Inclusion, Safety, and Rights: A Three-Day Camp for LGBTQ+ Activists

From June 9 to 11, as part of Pride Month, Right Side Human Rights Defender NGO organized and conducted a three-day Social Inclusion Camp for LGBTQ+ activists in Lori Province, bringing together LGBTQ+ activists from different regions of Armenia and neighboring countries in the region.

The camp aimed to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where activists could not only restore their inner resources and strengthen community ties, but also enhance their knowledge and skills in the areas of social inclusion, safety, community solidarity, and LGBTQ+ rights advocacy.

Given that LGBTQ+ people in Armenia continue to face discrimination, social isolation, and unequal access to opportunities, the camp was designed to provide a space where every participant could feel accepted, heard, and valued while gaining new knowledge and practical skills to strengthen their work within their communities.

The educational component of the camp focused on exploring the principles of social inclusion and their application within LGBTQ+ communities. Participants discussed the current situation of LGBTQ+ people in Armenia and the wider region, mapped existing risks, and explored strategies for addressing them. Special attention was given to peer support mechanisms, community solidarity, and tools for safe and sustainable activism.

At the same time, the camp placed a strong emphasis on the physical and mental well-being of LGBTQ+ activists, as well as on safety and the prevention of activist burnout. Participants engaged in a variety of self-care, wellness, and creative activities, including yoga, art therapy, painting, and group reflection sessions.

 An important part of the program also included cultural and educational visits to several notable sites in Lori Province, including the Hovhannes Tumanyan House-Museum, Dseghi Tsover Lake, and the Menz Er Cave-Fortress.  

One participant shared:

“This camp became a space where I could not only rest and recharge, but also learn and rethink my activism. It was incredibly meaningful to meet people who share the same values and challenges.”

Another participant noted:

“One of the most valuable outcomes was the sense of solidarity that emerged among activists from different communities. We shared experiences, learned from one another, and built connections that will certainly continue beyond the camp.”

At the conclusion of the camp, participants reaffirmed the importance of community solidarity, mutual support, and continuous learning, emphasizing the need for initiatives that promote the inclusion, well-being, and safety of LGBTQ+ people.

We will soon share a video highlighting the camp, featuring participants’ experiences, reflections, and the key lessons learned throughout the three-day program.