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Photo: Training participants from FMS, Rainbow Rose and Labour at EuroPride in Thessaloniki
Although significant progress has been made on LGBTI+ rights in recent decades, the fight for full equality remains an ongoing challenge. Discrimination, violence and lack of legal protection are still widespread in many parts of the world, including the Western Balkans. The FMS aims to counter these inequalities and support LGBTI+ movements in this region. We do this through the 'LGBTI Inclusion in the Western Balkans' project.
For this project, the FMS, Rainbow Rose and Labour in Thessaloniki jointly organised a training, during the weekend of EuroPride. With this kind of training, we aim to support politicians and activists in the region so that they can better understand the unique challenges of the LGBTI+ community and respond to them more effectively.
We spoke to Miloš Đajić of the Centar Modernih Vestina and Dajana Bakić of Rainbow Rose, who were involved in the organisation and present in Thessaloniki, about their experiences and expectations for the LGBTI+ Inclusion project.
United by a shared commitment to LGBTI+ inclusion
Miloš described the training in Thessaloniki as follows: "The first training session was an inspiring experience. It brought together representatives of social democratic parties from across the Western Balkans - Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia and Serbia - united by a shared commitment to LGBTI+ inclusion."
"It brought together representatives of social democratic parties from across the Western Balkans - Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, northern Macedonia and Serbia"
The programme consisted of a mix of lectures, peer-to-peer learning and skill-building workshops. According to Miloš, Dina Bajrektarević's presentation was a notable highlight: "Dina Bajrektarević, an activist from Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, gave a powerful presentation whose insights had a lasting impact." Dajana stressed that the panel discussions on LGBTI rights in the Western Balkans provided valuable opportunities for the exchange of ideas and strategies.
The stimulating impact of EuroPride
The training was during the EuroPride, which this year took place in Thessaloniki. Naturally, the participants went here. Miloš noted that the atmosphere of EuroPride in Thessaloniki significantly enhanced the training experience: "For many participants, it was the first time they had attended a Pride event of this magnitude. This experience was a powerful lesson in organising large-scale, joyful events and underlined the importance of visibility and solidarity in the movement for LGBTI rights."
"For many participants, it was the first time they had attended a Pride event of this magnitude."
Dajana was also positive about EuroPride's influence on the training: "Engaging participants on LGBTI+ issues can be challenging. Even social democratic politicians are often cautious because of the "sensitivity" of the topic. EuroPride provided an excellent opportunity to engage with activists from across the region and provided a platform for the queer community to express itself openly and with pride, as well as hold meaningful discussions on issues facing the queer community."
"EuroPride provided an excellent opportunity to connect with activists from across the region and provided a platform for the queer community to express itself openly and with pride."
EuroPride 2024 in Thessaloniki was particularly memorable for Miloš , especially compared to the tense atmosphere of EuroPride in Belgrade, where the event was almost banned, Miloš said, "EuroPride 2024 in Thessaloniki was a revelation. It was incredible to see what Pride can and should be, with more than 15,000 participants." Describing the experience as "a powerful demonstration of pride and purpose", Miloš said it inspired participants to bring this sense of unity back to their communities.
Looking ahead: expectations and challenges
As Dajana looks ahead to the year ahead, she sees both promise and significant challenges. According to her, a major challenge is the rise of far-right and populist parties, and the decline of queer rights. She cites a recent example in Bosnia-Herzegovina, where the government of entity Republika Srpska used the term "gender identity" has deleted in amendments to the region's criminal code. Miloš mentioned another challenge: "The most urgent challenge is the organisational fragility of social democratic parties in our region," he noted, citing declining support from citizens as a key problem.
"The most pressing challenge is the organisational fragility of social democratic parties in our region"
Despite these challenges, Miloš and Dajana are hopeful. Dajana said, "I am excited about building a movement against these threats and supporting new activists and actual champions of change." Also, Miloš said : "My main expectation is that we will continue our collective struggle and mobilise new decision-makers - especially MPs in the national parliament - to take up these issues."
"I am excited about building a movement against these threats and supporting new activists and actual champions of change"
Both see this programme as a catalyst for change in conservative societies, helping to change attitudes and bring the fight for equality to the fore. Miloš explained: "This programme has trained a significant number of participants in four countries, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and networks needed to promote change within their communities."
Fighting inequalities together
Miloš and Dajana stress the need for ongoing engagement with the LGBTI+ community to show solidarity and commitment. They hope that after the programme, participants will be equipped to address specific challenges faced by the LGBTI community in their own countries. "We can do this together," Dajana said with determination.
"We can do this together"
Building a future where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feels safe and respected is paramount. The fight for LGBTI+ rights is far from over, but together we can fight inequalities and create a more inclusive society for future generations.
