The subproject is financed by the Block grant for enhancement of the NGOs sector in Lithuania under the EEA Financial Mechanism and Norwegian Financial Mechanism
After accession to the EU, the anti-discrimination laws have been rectified which protect LGBT people to a larger extent in Lithuania. However, the LGBT community is still facing large challenges of intolerance, low self esteem of LGBT people.
Problem:
The majority of homosexual people hide their sexual orientation from the society because of high intolerance in Lithuania. LGBT people are forced to isolate themselves from the development of open civil society, that’s why their community and the organization are weak. Membership of LGBT organization also would mean a forced coming out of the closet, what causes limited concept of community, lack of confidence in the equal rights advocacy practice and low motivation to participate in civil society. There is a high level of prejudices, stereotypes and negative myths about LGBT community.
The overall aim of the subproject is to promote human rights, equal opportunities, social inclusion and health among LGBT community in Lithuania. The more specific aim is to strengthen the capacity of LGL through sharing of best practices, training by and cooperation with RFSL in Sweden.
Subproject consists of 2 props:
Strengthen the community through information and support centre in Vilnius (10 seminars on topics: Social policy, Health, Education, Culture, Media, City for you, Law, Youth, Sport, Seniors);
International collaboration, trainings and research based on good practice:
– 1st step: research based on good practice, training in Stockholm – visiting RFSL, meeting with representatives of state institutions in Vilnius;
– 2nd step: working group for partners in ILGA-Europe conference in Valeta;
– 3rd step: final International Conference in Vilnius.
Expected results:
First of all results will be a book containing best practices and lessons learned as well as an increased capacity in the organisations to set up and conduct benchmarking studies and use this constructively during networking activities. Secondly it will be a strategy plan (or action plan for 2010-2015) presented at final conference for further sharing of information and cooperation – including how to strengthen established partnership in future bilateral cooperation. Results received by the research and by good practice sharing will be documented in publications (book and leaflet) and reports and promoted through online sites. All this information will be disseminated through the participating partner organizations and international networks, as well as on national and European level.