IDAHOT 2020: Keeping the Silence in post Velvet Revolution Armenia

Since the Velvet Revolution, Armenia is steadily improving its rankings in terms of democracy, freedom... One field that lacking progress is LGBT rights, where country is still among the bottom worst in Europe.

A shameful record, as we mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

Despite having number of seemingly committed to human rights MPs in post-Revolution Armenia parliament, no single MP (+ no single government official) had enough courage to speak up for IDAHOT.

Instead of Breaking The Silence - the motto of the day - they chose to keep the silence.

On a related but contrasting note, was great to see some government officials and media outlets in neighbouring Georgia, like Natia Mezvrishvili, head of government administration, and Civil.ge marking IDAHOT 2020 with such an important message.

Natia Mezvrishvili: As #UDHR has it "All human beings are born with equal and inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms". I stand as an ally with LGBTI people in Georgia and Worldwide #IDAHOT #NOTOHOMOPHOBIA  

Civil.ge: May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. We stand together with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer+ people in the fight against hate. #Lovewins #IDAHOBIT 🇬🇪🏳‍🌈
📷 by Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge - Tbilisi, May 17, 2017 

Unfortunately, I have yet to see similar stance by any media in Armenia.