21 May 2013, Tirana – This May 17th was a proud one for the LGBT community in Albania. In an unprecendented style, IDAHO, which is celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide, saw the “Diversity Fair” taking place in downtown Tirana along with a series of other cultural, educational and informational events.

PINK Embassy / LGBT Pro Albania as one of the leading LGBT organizations in the country, organized IDAHO activities throughout the entire week, starting on May 13th with the opening of an exhibition depicting the LGBT movement in pictures and videos, continuing on May 14th and 15th with a series of lectures at different Faculties of the University of Tirana. Then, on May 16th a Round Table was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, the People’s Advocate and the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination. The events, culminated on May 17th with the “Diversity Fair” a large event at one of the central squares of Tirana, where citizens could take more information about LGBT life in Albania. Tens of organizations and institutions attended the fair which attracted big media and public attention.

8 May 2013 – The Albanian LGBT movement has taken today another step forward against discrimination and hate speech in the media. The complaint of PINK Embassy / LGBT Pro Albania over the discriminatory and denigrating article of Mr. Artan Lame against the LGBT community was answered today by the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination.

After analyzing the complaint and the article, the Commissioner concluded that the expressions of Mr. Lame are discriminatory because they are judgmental against the dignity and threaten the security and protection from violence of people because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Plenary Session at the Albanian Parliament, held on May 2nd, was historical for the LGBT movement and community. During this session two proposals for amendments to important laws were approved by the law makers. These will significantly strengthen the legal protection of LGBT people from hate crime and hate speech.

During discussions for “Some amendments to the law no: 7895, 27.01.1995, the Criminal Code of the Republic of Albania” among others two important amendments for the LGBT community were approved: The first has to do with adding as an aggravating circumstance crimes motivated by hatred because of sexual orientation or gender identity, which will offer more protection to LGBT people. More specifically, article 50, section “j” is changed as follows:

j) When the crime is committed by motives which have to do with gender, race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, political, religious or philosophical views, health status, genetic predisposition or disability”.

Tirana, 2 May 2013 – May 17th is the International Day against Homophobia (IDAHO) a day which celebrates the 1990 decision of the World Health Organization to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases. For 5 years now, LGBT organizations and human rights activists advocate to raise awareness of the public opinion on the negative consequences of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.

As in previous years, PINK Embassy / LGBT Pro Albania leads the efforts of the LGBT community, civil society and activists fighting for the respect of human rights in Albania to put emphasis on the problems related to lack of respect for rights of LGBT people, homophobia and transphobia.

This May 17th having in mind that it is an electoral year and that the political engagement for the advancement of LGBT rights is very important, PINK Embassy launches the campaign: “Vote Diversity – Fight Homophobia”.

25 April 2013 – PINK Embassy / LGBT Pro Albania organized a meeting in its ambiances between the well known artist Huyeda el Saied and PINK Youth Group. In this meeting was also present Mr. Z. Altin Hazizaj, who moderated the meeting as well as PINK Ambassador, Znj. Belioza Çoku.

Huyeda has expressed her commitemnt to work for the cause of human rights

ka shprehur dëshirën të aktivizohet në kauzën e të drejtave të njeriut dhe më konkretisht në atë të të drejtave LGBT duke u bërë Ambasadore pranë PINK / LGBT Pro Shqip?ri. Q?llimi i takimit ishte q? vet? vullnetar?t dhe vizitor?t e Ambasad?s PINK t? parashtronin p?rshtypjet dhe k?rkesat e tyre p?r Ambasadoren e re.