National Day Against Domestic Violence

Domestic violence often remains hidden behind closed doors. LGBTQ+ people also experience violence, pressure, control, and threats because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This day is another opportunity to speak out about violence, break the silence, and remind everyone that every person has the right to feel safe within their family.

October 1 is Armenia’s National Day Against Domestic Violence.

Supporting Each Other Vol. 3

On October 3, we gathered once again to meet new people, connect, share our experiences, and simply enjoy some time together.

“Supporting Each Other Vol. 3” was another opportunity to come together, get to know new people, and create a safe and welcoming space.

We are happy that these gatherings continue to bring more and more people into a community built on mutual support and solidarity.

International Coming Out Day

Coming out is a courageous step. However, whether to come out or not is entirely a personal decision. No one is obligated to share their identity if they are not ready or simply do not wish to.

If someone chooses to trust you with this part of themselves, your response can make a big difference. You don’t always need to find the perfect words. If you don’t know how to respond, simply listen, be there for them, and try not to hurt or invalidate their feelings.

Sometimes, it’s enough to say: “Thank you for trusting me” or “I’m here for you.”

October 11 is International Coming Out Day.

Pink Armenia Participates in ILGA-Europe

Pink Armenia participated in the 2026 @ilgaeurope Annual Conference, held under the theme “Resist and Rise.”

As part of the conference, Pink Armenia, together with representatives of member organisations of the Eastern European Coalition for LGBT+ Equality @coalitionlgbt, co-facilitated a workshop on anti-gender mobilisation and its impact.

The workshop explored the spread of anti-gender narratives, disinformation, their use in the context of hybrid warfare, and the role of artificial intelligence in amplifying and spreading these narratives. Participants also discussed proactive approaches to countering anti-gender movements and the need to develop long-term strategies.

Held under the theme “Resist and Rise,” the conference brought together LGBT+ activists, human rights organisations, and allies from across Europe and Central Asia to exchange experiences, strengthen cooperation, and discuss future strategies for the movement.

Pink Armenia hosted Marina Rahmati.

On October 21, Pink Armenia hosted Marina Rahmati, a representative of the Dutch organisation Justice and Peace.

During the meeting, the participants discussed potential areas of cooperation between the two organisations.

Justice and Peace runs a human rights defenders support programme called Shelter City.

Coming Out Party

On October 24, we came together for our Coming Out Party, creating a safe and welcoming space for members of the community.

The event brought together 39 participants for an opportunity to connect, relax, and enjoy time together, with no formal speeches or discussions.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared the day with us, and made it even more memorable!

Intersex Awareness Day

Intersex people are born with sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female bodies. Visibility is about the right to self-determination and to live free from discrimination. The rights of intersex people deserve respect and protection.

October 26 is Intersex Awareness Day.

Ace Week

This week is dedicated to raising awareness about asexuality and promoting the visibility and acceptance of people on the asexual spectrum.

In 2026, Ace Week takes place from October 25 to 31. Pink Armenia has prepared a video to mark the occasion.

3rd Armenian Conference on Gender Studies and Sexuality

Pink Armenia invites you to participate in the 3rd Armenian Conference on Gender Studies and Sexuality.

This is an academic and professional platform for researchers, specialists, students, activists, and civil society representatives.

The conference will take place on November 28. The working language will be Armenian, while presentations may also be delivered in English.

We particularly welcome submissions addressing gender, sexuality, mental health, human rights, the experiences of marginalised groups, and local contexts in Armenia and the wider region.

Submission deadline: November 23.Զեկույցների ընդունման վերջնաժամկետը՝ նոյեմբերի 23։

The post Recap | October 2026 appeared first on Pink Armenia.

Sexuality in its broader sense, as well as its various dimensions, is shaped and reproduced through the interaction of social, cultural, political, and institutional contexts. Gender and sexual identities, possibilities for their expression, social norms and expectations, the underlying dynamics of power and inequality, discrimination and its consequences remain important areas of inquiry both in academic research and in professional and social practice. 

Examining these processes allows us to develop a deeper understanding of how gender and sexuality intersect with identity, self-expression, relationships, health and well-being, education, work, family, culture, law, and other areas of social life. At the same time, such inquiry creates space to discuss not only existing challenges, but also possible pathways toward resistance, social change, support, and solidarity. 

