PRIDE WEEK 2023

5-10 JUNE 2023

Pride Week, besides empowering LGBTIQ+ persons, aims to raise the collective awareness and visibility of different sexual orientations and/or gender identities in Kosovar society. Furthermore, it aims to address issues of the current situation of LGBTIQ+ persons and fight discrimination and unequal treatment of LGBTIQ+ persons in Kosovo.

Due to continuous discrimination in a systematic way, unacceptance and exclusion from the family, society and the state, LGBTIQ+ persons deal with a high level of anxiety, stress and depression on a daily basis.  As a result of all this, emotional, mental, and physical well-being is in a state of concern. Mental health is extremely important, and continuous professional support as well as unconditional love is more than necessary for LGBTIQ+ people in Kosovo. Furthermore, the state continues to not provide adequate institutional support for LGBTIQ+ people, thus avoiding the responsibility it has regarding this issue and this social group. 

On its seventh edition, Pride Week will focus on the mental health of LGBTIQ+ people, so that we can support everyone who is dealing with high levels of stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. 

In this edition, through the slogan “I love you as you are” we want to convey a supportive message to everyone who is dealing with challenges of high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression that are a direct consequence of systemic homophobia and transphobia by the state, society, and the family. With “I love you as you are” we want to remind everyone that they are not alone. Love, acceptance and building safe spaces, in addition to professional help are more than necessary, if not essential, for preventing and overcoming mental health challenges.

The psychological and emotional well-being of LGBTIQ+ people must be a priority of our institutions and policy-making. This Pride Week reminds us that the lives of LGBTIQ+ people matter. 

Do not hesitate to seek professional psychological help by contacting the organizations below:

1. Center for Equality and Liberty (CEL) 

2. Center for Social Group Development (CSGD)

3. Life Line - Call 0800 12345, every day from 2 PM to 2 AM