“Direction: Employment” is an innovative training program for vulnerable young people, which enhances their employability in competitive, high-technology industries and the IT sector. The project aims to unleash the potential of NEET young people from vulnerable groups, and increase their employability by providing a market-specific IT training program in Bulgaria, Lithuania, Italy, Slovenia and Portugal.

Lithuanian President will Consult with the Church on LGBT issues

On 9th September, 2019 in an interview the Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda underlined the “need to take the opinion of the Catholic Church into account regarding LGBT issues”. “Position of the Church on LGBT matters was, is and will be important to me. Will it be the only one? No. However the is no doubt

Lithuanian television refuses to broadcast a music video containing same-sex couples

On November 6 2018, celebrating their 20th anniversary, a well-known Lithuanian pop-rock band Skamp released a new single “Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow” alongside a heart-warming music video. Lithuanian television refused to broadcast the music video portraying same-sex couples showing affection raising concerns over the censorship law. Ever since their career took off back in

Two Thirds of LGBT Youth in Northern Ireland Don’t Feel Welcome at School

Students said the lack of LGBT visibility in school contributed to the high levels of homophobia and transphobia. Newly published research reveals 67% of LGBT youth in Northern Ireland feel unwelcome at school. The study shows further evidence that schools are having a negative impact on the emotional well-being of Irish LGBT youth. Northern Ireland

European Commission Acts to Reach Representation Diversity

A new Diversity and Inclusion Charter and fresh action to reach at least 40% women in its management by 1 November 2019 are two key features of the Commission’s new human resources policy. The purpose is to create a better workplace for all – including women, staff with disabilities, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual and Intersex

Baltic Pride 2016 Wins the National ‘Breakthrough of the Year’ Award

On March 29th, 2017 the Baltic Pride 2016 March for Equality was awarded with the ‘Breakthrough of the Year’ Award during the ceremony of the National Equality and Diversity Awards 2016, held in the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania in Vilnius. The Baltic Pride 2016 March for Equality, organized by the National LGBT*

Only in Amsterdam: the 20th edition of Amsterdam’s Gay Pride Canal Parade

On the 1st of August, 2015 a half of million visitors from around the world turned out for the 20th edition of Amsterdam’s Gay Pride Canal Parade. Tens of thousands of representatives of the LGBT* community and human rights activists, including Vladimir Simonko, Executive Director of the national LGBT* rights organization LGL, sailed the channels

Malta launches inspiring education policy for trans and intersex children

An education policy launched by the Maltese government on the 16th of June, 2015 is another ground-breaking move, inspired by the landmark Gender Expression, Gender Identity and Sex Characteristics Act passed earlier this year. The policy is the first of its kind in Europe; no other European country has a comprehensive education policy focusing on the needs

“Eurovision” Song Contest: Building Bridges between West and East

Building Bridges, the motto of the “Eurovision” Song Contest, is all about uniting the east and west. Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) communities from this year’s host country, Austria, and abroad used the opportunity of the world’s biggest LGBT-friendly music event to make the statement that Europe must improve the rights of its

Eurovision Stars Promote Message of Tolerance

On the 17th of May, 2015, celebrated throughout the world as the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), the official opening ceremony for Eurovision took place at Vienna’s City Hall Square. Vladimir Simonko, Executive Director of the national LGBT* rights organization LGL, was among the few lucky fans invited to the red carpet event,