PINK holds open lecture at University of Shkodra

On May 8^th 2015 in the framework of International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, PINK Embassy / LGBT Pro Albania held an open lecture at the University of Shkodra, Faculty of Education Sciences.

The event was held in cooperation with the University of Shkodra, Shkodra Municipality, Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and the EU Info Centre in Shkodra. It was attended by more than 90 students of different majors and it lasted for more than two hours.

At the training students managed to learn more about LGBTI concepts, sexual orientation, gender identity, hetero-normativity, heterosexist and its consequences such as discrimination, homophobia, transphobia etc.

Questions from students dealt with the reasons and causes of homosexuality, the lifestyles and choices of LGBTI people, how to educate and inform children on sexual orientation and gender identity, how two same-sex parents can be a good role model etc.

Students received also materials through emails and printing such as magazines, brochures etc.

This year’s topic for the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is LGBTI youth and the many problems they face in their daily lives. This includes eviction from home, exclusion from social networks, lack of chances and opportunities in terms of professional and human development, bullying and harassment in schools, psychological abuse in social media, verbal and physical attacks from strangers, abuse with drugs, psycho-emotional distress etc. In these 7 years Albanian LGBTI youth have shared with organizations distressing information about serious problems in the family, schools, workplace etc. It is important that all Albanian society and institutions understand that homophobia and transphobia are not just words without consequences. They have a direct impact on the lives and future of every young woman and man whose sexual orientation and gender identity does not correspond with social expectations.

PINK Embassy wishes to thank the Faculty of Education Sciences in Shkodër, Municipality of Shkodër, Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, EU Info Centre Shkodër for their collaboration in holding awareness activities in the city.

This activity was organized in the framework of the initiative “Improving the lives of LGBTI people at local level”

More photos here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.973754369325069&type=1