23.08.2023. » 11:34

OP - ED Human Rights and LGBTIQ+ Rights

With the growing focus on human rights protection and promotion in recent years, the LGBTIQ+ community has frequently been neglected. Marija Radulovic, a human rights defender and former Deputy Ombudsperson, advocates for heightened awareness, education, and acceptance of LGBTIQ+ individuals, underscoring the roles of organizations, families, and society in countering discrimination.

In the last few decades, more precisely in the last couple of years, the idea and concept of human rights protection and promotion has got quite a lot of public space. Public space in the sense of debates, research, protests, reports and recommendations for further and better future.

The space was and remains open for all, so called, generations of human rights. Civil, political, social, cultural, "green" rights. The fight against discrimination, women's rights a bit more, especially on those "certain" days...marking 8th of March, 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, the international day of zero tolerance on discrimination, etc.

However, one group, the community, very often remained on the sidelines. Although activism has been emphasized a lot in recent years, there has always been a "but" as an excuse to avoid discussion about the LGBTIQ+ community.

In my five-year career as a deputy ombudsperson, I proudly carried the "flag" and was always recognized as someone who loudly and clearly stand on the issue. Because being segregated just because of who you are, what you feel and love, is one of the most severe forms of discrimination. I believe...

Why should we talk about LGBTIQ+ community?

Sexual orientation and gender identity are integral aspects of ourselves and should never lead to discrimination or abuse. But, the reality pretty often does not follow this stand.

When you’re gay, bisexual, transgender, or gender-nonconforming, an average day can become a struggle to survive.

Living as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex person can be life-threatening in a number of countries across the globe. For those who do not live with a daily immediate risk to their life, discrimination on the basis of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity can have a devastating effect on physical, mental and emotional well-being for those forced to endure it.

It’s a fact that acceptance of the LGBTIQ+ community has grown globally. In Kosovo situation has been improved but still not enough. Homophobia and transphobia are still present.

Generally, being a member of LGBTIQ can lead to severe forms of discrimination and stigmatization.

Who can play an important role in combating these damaging behaviors?

Family, CSOs, entire society…all of them.

CSOs can play a unique and important role in advancing equality and well-being for LGBTI people. These organizations have deep first-hand knowledge of their local LGBTI communities, their needs, their challenges and their strengths. And this is something that should be supported in order to make LGBTIQ+ people’s everyday life better and easier.

Advocating, educating and raising the issue of LGBTIQ+ community in Kosovo society have to be stronger, more visible

Once you are educated about LGBTIQ+ people, you can step in and educate others.

So, let’s make LGBTIQ+ community safer together!

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Marija Radulovic is passionate human rights defender, with more than decade of experience in human rights protection and promotion.

Former Kosovo* Deputy Ombudsperson, fervent humanitarian worker.

Fan of the East and coffee admirer