LGBTI rights have always been something of a taboo topic in Albania, but over the last few years, a quiet revolution has been taking place. Bit by bit, more and more individuals and institutions have realised that LGBTI rights and human rights, and as such, have been standing up in defence. Despite improvements in the public perception of such individuals, many LGBTI individuals continue to endure severe and vicious discrimination including their families not accepting them, employers turning them down, and of course, physical and verbal abuse from members of the public.
STREHA means “The Shelter” and it is the first space of its type for LGBTI individuals in the Balkans and in Eastern Europe. They offer housing, life skills training, vocational training and psycho-social support to individuals that have suffered violence, discrimination, or abuse as a result of their sexual orientation. Xeni Karaj, the Executive Director of the Alliance Against the Discrimination of LGBT Persons said:
“This is a concrete service we are offering for those people of the community who should not feel any more obligated to live under threats and violence of their own families and their communities. Now they have a new solution for whenever they feel in risk.”
Whilst not every LGBTI individual in Albanian suffers violence and harassment on the street, the violence-both physical and emotional- is deeply ingrained in the countries institutions and family environment. The right of LGBTI individuals to be treated in exactly the same way as a heterosexual individual is a basic human right, and one that at the moment is not being respected as much as it should. By providing individuals not only with the shelter they need to escape violent situations but also providing them with access to education and vocational training and opportunities to better themselves and their situations, STREHA is empowering people to build a sustainable future.
The Shelter is now licensed by the Ministry of Social Welfare and is actively seeking to develop sustainable sources of funding for its activities. One such fundraising activity will be a Gala held at The Plaza Hotel, Tirana on Thursday 17th of May. The event will start at 19:30 and end at 22:30.
Last year, the charity Gala raised enough money to fund 30% of their annual expenditures and in addition, it was amazing to see so many businesses, individuals, and companies come out in support of the LGBTI cause.
This year’s Gala is going to be bigger and better than ever before with a delicious four-course dinner accompanied by wine, beer and soft drinks, and entertainment from the bands of Bulza Gigs Entertainment under the direction of Bojken Lako. There will also be a silent auction on the night with prizes from The Plaza, Nobis, Delicatezze del Mare, Estia, and the TI Institute, including hotel stays, spa days, meals, artwork, climbing expeditions, hair and makeup vouchers, and locally made crafts.
The dress code is formal evening, so be prepared to dazzle and shine in support of a wonderful cause. Tickets to the event are 10,000 LEK and you can reserve them by contacting [email protected] or by calling +355699839189.
Not only is it sure to be an incredible evening, but the work that STREHA do is not only vital but in many cases, life-saving. To ensure that they can continue the excellent work that they do,
Follow The Balkanista!
