Tim za socijalno uključivanje i smanjenje siromaštva

The representative of the “Egal organization Anđela Čeh, speaking on 5 April at the opening of the “Drop-In” centre for support to LGBT persons, noted that for the first time in Serbia the LGBT community has gained a space for providing comprehensive help and support, primarily in urgent reactions to cases of violence and discrimination.

She said that after five years of lobbying and advocacy in various institutions, with the support of the US Embassy they managed to open a centre that will be of great importance for members of the LGBT population.

US Ambassador to Serbia Kyle Scott said that members of the LGBT community encounter a plethora of social issues in the US as well. He noted that 40 percent of the homeless declared their affiliation with the community, indicating how rejected they are from their families and society.

The Commissioner for the Protection of Equality Brankica Janković expressed her wish for Serbia to become a society where it is not necessary to wait for years to express one’s identity, but for everyone to have full support and understanding by society in being what they are. Janković noted that the rights of transgender persons are most vulnerable in Serbia.

The “Drop-In” centre was designed as a day-care for members of the LGBT population providing psychological counselling, and the opportunity for testing against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Source: Danas, taken from gayecho.com