The 3rd Armenian Conference on Gender Studies and Sexuality is a professional and academic platform that, for the third consecutive year, brings together researchers, mental health and healthcare professionals, social workers, lawyers, educators, students, civil society representatives, activists, and other professionals to explore issues related to gender, sexuality, and their interconnected social, cultural, political, and psychological dimensions. 

The conference invites submissions presenting research, theoretical and practical approaches, professional experience, community-based and activist initiatives, as well as critical and interdisciplinary work. We particularly welcome contributions that bridge theory and practice, examine relations of power and inequality, address the experiences of marginalized groups, or engage with local contexts in Armenia and the wider region. 

The conference aims to foster the exchange of knowledge and experience, promote interdisciplinary dialogue, connect academic, professional, community-based, and activist knowledge, and create new opportunities for collaboration, contributing to the development of gender studies and sexuality studies in Armenia. 

The conference offers an opportunity to: 

• deepen professional and academic knowledge on gender, sexuality, and identity 

•  present research or professional experience and receive feedback from peers; 

• discuss current issues and developments in local and international contexts; 

• engage with diverse theoretical and practical approaches; 

• foster interdisciplinary dialogue and professional collaboration; 

• build and expand professional networks and communities. 

The topics may include, but are not limited to: 

• Identity, Identification, and Community 

•  Gender, Sexuality, and Mental Health 

• Psychotherapy, Counseling, and Professional Practice 

• Psychiatry, Medicine, and Sexology 

• Education, Society, and Culture 

• Rights, Politics, and Social Institutions 

This list is not exhaustive. We also welcome submissions addressing other topics related to gender studies, sexuality, mental health, human rights, and related fields. 

Submitted proposals and abstracts will be reviewed by the Conference Programme Committee. 

Save the date: November 28, 2026, and join us in shaping the Armenian discourse on sexuality and gender studies. 

Participation in the conference is not only an opportunity to present your work, but also to engage in the exchange of knowledge and experience and to become part of a professional and community space developing at the intersections of gender, sexuality, mental health, and human rights. 

The working language of the conference is Armenian. Presentations in English are also welcome. 

Submission deadline: November 23, 2026. 

The post The 3rd Armenian Conference on Gender Studies and Sexuality  appeared first on Pink Armenia.

Bi Awareness Week

The goal of this week was to increase the visibility of the bisexual community, raise awareness about the issues they face, and celebrate diversity.

The week comes to a meaningful close on September 23, which has been officially observed as International Bisexuality Day since 1999.

To mark the occasion, we shared an informative video on Pink’s Instagram page about Bi Visibility Day and biphobia.

Presentation of Media Monitoring Results

On September 18, the results of the media monitoring titled “Manipulation of Issues Concerning LGBT+ Persons During the First Half of 2026” were presented at Pink’s office.

The media monitoring was conducted from January to July 2026 to examine dangerous narratives, hate speech, and disinformation targeting LGBT+ persons and issues concerning them during the pre-election, election, and post-election processes.

The monitoring results showed that disinformation surrounding LGBT+ issues was prevalent during this period. Of particular concern was the spread of content targeting the LGBT+ community through the use of artificial intelligence tools.

During the meeting, participants discussed the monitoring results in detail, including the main trends identified, as well as next steps and possible actions.

The media monitoring report was prepared with the financial support of the Democracy Development Foundation.

LGBT+ Persons’ Access to HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health Services

On September 18, Real World, Real People NGO presented the research study “Healthcare with Equal Rights: LGBT+ Persons’ Access to HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health Services,”

The research examines LGBT+ persons’ experiences accessing healthcare services, the barriers they face, and the issues that continue to limit access to equal and dignified healthcare.

The program was implemented within the framework of a grant provided by Pink Human Rights Defender NGO.

Karine Aghajanyan’s Interview with HRHY

Human Rights House Yerevan is conducting the “Interview with a Human Rights Defender” series, which also featured Karine Aghajanyan, President of Pink Human Rights NGO.

