© Augustas Didžgalvis
Name, surname: Vladimir Simonko
Position: Co-founder and Executive Director
E-mail: vladimir@gay.lt
About the employee: I have a long experience and a strong background in working on LGBT* rights in Lithuania, acting as expert and trainer in various national and international projects and actively participating in human rights conferences. I was an organizer of the first Eastern European Conference of ILGA in Palanga in 1994 and the annual ILGA-Europe conference in Vilnius in 2007. I was also one of the main organizers of the first Baltic Pride that took place in Vilnius in 2010. Currently I serve as a member of the Lithuanian Human Rights Coalition and National Equality and Diversity Forum. I have also participated in National Working Groups on EU anti-discrimination policy and the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All (2007).
© Augustas Didžgalvis
Name, surname: Eduardas Platovas
Position: Programmes Director
E-mail: edis@gay.lt
About the employee: I am a former journalist and hold a position at LGL since its foundation in 1993. Long time experience helped me to gain a strong background and skills in working on LGBT rights in Lithuania and shows my great commitment to human rights in general. My general activities involve: coordination of project activities and general project administration, including financial reporting and general reporting on project implementation. Other longstanding international human rights activities include organization of the “ILGA-Europe” conference in Vilnius in 2007 and the “Baltic Pride” festival in 2010, 2013 and 2016.
© Augustas Didžgalvis
Name, surname: Eglė Kuktoraitė
Position: Communication Manager
E-mail: egle@gay.lt
About the employee: I got my bachelor’s degree in Lithuanian philology and promotion from Vilnius University in 2012. While studying a Master’s degree programme of American studies in University of Turin I realized that conscious society is a vital force in making political decisions and implementing the rights of LGBT people. Employment in LGL promises a chance to apply energy and excitement of writing to publicize LGL’s humane initiatives. Therefore, if my texts would encourage a single person to a positive change – my work will be worthwhile.
© Augustas Didžgalvis
Name, surname: Odeta Makaveckaitė
Position: Accountant
E-mail: odeta@gay.lt
About the employee: I got my degree in economics at Vilnius University and ever since I have been working in the fields of financial services and accountancy. I gained plenty of experience in various positions in large companies during my career. Being responsible of all financial documents and accounts I ensure that LGBT* rights activists at least don’t need to take care of that. It is my small contribution to the cause! In my free time I enjoy resting in the nature, I like accompanying hunters (though, I don’t use a gun). Also, I try to catch every opportunity to fly to European capitals – I adore travelling!
© Augustas Didžgalvis
Name: Monika Antanaitytė
Position: Project Manager
E-mail: monika@gay.lt
About the employee: After finishing university legal studies, I acquired substantial practical experience in a private law field. However, through the long-time work with the non-governmental organizations I was given the most outstanding opportunity for a significant professional growth while utilizing a human values-oriented approach. Participation at various international seminars (organized by OSCE, etc.), projects and a solid experience in organizing conferences promoting Holocaust remembrance and raising multi-aspect hate phenomenon awareness provided me with additional competences in the Human Rights field. I firmly believe there is a direct correlation between the Human Rights situation and the overall societal well-being and maturity. Therefore, working towards LGBT rights advancement in Lithuania and other countries in the region, we have an opportunity to contribute to the reduction of all forms of discrimination and carry out a positive change for a more inclusive, civic-minded, conscious and secure society.