Public statement: the international day against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia in Armenia

Today, on May 17, we mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) — a day annually recognized by Trans and LGBIQ community members and allies across the world to speak out against systemic discrimination and violence, and to celebrate the achievements of our movements through decades of struggle.

This year, unfortunately, we mark IDAHOBIT against the backdrop of severe regressions, both nationally and globally. An alarming number of anti-LGBTIQ+ laws are being passed around the world — from Europe to the USA and beyond. These legislative attacks, paired with a global rollback of human rights and cuts in funding, are threatening the safety and dignity of our communities.

In Armenia, the fragile gains achieved over the years are now at risk. These include:
The decriminalization of same-sex relations,

• Simplification of the name change process for trans individuals,
• Legal victories based on gender identity and sexual orientation,
• Removal of the ban on blood donation for gay men,
• The founding of Trans and LGBIQ organizations,
• And increased visibility of community issues thanks to the courage of activists

Now, even neighboring Georgia — long seen as a regional leader — is adopting dangerous anti-LGBTIQ and anti-gender laws, following in the footsteps of Russia’s oppressive model. These developments, combined with shrinking civil space and financial pressure, leave our movements more vulnerable than ever.

In Armenia, society remains hostile toward sexual and gender diversity. The government continues to ignore international human rights recommendations by excluding sexual orientation and gender identity from anti-discrimination laws. Legal gender recognition for trans people remains inaccessible, while violence, discrimination, and rights violations go unreported, uninvestigated, and unpunished.

In neighboring Georgia — once considered a regional leader in LGBTIQ protection and visibility — anti-LGBTIQ laws were also adopted in the past year. Hate speech and violence against Trans and LGBIQ people remain alarmingly high. This was made evident by several incidents:
when transgender activist Diana Ghazroyan announced her participation in an international competition representing Armenia and was targeted by hate campaigns;
when transgender model Kessaria Abramidze was brutally murdered in Georgia;
and when transgender activist and Right Side NGO president Lilit Martirosyan spoke publicly about the suspension of U.S. funding and hate-filled remarks made by Gyumri’s current mayor, Vardan Ghukasyan.

In Armenia, hostility toward gender and sexual diversity runs deep. The government continues to ignore recommendations from international reports by failing to include sexual orientation and gender identity in its draft anti-discrimination law. Years of advocacy for legal gender recognition for trans people have brought no accessible legal mechanisms. Cases of violence and discrimination go unanswered. Police inaction and impunity remain widespread.

On this day, Right Side Human Rights Defender NGO reaffirms its unwavering commitment to building a world free from discrimination and violence — a world where every individual is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, or gender expression.

We call on:

The State Authorities of the Republic of Armenia to:

• Take immediate legal steps to ensure the legal gender recognition and name change for transgender people, based on the principles of self-determination, physical and mental integrity, and without mandatory medical procedures;
• Revise the draft law on equality to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression;
• Introduce specific protections in law against hate crimes and hate speech targeting transgender people, document incidents, and report them to international bodies such as the OSCE;
• Make Armenia’s educational curriculum inclusive of transgender rights, and incorporate comprehensive education on inclusivity, sexuality, and gender issues;
• Ensure fair and effective investigation of all incidents of violence, hate, and discrimination against transgender individuals;
• End the political instrumentalization of Trans and LGBIQ issues that fuels hate, discrimination, and public ridicule against our communities.

To the Police of the Republic of Armenia:

• Together with the Prosecutor’s Office, the Human Rights Defender, and relevant authorities, guarantee the safety and constitutional rights of Trans and LGBIQ people in Armenia.

To Media Outlets:

• Avoid using misleading or incorrect terminology, and refrain from promoting discriminatory narratives about transgender individuals;
• Cover stories involving transgender people through the lens of inclusivity and sensitivity;
• Stop reinforcing harmful myths and stereotypes, such as portraying transgender people as ill or as threats to Armenian traditions and culture;
• Respect the privacy of transgender people and engage with them directly and respectfully when preparing media content about their lives or identities.

#IDAHOBIT2025