The best 5 things in 2025

Each year’s review is full of reflections, emotions, and comparisons of good and bad. We have highlighted the 5 most important events of the past year that have had a positive impact on the protection of LGBT+ rights.

People in the community do not always notice the enormous work that is being done by our organization, and in general the changes that are happening thanks to the efforts of human rights defenders. This summary helps to see these changes.

1․ Victory at the European Court

We started the year with another victory at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The court confirmed that Armenian legislation does not sufficiently protect people from hate speech and incitement to discrimination. The case concerned hate speech and discrimination against a group of people by the newspaper “Iravunk” in 2014.

Why is this important? With this decision, the state is obliged to take steps to ensure that such cases do not happen again. This means that Armenia must create effective mechanisms to protect people from hate speech. It is noteworthy that both important decisions against Armenia on the issue of LGBT+ people in the European Court were made on the basis of cases submitted by the Pink NGO.

2․ Anniversary “Rainbow” Forum

The 10th Rainbow Forum was held in June. Since 2015, this event has become a key activist platform for the LGBT+ community. Over the years, it has formed a space for memories, solidarity, and new opportunities.

This important event, aimed at strengthening and reviving the LGBT+ movement, opens new avenues for activists and supporters to unite their efforts for the well-being and protection of LGBT+ people.

The 10th anniversary Rainbow Forum not only restored the movement’s memory, but also provided an opportunity to look ahead. This forum proved that safe spaces do not just appear, but are created through our efforts. It reminded us that the continuity of the movement depends on our trust, responsibility, and desire for a more just world.

3․ The number of helping professionals are growing

15 years ago, when we were just starting to work with specialists, it was difficult to imagine such a result. Today, as a result of working with specialists, we can record that we have carried out some work with about 500 psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, sexologists, endocrinologists and other supporting specialists and have close cooperation.

This year, we also held the “2nd Armenian Conference on Gender Studies and Sexuality”, where 15 speakers shared their research, practical experience and knowledge.

By the way, the best psychologists and social workers in Armenia work at Pink. We say this not just to praise, but because working with such sensitive topics requires the best education, training, extensive experience and strong human values.

4. International recommendations based on Pink’s reports

During the UN’s periodic review of Armenia’s human rights situation, many states called on our country to take decisive steps to protect the rights of LGBT+ people.

The main emphasis of the recommendations was on the adoption of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation that would clearly guarantee protection on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. This reflects the growing international solidarity that the rights of LGBT+ people should be fully integrated into Armenia’s overall human rights agenda.

The evidence-based reports submitted by our organization form the basis for these important recommendations.

5․ The warmest occasion of Pride Month: Pride Camp

The 5th Pride Camp was no less than an anniversary. Every year, we wrap up Pride Month with this gathering, which included discussions on topics important to the LGBT+ community. From personal and emotional topics to safety and health issues, the discussions were led by both Pink employees and other professionals collaborating with the organization.

However, what remains most memorable for the participants is the warm atmosphere – the sounds of guitars and favorite songs around the campfire. Such an intimate environment, care, and friendship are the most important components of the community’s resilience.

As we wrap up the year, we would like to wish our beloved LGBT+ community and supporters a Happy New Year. We see you, we stand with you, and we love you. May 2026 be a year of new achievements and courage.