As in Serbia, many thousands of people were affected by floods in Croatia, in the lead up to May 17, making some actions non-viable, and shifting activists’ attentions to supporting relief work. Nevertheless, various events did take place around the IDAHOT 2014, with actions planned in the cities of Zagreb and Rijeka, and on the mountain range of Petrova Gora. The Croatian government was also represented at the 2nd Annual IDAHO Forum in Valletta, Malta.

IDAHO Week Rijeka 2014

In Rijeka, communities came together for an IDAHO Week around May 17, 2014. Organisers advised, in the lead up to the event:

“Lesbian Organization Rijeka LORI proudly marks IDAHO in Rijeka for the second time and invites all to IDAHO Week Rijeka 2014. On May 17th at 9 PM at Art-kino we have organized screening of documentary film ‘Once again’, the very first Croatian documentary on lives of lesbians and transgender people. Authors of the film Noah Pintaric and Ana Opalic will announce the screening and talk to the audience afterwards, answer the questions related to the film. This warm movie follows lives of 4 lesbians and one transgender person in a five-year period and gives insight into their relationships, friendships, activism and creative work.”

For more information check out Rijeka LORI’s website or the facebook event page.

Laugh Out Proud

Rijeka LORI, together with other groups also held an event on Saturday, May 17th, with the main goal of raising (positive) awareness of the country’s upcoming Life Partnership Act (civil unions for homosexual couples). In the evening, there was a free showing of Stephen Fry’s documentary “Out There”, as well as stand-up event “Laugh Out Proud” with performances by LGBT comedians from UK and Croatia. Performers included Scott Capurro (UK), Lara King (UK) and Marina Orsag (CRO).

Organisers explained before the Day that the aim of event is to fight homophobia and transphobia with the strongest possible weapon – humor, and the goal of the project is to educate people about the LGBT community through laughter and in good atmosphere.

The entire project ‘LAUGH OUT PROUD’ is funded by Horyou, the Action Oriented Social Network for the Social Good, organized by Studio Smijeha association, Centre for Civil Initiatives Porec, Croatia and Standup.rs association.

Dance Out Proud in Zagreb

On May 17, LGBTI communities in Zagreb, came together from 23:00 for a “Dance Out Proud event at the Hotpot Bar. For more information see the organiser’s facebook page.

LGBT Affirmative Counselling Course

Also around the IDAHOT 2014, the University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce in Zagreb, offered an LGBT affirmative counselling practice for psychology students, on May 14. This was part of the elective course “Applied developmental psychology” led by professor Goranka Lugomer-Armano, PhD, Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb.

Action by Coalition of Groups Merges IDAHOT 2014 and Anti-Fascist Commemoration

The organizers of the event (well-known institutions in Croatia such as the Serbian National Council, the Alliance of Anti-Fascist Fighters in Croatia as well as local municipalities), have this year decided to jointly commemorate this great anti-fascist victory and the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia. With this act they stand for a clear message that the struggle against homophobia is also the struggle against fascism and that anti-fascism does not only belong to the culture of remembrance, but is also a vital part of current struggles for better future, not only in Croatia, but also all over Europe.

Organisers explained, in the lead up to the event:

In times of current economic and social crisis that sows poverty and at the same time generates attacks not only on LGBTQ people, but also immigrants, national minorites, workers etc., we find it more important than ever to remember our antifascist legacy and use it to unite our seemingly separate struggles in one common goal: defending human rights and demanding equality for all. As an activist choir, we call upon mutual cooperation and solidarity of all groups fighting for the equality of us all.

Le Zbor, a lesbian feminist choir, performed as part of the action:

This year we are giving a performance at the 70th anniversary of a major anti-fascist event in Croatia: the breakthrough of the fascist army lines that took place on the site called Petrova gora and during which 730 partisans and 12 000 civilians, mostly women and children, were finally liberated from atrocities committed by fascist forces in this area during WW2.

Le Zbor choir, who participated in the IDAHOT 2014 in Croatia

Le Zbor is a Lesbian Feminist Choir from Zagreb. You can find out more about them and their work on Facebook or on and their website.

Zagreb Pride organised a series of events to commemorate the IDAHOT 2014, which included a focus on LGBT Refugees, Asylum & Migration, and on the rise of neoconservative movements in Europe.

Action on LGBT Refugees, Asylum and Migration

Organisers addressed the topic of LGBT Refugees, Asylum & Migration, with an evening of events planned around the topic of LGBT Asylum and the current situation of (LGBT) asylum in Croatia. This was organised in collaboration with other civil society organisations that also work with asylum seekers and refugees.

As an introduction to IDAHO, on Tuesday the 13th, activists organised a panel called “Immigration. Equality. Views from the LGBTIQ community”, where they addressed the topic of LGBT migration and asylum seekers.

