Sexual minorities and their organizations Past and present

History - my reflection • Several organizations from early 1990 ies; • Troubled existence,

Positive aspects • • • Several successful LGBT organizations; Periods of activities and publicity;

Phase 1 - early 1990 ies • Latvijas associācija seksuālai vienlīdzībai (Latvian Association for

Phase 2 - late 1990 ies • Homoseksualitātes Infomācijas Centrs, HIC – – –

Phase 3 - early 2000 • Informal grouping of 14 gays and lesbians –

Phase 4 - post Pride • Informal gatherings 1 x month; • Strategic seminar

Mozaika MISSION: To increase public awareness of different forms of sexual orientation and to

How to get there Goals Strategies Legal Advice and support networks Education & Information

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Sexual minorities and their organizations Past and present developments Linda Freimane, “Mozaika” February 23, 2006

History - my reflection • Several organizations from early 1990 ies; • Troubled existence, conflicts; • Few active people; • Lack of strategic planning and political anchoring; • In-build complex and selfmarginalization

Positive aspects • • • Several successful LGBT organizations; Periods of activities and publicity; www. gay. lv as a constant forum; Social life and networks, bars, discos; International support; Latest developments.

Phase 1 - early 1990 ies • Latvijas associācija seksuālai vienlīdzībai (Latvian Association for sexual equality) – “Born in 1990”, founded 1991; – Museum of History of Literature; – First pan-Baltic conference in 1992, participation of an MP, TV attention; – First project with ILGA Europe - joint Baltic, Moscow and St. Petersburg project; – Highlight and media attention in -95, lesbian ”wedding”; – Ceased to exist in 1996. • Informal lesbian group 1992 -1993

Phase 2 - late 1990 ies • Homoseksualitātes Infomācijas Centrs, HIC – – – Founded in 1997; Not more than 10 members; First project with the HR Centre (N. Muižnieks); Demonstration for LGBT rights in Helsinki; Split leadership, some went abroad; Ceased to exist a few years later. • Geju atbalsta grupa – Focused on men only; – Non-political, “social” character. • 1999, draft same-sex partnership law

Phase 3 - early 2000 • Informal grouping of 14 gays and lesbians – – – “Secret” services once a month from 2000; Advertised (only answer from the Arch Bishop); Latvian Lutheran church expelled Māris Sants; The open, evangelic congregation was founded in 2002; Continue working, ~ 50 members, mixed orientation; Events in 2005 – Riga Pride and Juris Calitis. • Geju un Lesbiešu Jaunatnes Atbalsta Grupa (GLJAG) in 2002 – – Grew out of HIV/Aids support centre Dialogs Organized summer camps a. o. activities Front figures in Riga Pride 2005 Transformed into ILGA Latvia in 2005

Phase 4 - post Pride • Informal gatherings 1 x month; • Strategic seminar on Mission, Goals and Strategies in early February; • Team of 4 lawyers drafting the statutes; • Foundation meeting MOZAIKA, 18 Feb 2006 • Board of 6, working groups

Mozaika MISSION: To increase public awareness of different forms of sexual orientation and to help LGBT-people to achieve legal integration in Latvia. GOALS: - Legal integration and harmonization; Education and information (society at large and LGBT); Fight against discrimination; Gender equality; Acceptance of diverce family models.

How to get there Goals Strategies Legal Advice and support networks Education & Information Coming out, culture, Events, publications Anti discrimination Inform LGBT community, Stimulate cases Family models Changes in legislation, debate