Towards Practical Implementation of LGBT* Rights in Lithuania 2014 01–2015 06

The main purpose of the proposed project is to mainstream the LGBT* equality into the Lithuanian politics through addressing the practical challenges, faced by the local LGBT* community on a daily basis.

The objective of the proposed project is to achieve more comprehensive social integration of the local LGBT* community by taking into account its specific needs.

The goals of the proposed project are as follows: (a) to identify and raise awareness among the general public, legislators, policy makers and the LGBT* community itself about the practical problems, which are faced by the local LGBT* community on a daily basis; (b) to develop and to propose specific measures, strategies and methodologies, which would aim at mainstreaming the LGBT* equality in the decision making process in Lithuania; (c) to apply specific measures, which would cause the actual change in the LGBT* lives in accordance to their specific needs.

First of all, LGL will develop the LGBT* Anti-Discrimination Plan 2014-2016 based on the LGL’s documentation report of Monitoring Implementation of the Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)5 and will offer it for consideration, negotiation and possible adoption by relevant decision makers. Secondly, based on the good practice from previous years, the public awareness campaigns will be organized. Thirdly, LGL will implement advocacy strategies against homo-, bi- and transphobic hate crimes and for the comprehensive inclusion of LGBT* issues in the national strategy on promoting tolerance and diversity. Fourthly, 10 thematic workshops for the local LGBT* community and the representatives of civil society will be organized, in order to provide them with practical skills on how to tackle challenges. Fifthly, LGL will actively participate in addressing legislative/policy initiatives, aiming at securing effective exercise of fundamental rights for transsexual individuals in Lithuania (in relation to the associated partnership with the LGBT association Q in Iceland). Finally, the capacity of the organization will be strengthened in order to promote its role in representing the interests of the local LGBT* community.

The projects will last for the period of 18 months.

The project is funded by EEA Grants and Norway Grants. Through the EEA Grants and Norway Grants, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway contribute to reducing social and economic disparities and to strengthening bilateral relations with the beneficiary countries in Europe. The three countries cooperate closely with the EU through the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA).

For the period 2009-14, the EEA Grants and Norway Grants amount to €1.79 billion (support to Lithuania amounts to €84 million). Norway contributes around 97% of the total funding. Grants are available for NGOs, research and academic institutions, and the public and private sectors in the 12 newest EU member states, Greece, Portugal and Spain. There is broad cooperation with donor state entities, and activities may be implemented until 2016.

Key areas of support are environmental protection and climate change, research and scholarships, civil society, health and children, gender equality, justice and cultural heritage.

Learn more about project activities:

Baltic Pride Movie Screening at EuroPride 2015 18/06/2015

Cheer Queer goes… All Americans boys! 14/06/2015

Publication “Transgender people’s human rights standards: gender reassignment and legal recognition”, 2015

Rainbow Days 2015: