On July 18th, 2019, the EVS (European Voluntary Service) volunteers Viktorija Bondikjova and Carmen Rivas presented the findings from their research on the needs of LGBT community members and NGOs in Sofia, Bulgaria. The event was hosted by Dada Cultural Bar and it aimed to promote the final report "I just want basic things! - We are not there yet" from the local LGBT needs assessment and engage the audience to take action for LGBT equality and LGBT tolerance in Bulgaria.
The EVS volunteers, Viktorija Bondikjova from North Macedonia and Carmen Rivas from Spain conducted a qualitative community-based research as part of their personal project within the EVS program in their hosting organizations. This research report is part of the local needs assessment which aimed to understand the needs, services and challenges of LGBT community members and NGOs in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Why did we decide to conduct this LGBT needs assessment?
Due to the lack of research background on LGBT needs and rights in Bulgaria, as well as insufficient funding to implement research projects on this matter, we conducted this local needs assessment to provide critical information about LGBT community needs as identified by them and by the NGOs working with them. The aim of this project is the increase the knowledge and raise the awareness of the critical issues which affect the LGBT community, and contribute to more mobilized and organized LGBT community. The goal of this needs assessment project is to offer possible ideas on how to improve the situation of the LGBT community in Bulgaria in different areas of life, such as law, health, education, media and community organizing, and explore ways to address LGBT peoples' and NGOs needs.
There were around 40 participants at the event - and they asked important questions!
We are thankful to our hosting organizations Y-PEER PETRI - Sofia and Smokinya Foundation for supporting this research report and to the Rainbow Hub for collaborating with us throughout the entire research process.
For any questions related to the research, you can contact the authors:
Viktorija Bondikjova - viktorijabon@gmail.com
Carmen Rivas - carmenjoserivas@gmail.com.