The National LGBT rights organization LGL has released a video urging to consider the needs of LGBT children during COVID-19 restrictions.

During the difficult period of the COVID-19 restrictions, LGBT children face emotional health challenges. Like all children, they feel isolated due to limited social contact. Children spend all their time at home, studying remotely and cannot get the support of supporting adults and friends at school.

LGL administers an emotional support platform for LGBT children and adolescents. Volunteers who provide emotional support constantly receive inquiries regarding the emotional health challenges posed by complex family relationships, issues of self-acceptance, sexual orientation and gender identity, COVID-19 restrictions.

“The period of COVID-19 restrictions is a difficult time for LGBT children. They feel isolated at home, unable to get the necessary support at school, spend time with their friends and create that special connection we create by communicating live, ”says Eglė Kuktoraitė, Communication Manager at LGL.

The project “DIVERSITY-CHILDHOOD: Changing social attitudes towards gender diversity in children across Europe” seeks to raise awareness and reduce prejudice, as well as improve violence protection and support to LGBTI and gender non-conforming children. Moreover, DaC project is also aimed at reducing the risk of violence through different actions, such as the provision of effective tools to stakeholders. DaC also envisages strengthening the well-being and the fundamental rights of LGBTI and gender non-conforming children, and providing deeper knowledge on the multiple dimensions of violence against children.

This video is part of the project “DIVERSITY-CHILDHOOD: Changing social attitudes towards gender diversity in children across Europe”, which is implemented with the financial support of the Rights, Equality and Citizenship (REC) Programme of the European Union. The project is also supported by the Flemish Government, the Office of Embassy of Canada in Lithuania and the Embassy of Sweden. This video is also a part of the project “Together against bullying: building a support network against homophobic bullying in schools”, which is funded by the Council of Europe through the European Youth Foundation.