Opinion: “Do not offend Lithuanians with your happiness”

Rescuing the drowning is the responsibility of the drowning themselves; there is no place for gays, lesbians, transsexuals and other similar people in Lithuanian society. Such were the dominant views expressed after the District Court of Klaipėda reached an official decision regarding the photo of two boys kissing that was posted on Facebook. However, it

Volunteering in Lithuania: My Experience of Rainbow Days 2015

As a foreigner volunteering in one of the most homophobic countries in the European Union, I admit I did not know what reactions would have generated the Rainbow Days 2015, the set of initiatives organized in Lithuania for IDAHOT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia). Since I moved to this country, not many positive events

Rainbow Days 2015 Events in Klaipėda Generate Great Interest

Although the entirety of Lithuania travels to Klaipėda every summer anyways, the national LGBT* rights organization LGL paid the city an extra visit. Klaipėda has always had its queer charm with its boats, waves and mist shining in the sun. Our friends by the sea have always been more beautiful and liberal! On May 20th,

Rainbow Days 2015 Comes to Kaunas

Every spring, as the breeze carries fresh green leaves, the longest rainbow flag in the country waves proudly. On May 19th, the national LGBT* rights organization LGL brought the events of Rainbow Days 2015 to Kaunas. LGL invited the public to the LGBT* Myth Busters Workshop and a Rainbow Days film screening. At 16:00 on

IDAHO 2015 Forum Held in Montenegro

No cultural, traditional or religious values can justify hate crimes against LGBT* people. Such was the basis of the third international forum for the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), which was held in Montenegro and serves as a message to European governments. The event was organized by the Montenegrin government, which was represented

On the 17th of May, almost all major EU institutions marked Sunday’s International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT). The European Parliament, the European Commission and the European External Action Service all issued statements on this occasion. The High Representative of the European Union, issued a written statement on behalf of the EU, affirming

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people remain among the most vulnerable in Lithuanian society; however, Lithuania displays a striking lack of political will with respect to creating and implementing the policies and legislation needed to combat this issue. Furthermore, it is clear that the Inter-Institutional Action Plan on Non-Discrimination for 2015-2020 (adopted on January 28th,

Rainbow Days 2015 Film Screening at the “Pasaka” Movie Theatre

Lithuanian cinemas helped celebrate Rainbow Days once again! At 4 pm on May 17th, 2015, the national LGBT* rights organisation LGL invited the public to a screening of the Italian film “Loose Cannons,” which was held at the “Pasaka” movie theatre in Vilnius. The film “Loose Cannons” (“Mine Veganti”) (2010) is a witty, ironic, and

Foreign Embassies in Vilnius Raised the Rainbow Flag in Honour of IDAHOT

On the 17th of May, 2015 LGBT*-friendly foreign embassies in Vilnius raised the rainbow flag to honour the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) and to show their support for the LGBT* community. The rainbow flag decorated the embassies of Italy, Finland, Norway, Austria, Germany, Denmark and Holland. Representatives of the U.S. Embassy in

LGL’s Rainbow Bus Rolled Down the Streets of Vilnius Once Again

At noon on the 16th of May, 2015 LGL’s rainbow bus rolled down the streets of Vilnius’s city centre. This year, the national LGBT* rights organisation LGL, author of the censored book “Amber Heart” Neringa Dangvydė, Facebook kissing sensations Pijus Beizaras and Mangirdas Levickas, and other human rights activists invited residents and visitors of Vilnius

On the 15th of May, 2015 the official reception for Rainbow Days 2015, which was organized by the national LGBT* rights organization LGL, took place at the Finnish Embassy. Numerous human rights activists, ambassadors, and figures from the world of culture and entertainment showed their support by attending the event. Over one hundred guests celebrated

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,