The main goal was to raise awareness amongst the LGBT community that ‘LGBT asylum is something that happens in Croatia too, not just in the other EU countries.’

Conference on Neoconservative Movements in Europe

Another activity was also a conference about the rise of neoconservative movements throughout Europe – activists from some other EU countries were invited to discuss the issue, and to establish a network/coalition that will collaborate in the future.

Government represented at IDAHO Forum 2014 in Malta

Croatia’s Minister of European and Foreign Affairs, Vesna Pusic, also participated in the 2nd Annual International IDAHO Forum in Valletta, Malta (May 13-14). He signed the IDAHO 2014 Declaration of Intent – urging governments to defend and promote LGBTI rights – signed by Ministers from 19 European states in total.

Saturday, May 17, 2014, marked the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia worldwide and in Lebanon.

Though traditionally seen as one of the most open countries in the Middle East, Lebanon still imposes significant legal and social discrimination against gay and transgender individuals. Activists from across the sexual orientation spectrum joined Lebanese gay rights group Helem on Saturday to discuss what’s to come for Lebanon’s LGBT community and to focus in particular on the country’s increasingly visible transgender community.

Poster for May 14 legal session for IDAHOT 2014 in Lebanon

This year’s event focused more on activism itself, and consisted of two panels of experts in which people commented on the events of last year as well as on the future of the LGBT movement in Lebanon. You can find more information on this Facebook event page.

Marsa Sexual Health Center, ABAAD Arab Foundation For Freedoms and Equality, Lebanese Medical Students’ International Committee (LeMSIC), Legal Agenda, LEBMash, SIDC and Oui Pour La Vie were also engaged in this year’s IDAHOT actions.

Agenda:

10:00AM-12:00PM
Activities and Engagement

1:30PM–3:30PM
Panel I: Trans* bodies within Lebanese Medical and Legal Agencies Speakers:

• Youmna Makhlouf – Attorney
• Roudna Najm – Psychologist
• Nancy Siblini – Helem Activist

3:30PM–5:30PM
Panel II: LGBT Rights in 2013 and the Road Ahead Speakers:

• Legal Agenda – Attorney
• Nadim Houry – HRW MENA Deputy Director
• Helem Activist

5:30PM–7:00PM
Performances

• Anthony Khoury – Adonis

More information on the event:

https://www.facebook.com/events/489683851154826/?ref=2&ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

A detailed media report has been issued by NOW magazine and can be accessed here

Poster for IDAHOT 2014 in Lebanon – #LebIDAHOT

The online group ProudLebanon also contributed to the visibility of the Day on the Lebanese social media particularly, featuring the stories of gay Syrian refugees.

The viral social media campaign for IDAHOT includes “To Carry You,” the work of San Francisco artist Marconi Calindas. Mr. Calindas utilizes vibrant images and colours to depict diversity and promote visions kindness, equality and peace.

Along with raising awareness to the urgent needs of LGBTI refugees worldwide, ORAM’s IDAHOT campaign promotes a campaign urging the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and governments to open their protection systems to these highly vulnerable migrants. The actions urged include tracking and releasing statistics regarding SOGI based asylum requests; resettling LGBTI refugees; and acquiring needed expertise through trainings. You can find the campaign here and you can support it by sharing their message through the twitter, Facebook, or tumblr links found on the page.

This is an urgent call for the agencies charged with protecting refugees to translate words and documents into action,” said ORAM founder and executive director Neil Grungras. When implemented, the steps we have outlined will go a long way to assure that the few who manage to escape this global epidemic of hatred we reach safety.”

ORAM – Organization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration is the leading global advocate for people fleeing persecution based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
To find out more about the organisation and their work please visit their website.

Events to Engage LGBTIQ* Refugees in Canada

The IDAHOT day will be organized by several organizations. Rainbow Refugee is an organization founded in 2000, Rainbow Refugee Committee (RRC) is a Vancouver based community group that supports and advocates with people seeking refugee protection because of persecution based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status. Rainbow Refugee Committee engages in outreach, advocacy and public education on QLGBT/HIV+ refugee issues. RRC is member driven and all volunteer.
•    RRC also provides information to asylum seekers outside Canada
•    RRC is a sister organization of LEGIT: Canadian Immigration for same-sex partners
•    Other support groups for lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual &/or HIV+ asylum seekers and refugee claimants are beginning in Toronto, Montreal and other cities across Canada.

Rainbow Refugee is organizing an cultural event and panel discussion about LGBTIQ* refugees in Canada. The performance will be held reflecting refugee LGBTIQ person and his/her life during their process with Immigration Canada and societal acceptance. At the same time personal stories will be shared from refugees who are already accepted to stay and have status as Conventional Refugee or Protected persons.

