As part of the Mesiaca LGBTI history month, the organisers celebrated IDAHOT day with a film screening and literature event.

The non-governmental organisations Human Rights Institute / Inštitút ľudských práv (IĽP) and Rainbow Slovakia / Dúhové Slovensko organised a poll to award the ‘homophobe of the year’. More than 2,600 people voted in it, with this number increasing each year. More info on the event here

The programme of the entire month included a diverse range of activities, from sports to film screenings, discussion rounds, exhibitions, concert, parties and many more. The month is organised by Dúhový rok in collaboration with other local organisations. In Bratislava, there were 13 events and in KOŠICE 3.

The Embassy of the Netherlands in Slovakia supports the events:

Our Embassy is supporting the project ‘May – Month of LGBT History in Slovakia’ organized by NGO No Mantinels on the occasion of IDAHOT 2015. Yesterday our Embassy participated on the debate about non-traditional families and problems these families face in their daily lives. Many other activities will follow this month in Bratislava and Kosice

In Bratislava, Slovakia, LGBTI activists and allies hosted a series of actions on May 17, including a LGBTI Volleyball training session, a photo action against homophobia and transphobia, a dance course for LGBTI couples and a queer party.

The project ‘Mesiac LGBTI History’ is a series of cultural events, information campaign, debate and historical research, which aims to contribute to improving the quality of life of LGBTI people in Slovakia. For IDAHOT 2014, the organisers prepared four different events which took place on May 17 in Bratislava.

Open Training for LGBTI Volleyball

For more than two years, the organisers, ‘Hot Sports Club Lotus Flower’, have been building a community of LGBTI people who are involved in different sports, with particular emphasis on volleyball. The training session was open to all who would like to learn the basics of volleyball. Various experienced volleyball players from Lotus Flower (who have received several medals in international tournaments), also attended the event and supported people’s participation. The session was held at Paul Elementary School Marcelyho.

Event at the Smajáles Festival on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

This event, which aimed to draw attention to homophobia and transphobia in Slovakia, was part of the festival Smajáles, and was held at River’s Club. The action was basically designed to help people express love! It included the tying of colourful ribbons onto the traditional ‘May branch’ to symbolise love. Visitors were invited to take pictures with the words “No homophobia and transphobia”, and the photographs then formed part of an online campaign. You can find some of the pictures here on Facebook.Communities come together to express their love for IDAHOT 2014 in Slovakia

“Hot Floor” – A dance course for LGBTI couples

Experienced dance instructors Parilák Thomas and Andrew Return tought LGBTI couples ballroom dancing, for this particular IDAHOT 2014 event which was held in Batelier. The course included Latin American Art of Dance, Salsa, Cha Cha and Jive. The activity also offered a short tour of the history of dance (and originated in the competition for young “Čo v učebnici nenájdeš”).

Hot Floor: LGBTI dance classes for IDAHOT 2014

Queer party – “Teplaren”

Teplaran is the largest party in Slovakia, and is hosted in Batelier. The party has been in existence for two years, and counts on the participation of thousands of visitors, and multiple DJs from abroad. Quality house music featured in this special edition of the party, in commemoration of IDAHOT 2014.

Poster for major queer party in Batelier for IDAHOT 2014 in Slovakia

So far, there have been 4 actions announced on the very IDAHOT Day:

1. Open Training for LGBTI Volleyball

10:00 to 13:00

Paul Elementary School Marcelyho (Drienova 16) – free admission

Hot Sports Club lotus flower for more than two years attracted LGBTI people who are close to the sport, with particular emphasis on volleyball. Training is open to all who would like to learn the basics of volleyball. They will train experienced volleyball players from the lotus flower, which boast several medals in international tournaments warm. The event will also give a brief professional first aid course.

Check out more details on Facebook.

2. Happening at the Smajáles Festival on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

River’s Club (Tyršovo waterfront at SNP Bridge) – free admission

The event, which aims to draw attention to homophobia and transphobia in Slovakia, will be part of the festival Smajáles. The action is for all those who want to express love. Visitors will be able to take a picture with the words “No homophobia and transphobia” and the photograph will then be used in the context of an online campaign.

3. “Hot floor” – Dance course for LGBTI couples

21:00 to 23:00

Batelier (Továrenská 14, Bratislava) – free admission

Experienced dance instructors Parilák Thomas and Andrew Return will teach LGBTI couples ballroom dancing. Saturday’s course will include Latin American Art of Dance: Salsa, Cha Cha and Jive. The event will also include a short tour of the history of the dance. Activity originated in the competition for young “Čo v učebnici nenájdeš.” Refreshments for participants will be provided.

Check out the Facebook page for the event.

4. Queer party ‘Teplaren’

23:00 to 5:00

Batelier (Továrenská 14, Bratislava) – Entry € 4.50

Largest party in Slovakia, which boasts with two years of existence, thousands of visitors and hosting multiple DJs from abroad, offering quality house music again. DJ Bollo and DJ Glaubic will rock the club with House/Deep House. And do not miss the crazy decorations, as the theme will be “kitsch”…

Here is a small taste of what you can look forward to:

Find more information about Mesiac LGBTI History here.