Excerpt from the interview

In fact, it is difficult to describe in just a few sentences the enormous amount of work we do as an organization that has been operating for 18 years and has extensive experience and expertise in this field.

Nevertheless, I am proud to say that we provide sensitive and professional support services, including social worker consultations, legal consultations, and legal representation for LGBT+ persons whose rights have been violated on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The post Recap | September 2026 appeared first on Pink Armenia.

National Day for the Protection of the Human Rights of LGBT+ Persons

August 3 is the National Day for the Protection of the Human Rights of LGBT+ Persons. This day is associated with the violence that took place on August 3, 2018, in the village of Shurnukh, Syunik Province, against nine young people, including LGBT+ activists.

Eight years have passed since the incident, yet the investigation into the case has still not been completed. Courts have repeatedly noted that the possible discriminatory and hate-based motive behind the violence was not properly assessed.

The Shurnukh case once again highlights the gaps in the legal protection of LGBT+ persons in Armenia and the need for effective, equal, and non-discriminatory justice. This is a day to remember, speak out, and demand—to demand that human rights protection be not merely formal, but real and equally accessible to everyone.

Results of the “My Queer Armenia…” Creative Competition

This month, the winning entries of the “My Queer Armenia…” creative competition were announced.

CIVICUS Interview with Hripsime Kizogyan

CIVICUS published an article on disinformation campaigns targeting LGBT+ people in Armenia, as well as anti-LGBT+ and anti-democratic propaganda.

In the article, Hripsime Kizogyan from Pink Armenia discusses the impact of spreading false information, its political objectives, and the importance of combating disinformation.

Read the full article

The Frontline Podcast

In an episode of The Frontline podcast, Hripsime Kizogyan discusses how anti-LGBT rhetoric is increasingly being used to promote anti-democratic policies and restrict fundamental freedoms.

To listen to the full episode, search for “The Frontline” on your preferred platform.

PINK Chatbot

One of PINK’s volunteers has developed a chatbot on Telegram.

It is designed around questions we are frequently asked and is available in three languages.

The post Recap | August 2026 appeared first on Pink Armenia.

Throughout 2026, Pink Human Rights Defender NGO continued providing LGBT+ people with legal, social worker, and psychological counselling and support. Between January and July 2026, the organisation’s specialists provided 507 psychological consultations, 221 social work consultations, and 248 legal consultations. The organisation also received 580 calls to its hotline. This article provides a summary of the nature of violations identified during legal and social work consultations in the first six months of the year. 

In total, the organisation’s lawyers and social workers provided 469 consultations during which 32 cases of violations were documented. Most cases involved multiple violations rather than a single type of violation. Problems faced by LGBT+ people often begin as bullying, psychological pressure, non-acceptance, or discriminatory treatment, but in some cases escalate into more serious forms of abuse, including threats, extortion, physical or sexual violence. 

Although the multifaceted nature of these violations means that they cannot always be confined to a single category of rights violation, threats and psychological pressure were the most prevalent forms. In many cases, targeted individuals were threatened with murder, physical assault, stalking, disclosure of their sexual orientation within their family or workplace or being “punished” because of their identity. 

In some cases, sexual orientation was used as a tool of extortion, as has also been documented repeatedly in previous years. In such cases, perpetrators threatened to disclose the person’s sexual orientation unless the targeted individual complied with their demands. 

The second major category was physical violence. Cases included beatings, group attacks, and assaults involving objects used to strike targeted individuals. 

As in previous years, domestic violence was also among the most prevalent categories of violations documented this year. These cases included physical violence, restriction of freedom, threats, psychological pressure, threats of eviction from the family home, and coercion into conversion “therapy.” As research has demonstrated, such practices can amount in severity to inhuman or degrading treatment. 

The hate motivation of perpetrators was often explicit in their statements, particularly when they emphasised that “people like this” have no right to live or be present in a particular place, that they should be “eliminated,” “corrected,” or forced to change their identity. 

Of the 32 documented cases, only 5 targeted individuals approached law enforcement authorities. 

One additional case occurred in the Russian Federation, after which the persecution continued in Armenia. It is therefore included in the overall count of documented cases; however, the targeted individual reported the incident to law enforcement authorities in Russia. 

