On May 16, a joint reception organized by 14 embassies took place at the French Residence in celebration of IDAHOT (International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia). As stated by the French Ambassador Maryse Berniau during her speech, it is very important to celebrate this day in a country like Lithuania, where it is still difficult for LGBT* people to openly live their sexuality.

On this occasion, children books author Neringa Dangvidė received the Rainbow Award as a recognition of her fight for freedom of expression in Lithuania. Neringa published a book of fairy tales for children which was banned because of its depiction of same-sex love and relationships. You can read more about her work here.