International LGBT student organisation - IGLYO, strongly condemns homophobic posters by neo-nazi group in Yerevan

For background info, read: Homophobic posters in Yerevan, Armenia

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IGLYO Condemns the use of hate speech against LGBTQ people in Armenia

IGLYO states with deep concern that homophobic posters promoting hate speech have appeared in the streets of Armenia’s capital Yerevan and other major cities in the country.

An ultra-nationalist right-wing youth NGO calling themselves “Mek Azg” (“One Nation”) is preparing and distributing posters claiming “the Armenian nation to say “No” to homosexuality and erotic websites” that have already flooded the streets of Yerevan and other cities (to view the posters and get information about this anti-gay campaign in English, please, follow this link.

The NGO is also promoting xenophobia and anti-US propaganda. However, the group’s main target are LGBTQ people, with their anti-gay campaigns becoming more intense and fierce every day.

Moreover, the NGO has started creating networks and gaining allies among the so-called “national” and “patriotic” NGOs and individuals who, apart from distributing homophobic flyers and posters, use social networks to chase LGBTQ individuals, using offensive language and threatening to assault them physically.

In view of this disturbing situation, the IGLYO Board calls upon local/national and international government institutions, human rights watchdogs, NGOs and LGBTQ activists to address hate speech and discriminatory statements affecting the lives of LGBTQ people in Armenia.

As a Council of Europe member-state, Armenia must respect the PACE Resolution combating Discrimination on Grounds of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and take decisive steps to combat homo/bi/transphobia, hate speech and hate crimes.

Besides, Article 14.1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia states that “..any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, color, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or other personal or social circumstances shall be prohibited.”

IGLYO offers its staunch support to LGBTQ activists and human rights advocates in Armenia and urges international institutions and human rights defenders to undertake prompt measures to address these totally unacceptable violations against LGBTQ people living in this country.

The IGLYO Board

*source

Faces of LGBT activists from Armenia - Zaruhi Shushanyan

Zaruhi Shushanyan from Armenia (We For Civil Equality NGO) was chosen as the face of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Youth and Student Organisation (IGLYO) for the exhibition celebrating the 25th anniversary of the organisation. She was among the representatives of 15 countries on display, including Georgia and Turkey.

Here is what Zaruhi has to say (via IGLYO website):  

“I believe that there are people who were born to change the world. I am the one who attempts to help activists in their mission.

I urge people in my country to care about others who "differ" from them.”

Well done, Zaruhi. I am proud of you.

This is the second instance when a female activist from Armenia is chosen for the international LGBT rights, anti-discrimination initiatives. (First example - Lilit Poghosyan)

About the exhibition: “In July 2009, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Youth and Student Organisation (IGLYO) celebrated its 25th anniversary with an international LGBTQ activist conference in Amsterdam, bringing together more than 80 activists from all regions of the world. The exhibition “Faces of IGLYO” consists of portraits some of these activists. It reflects the manifold backgrounds, experiences and people within the international LGBTQ community.”

“Very often, their personal efforts and sacrifices go unnoticed in the struggle for LGBTQ rights. This exhibition is also meant to act as a space for acknowledgement and recognition of the tremendously important contribution of each of these individual activists towards achieving equality for all LGBTQ people in all regions of the world.

On the occasion of IGLYO’s 25th birthday, Alex Muller has created portraits of 15 activists from all over the world. She is a self-taught photographer from Germany and considers photography a powerful tool of social activism. Her work mainly focuses on local and international activism around LGBT rights and health.”

“The struggles we face are unique in each country. However, what we share are our convictions, our knowledge and our passion.”

*picture - by IGLYO/ Alex Müller (via iglyo.com)