MEP candidate from …

Lithuania May 17 actions in Lithuania spread over three weeks, and three cities, and engaged strongly with the international focus on Freedom of Expression. Highlights included a high-profile opening reception co-hosted by 14 embassies, a bus-top tour in the capital city center, movie screenings, debates and discussion events, as well as many other actions. Members of Lithuania’s principal LGBTI rights …