Gay & Grey: A breakfast conversation on LGBTQ communities and aging

The International Day Against Homophobia (IDAH) Breakfast is hosted annually by QMUNITY, BC’s Queer Resource Centre. Presented by Vancity, IDAH brings together over 500 engaged citizens from government, industry, and the social profit sector for a morning of inspiring speakers and important conversations. All proceeds directly support QMUNITY’s programs and services: in 2013, raised over $45,000 of much-needed funds at the sold-out event.

In 2014 – the 10th anniversary of the breakfast and the 35th anniversary of QMUNITY – we lead public dialogue on Gay & Grey: a conversation over breakfast about what it means to be LGBTQ, out, and aging.

Anticipating another sold-out year, a limited number of early-bird tickets are now available at idah2014.eventbrite.ca.

QMUNITY is BC’s Queer Resource Centre. Its team of skilled professionals reaches over 35,000 people annually, enriching the lives of BC’s queer communities by delivering strong programs, education and training on queer issues, and advocacy on the issues that matter most in our communities.

@QMUNITY on twitter // facebook.com/qmunity

Event Poster:

Photo: Found on www.ivanklindic.info

Events on LGBT Refugees, Asylum and Migration

Organisers will address the topic of LGBT Refugees, Asylum & Migration, with an evening of events planned around the topic of LGBT Asylum and the current situation of (LGBT) asylum in Croatia. This will be organised in collaboration with other civil society organisations that also work with asylum seekers and refugees.

As an introduction to IDAHO, on Tuesday the 13th there will be a panel called “Immigration. Equality. Views from the LGBTIQ community”, where they will address the topic of LGBT migration and asylum seekers.

On saturday, the 17th there will be a public event with the main goal of raising (positive) awareness of the upcoming Life partnership act (civil unions for homosexual couples), while in the evening there will be a free showing of Stephen Fry’s documentary “Out there”, and later on there will be a stand up act called “Laugh out proud” with performances by LGBT comedians from UK and Croatia. This event is presented by the Lesbian Organisation Rijeka LORI. LORI has started the tradition of marking IDAHOT in Rijeka last year, with various activities. The aim of event is to fight homophobia and transphobia with the strongest possible weapon – humor, and the goal of the project is to educate people about the LGBT community through laughter and in good atmosphere.
Performers are well-known LGBT comedians: Scott Capurro (UK), Lara King (UK) and Marina Orsag (CRO).

The entire project ‘LAUGH OUT PROUD’ is funded by Horyou, the Action Oriented Social Network for the Social Good, organized by Studio Smijeha association, Centre for Civil Initiatives Porec, Croatia and Standup.rs association. Shows will take place in Belgrade (Serbia), Porec, Rijeka and Zagreb (Croatia).

The main goal is to raise awareness amongst the LGBT community that ‘LGBT asylum is something that happens in Croatia too, not just in the other EU countries.’

Conference on neoconservative movements in Europe

The other activity is a conference about the neoconservative movement throughout Europe – activists from some other EU countries that have similar “civil” activities that are pushing the conservative agenda through LGBT topics, will be invited to discuss the issue, and establish a network/coalition that will collaborate in the future.

A joint celebration of the historical victory against fascism in WW2 and the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia

On 17 May, Le Zbor is traditionally celebrating the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) and as always, on this day they are not only singing for the rights of LGBTIQ people, but also sending a message of solidarity to all groups fighting for human rights and equality of us all.

This year we are giving a performance at the 70th anniversary of a major anti-fascist event in Croatia: the breakthrough of the fascist army lines that took place on the site called Petrova gora and during which 730 partisans and 12 000 civilians, mostly women and children, were finally liberated from atrocities committed by fascist forces in this area during WW2.

The organizers of the event (well-known institutions in Croatia such as the Serbian National Council, the Alliance of Anti-Fascist Fighters in Croatia as well as local municipalities), have this year decided to jointly commemorate this great anti-fascist victory and the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia. With this act they stand for a clear message that the struggle against homophobia is also the struggle against fascism and that anti-fascism does not only belong to the culture of remembrance, but is also a vital part of current struggles for better future, not only in Croatia, but also all over Europe.

In times of current economic and social crisis that sows poverty and at the same time generates attacks not only on LGBTQ people, but also immigrants, national minorites, workers etc., we find it more important than ever to remember our antifascist legacy and use it to unite our seemingly separate struggles in one common goal: defending human rights and demanding equality for all. As an activist choir, we call upon mutual cooperation and solidarity of all groups fighting for the equality of us all.

Le Zbor is a Lesbian Feminist Choir from Zagreb. You can find out more about them and their work on Facebook or on and their website.