Cultivating collaborations: round-table on politics, society and the LGBTQ community in Macedonia

LGBTQ persons have been victims of discrimination and violence across the globe. In Central and Eastern Europe, the progression of rights for LGBTQ persons has not had the same success as in other parts of the world. Kristefer Stojanovski, US Fulbright Fellow, undertook a research project on the influences of society and politics on the LGBTQ community in Macedonia. On June 4, 2014 from 14:00-16:00 at the Club of journalists a round-table will be held where the results will be presented.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer persons (LGBTQ), due to their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, are victims of discrimination, maltreatment and reduced access to services, throughout the world, particularly in conservative societies and countries. Extremely homophobic and negative views and perceptions towards LGBTQ persons continue to dominate politics, society and culture in Central, Eastern, and particularly South-eastern Europe (SEE). Media and human rights organizations across the countries on the territory of former Yugoslavia, such as Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Macedonia, continuously report the violence committed against LGBTQ persons.

Kristefer Stojanovski, US Fullbright Fellow undertook a nine-month-long research project on the interplay and impacts that politics and society have on discrimination against LGBTQ persons and access to services, health and police in particular, in Macedonia. The results of this cross-sectional mixed methods study will be presented at the round-table on June 4, 2014 at 14:00-16:00 at the Club of Journalists.

In attendance will be representatives from the civil society sector, foreign embassies (United States, Kingdom of Netherlands), and members from the LGBTQ community. Additional invitees include representatives of government institutions and bodies, and international organizations.