The National Human Rights Forum discussion “Is There Space for LGBTIQ+ People in Municipalities?” which took place on December 10, 2024, highlighted systematic problems: growing community distrust in government institutions, strengthening of anti-democratic forces particularly in regions, and limited inclusion of LGBTIQ+ people in social life.
Dr. Vytautas Valentinavičius from Kaunas University of Technology presented results of a comprehensive study analyzing strategic plans of 60 municipalities, which revealed that only one municipality (Kaunas district) mentions LGBTIQ+ inclusion in its plans. The research demonstrated a lack of systemic measures for implementing equality and non-discrimination policies at the municipal level.
Lithuanian Gay League’s Project Manager and Legal Expert Monika Antanaitytė emphasized the fragmentary nature of LGBTIQ+ rights protection at the local government level. This was illustrated by LGL leader Vladimir Simonko’s experience in 2023, when no municipal institution in Kaunas agreed to provide space for a Pride event.
An unexpected turn in the discussion came when Akmenė District Mayor Vitalijus Mitrofanovas, responding to Simonko’s question, promised to allow a Pride march in Akmenė. However, the mayor also candidly addressed political reality: local politicians often avoid raising LGBTIQ+ rights issues, fearing loss of voter support.
Research by Vilnius University Associate Professor Ieva Petronytė-Urbonavičienė revealed a deeper problem – regional residents often don’t believe LGBTIQ+ people live in their communities, while those who support LGBTIQ+ rights choose to remain silent to avoid social conflicts.
The discussion explored ways how local government institutions could better address LGBTIQ+ community needs, regardless of the lack of national-level measures. Dr. Valentinavičius described the current situation as a “spiral of silence,” comparing it to the previous invisibility of disabled people in society, when there was no recognition that this group has the same needs as all other members of society.
@Augusto Didžgalvio fotografija
During the National Human Rights Forum, there was a discussion and closing event for the project “More Effective Protection of LGBTI Rights Through Strengthening Inter-institutional Cooperation” (No.: SV5-147), which is funded by the Ministry of Social Security and Labor. Project implementer: Lithuanian Gay League. Project partners: Lithuanian Seimas Ombudsmen’s Office, Vilnius City Municipality, and Kaunas University of Technology.
