Queer Cyprus Association unveils EU-funded Diversity of Colour Project to combat homophobia

 

The three year programme started in December 2019 and is funded by the EU under Cypriot Civil Society in Action VI” Programme and implemented by Queer Cyprus Association,  a civil society organisation in Turkish-held north Cyprus.

 

Erman Dolmacı, project coordinator told a press conference that the slogan of the project is “Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and beyond (LGBTI+), a Diversity of Colours Project for a Cyprus where all colours can coexist!”.

 

The conference was held on the eve of  the five year anniversary of the the decriminilisation of homesexuality in the north.

 

“In this challenging struggle, 27th of January is of great importance for us to tackle the prejudices that exist in society and to create awareness,” he told reporters.

 

“On January 27, 2014, indeed the Penal Code changed and in the northern part of Cyprus homosexuality stopped being considered as a crime. Then, through various activities and the Unspoken Project funded by the EU between November 2015 and November 2017, we ensured that awareness of LGBTI + rights are raised in the community agenda and in various fields,” he added.

 

Dolmacı outlined the main parameters of the new project, adding that detailed information can be accessed from the website of the association.
The Diversity of Colours Project started on December 2018 and will last for three years. 

 

Within the framework of the project various activities will be organised in cooperation with partner organizations.

 

The activities include in-house capacity building activities; trainings for psychologists and lawyers; an internship and volunteer programme; media monitoring; fund raising activities; newsletters; local meetings against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia; international conferences in cooperation with universities; booklets related to LGBTI+ issues; attitude based research; providing legal, psychological and social consultancy services to LGBTI+’s and strategic litigation.

 

Lastly, the project team invited anyone who is interested to the exhibition of 10th Anniversary of Queer Cyprus and launch of “Diversity of Colours” Project on March 4 at 19:00 at European Mediterranean Art Association (EMAA).

 

 

Queer Cyprus Association; is a civil society movement that works to combat discrimination based on gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and gender identity. Queer Cyprus is an organization that works in various fields such as law, education, psychology, health for the access of LGBTI+’s to human rights in cooperation with local and international organizations.