16.12.2025. » 15:25 | ACDC
Invisibility, Fear, and Stigma Remain Key Challenges for the LGBTQI+ Community in Northern Kosovo
Pristina, December 15, 2025 – The non-governmental organization Advocacy Center for Democratic Culture (ACDC) organized the final conference of the project “Bringing Pride To The North” at Hotel Sirius in Pristina, where the results of a study on the position and quality of life of the LGBTQI+ community in northern Kosovo were presented.
The panel discussion featured the participation of:
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Arber Nuhiu, Executive Director of NGO CSGD
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Marija Radulović, former Deputy Ombudsperson
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Andrea Todić, Project Manager at ACDC
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Živkica Jančić, artist
The event was moderated by Ines Mihajlović Aljović.
During the conference, it was emphasized that the invisibility of the community, fear of discrimination and violence, as well as strong social stigma remain the dominant challenges faced by LGBTQI+ persons, especially in smaller and more conservative environments.
At the opening of the conference, Andrea Todić highlighted that the research conducted by ACDC shows that, although there is a certain level of empathy and basic awareness of LGBTQI+ issues among citizens, the community in northern Kosovo remains almost completely invisible in the public sphere. According to the research findings, most respondents believe that LGBTQI+ persons should have equal rights; however, there is strong resistance to their public visibility, particularly when it comes to the family environment and one’s own children. The results point to deeply rooted prejudices, fear, and a lack of systematic education.
Speaking about the project’s outcomes, Arber Nuhiu emphasized that through this research and public discussion, ACDC has “broken the ice” in a community where such topics are rarely addressed, noting that the project has developed an advocacy model that can serve as a foundation for future initiatives and more effective action.
Marija Radulović stressed that invisibility goes hand in hand with insecurity and that visibility can only be expected once institutions clearly and consistently demonstrate that they protect the rights of every individual. She emphasized the importance of everyone recognizing their role, as well as the significance of education, dialogue, and continuous efforts to build a more tolerant society.
Artist Živkica Jančić highlighted that art can be a powerful tool in bringing issues of diversity and acceptance closer to the public, noting that artistic expression can contribute to breaking down prejudices and humanizing LGBTQI+ experiences.
The conference concluded with the message that education, strengthening institutional accountability, and joint action by civil society, artists, and institutions are essential to improving the protection of rights and the overall position of the LGBTQI+ community in Kosovo.
The project “Bringing Pride To The North” is implemented by NGO ACDC with the support of the European Union, within the broader regional project “Together for LGBTQI+ Equality”.
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