In November, the “Right Side” Human Rights Defender NGO carried out a series of events in its Trans LGBIQ+ safe space, which were aimed at raising the level of awareness of Trans LGBIQ+ and sex worker community members, at their needs, as well as at their welfare and well-being. On the other hand, the “Right Side” NGO implemented social assistance programs within the framework of which more than 150 Trans LGBIQ+ and sex workers, as well as their allies were provided with support packages.

During that month, the “Right Side” NGO actively informed the Trans LGBIQ + and sex community members about human rights by conducting two legal consultations. The awareness raising on the rights continued to be held during the “Trans Camp 6” training in November. More than 58 Trans LGBIQ+ and sex worker community members, as well as their allies, parents of LGBTQ+ people were involved in legal education and counseling.

2 films about activism and trans people’s life stories were screened and discussed at the Trans community safe space of the organization. The movie screenings were on November 6 and November 25. A total of 25 Trans LGBIQ+ and sex workers community members took part in these events.

Continuing its educational and informative trainings to raise awareness on HIV / AIDS, the “Right Side” Human Rights Defender NGO held meetings on November 5, 17, and 24, during which Lilit Martirosyan, the President of the organization, informed the Trans LGBIQ+ and sex worker community about sexually transmitted infections. They talked about the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections, examinations and their prevention, as well as it was presented the services that the RS HRD NGO provides for HIV prevention.

On November 4, taking into account the need and interest in the community on the topic of the “Impact of War”, a community meeting was held at the Organization’s trans safe space, which was in fact the continuation of the same event held last month. The participants continued to present their concerns, raise them, discuss a number of legal gaps and so on. The questions of the participants to the lawyer of the Organization were answered comprehensively and satisfactorily. More than 16 Trans LGBIQ+ and sex worker people took part in the meeting.

At the community center of the Organization, two self-organized events were held at the request of the community. On November 11, during an open event entitled “If I Were a Photographer”, Trans LGBIQ+ and sex workers talked about photography, discussed the history of photography and watched some videos about it. The meeting was moderated by Artak Adam, the community mobilizer of the Organization. The meeting entitled “The Importance of My Profession”, held on November 18, became an occasion for an active discussion for the participants, as everyone was trying to find his place in the Armenian labor market. Most of the participants mentioned that they didn’t choose their profession of their own will, they don’t like it, and the rest of the participants made completely opposite statements. As a result of the discussion, the participants tried to give importance to their profession, to plan for the future to build a successful career in their professional field. 26 Trans LGBIQ+ and sex worker community members were present during the two meetings.

And finally, the last community meeting was entitled “The Perspectives for Activism in Armenia”, which took place on November 26. The “Right Side” Human Rights Defender NGO, continuing to keep the discourse on activism up-to-date in the Armenian reality, holds discussions or events every month, which promote the level of awareness of Trans activists and Trans activism in Armenia. Overall, 11 Trans LGBIQ+ and sex worker activists took part in the meeting.

The “Right Side” Human Rights Defender NGO, continues to care for the community and keep the community trans safe space active, considering the needs and education of Trans LGBIQ+ and sex worker community members very important during the epidemic and war situation. The Organization continues to implement its educational, informational, legal and social measures, which contribute to the reduction of the problems of Trans LGBIQ+ and sex workers.

It should be mentioned that the Trans community safe space of the “Right Side” Human Rights Defender NGO is open from Monday to Friday, from 14:00 to 17:00 o’clock.

Dec 10, 2020  Armenia Yerevan