The picture is not unequivocally positive even among the five cases in which targeted individuals in Armenia approached law enforcement authorities: 

Case 1: Following multiple emergency calls, no action was taken at the initial stage. 

Case 2: The investigative body did not initiate proceedings and only did so after being compelled by a court decision. 

Case 3: Following a call to the police, there was a significant delay in reaching the scene, and the investigator contacted the targeted individuals only five days later. 

Case 4: The report was accepted; however, the targeted individual described discriminatory treatment, retargeted individualisation, and attempts to justify the violence. 

Case 5: The police demonstrated an unsupportive attitude, and there is no information regarding the subsequent handling of the report. 

Thus, the continued low level of reporting to law enforcement and use of legal protection mechanisms remains a concern in the first half of 2026. 

The reasons for not reporting violations are recurring and systemic: 

• Distrust of the police, which is among the most frequently cited reasons. 

• Fear that approaching law enforcement will lead to the disclosure of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity. 

• Fear of discriminatory or degrading treatment. 

• Fear of further violence from family members, particularly in the case of minors. 

• Concerns about the inability to maintain confidentiality in a small community or town. 

In some cases, targeted individuals attempt to resolve the situation through other means, such as simply leaving the dangerous environment. 

Therefore, the high rate of non-reporting should not necessarily be interpreted as an indication that such cases are rare or less severe. On the contrary, the documented accounts demonstrate that fear, stigma, and distrust in the system can significantly reduce the official reporting of crimes and violations. 

Cases documented by social workers reveal another concerning pattern: targeted individuals may not even wish to seek legal advice. These cases particularly highlight situations that may never reach the criminal justice system, such as bullying in the workplace or at university, family rejection, psychological pressure, and humiliation within social environments. 

Therefore, assessing the actual scale of violations against LGBT+ people solely on the basis of cases reported to the police or investigative authorities may significantly underestimate the scope of the problem. 

The post Summary of human rights violations documented during the first half of 2026 appeared first on Pink Armenia.

Two-day experience-sharing workshop with Gay Alliance Ukraine

On July 1 and 2, we held a two-day experience-sharing workshop with our partner and fellow member of the Eastern European Coalition for LGBT+ Equality, Gay Alliance Ukraine.

We discussed regional solidarity, Armenia’s legal landscape, social work, community development, and cross-border advocacy. This collaboration is another step forward in our shared work for human rights and LGBT+ equality.

The Conclusion of the “Queer Citizen” Meetings

On July 3, we wrapped up the latest series of “Queer Citizen” meetings. From February to July, we held 12 meetings focused on democracy, electoral participation, LGBT+ human rights, media manipulation, and its impact.

During the meetings, participants discussed political parties’ positions on LGBT+ human rights, analyzed media manipulation, and, following the elections, discussed the next steps. At the end of the meetings, we gifted participants Timothy Snyder’s book “On Tyranny” as a useful guide for navigating civic and political processes.

Two-Day Regional Planning: A Continuation of the “Merontsov” Forum

On July 11–12, Pink Human Rights Defender NGO organized a two-day meeting that brought together 25 LGBT+ participants from different regions of Armenia.

The aim of the meeting was to create a safe space for LGBT+ people living in the regions to discuss the challenges they face in their communities, identify available resources, and envision communities where everyone can live a safe, visible, and dignified life.

Pink Human rights defender NGO’s Mid-Year Strategic Planning

In July, Pink held its mid-year strategic planning and evaluation meeting to review the work carried out, reflect on achievements and challenges, and outline our upcoming strategic priorities.

During the meeting, we also focused on team collaboration, developing assertive communication skills, and the importance of self-care as key components of a healthy and supportive work environment.

The post Recap | July 2026 appeared first on Pink Armenia.

On July 11–12, Pink Human Rights Defender NGO organized a two-day meeting that brought together 25 LGBT+ participants from different regions of Armenia.

The aim of the meeting was to create a safe space for LGBT+ people living in the regions to jointly discuss the challenges present in their communities, identify existing resources, and envision communities where every person can live a safe, visible, and dignified life.

On the first day, the participants got to know one another, became familiar with the objectives of the workshop, and established the rules for group work.

Then, through group discussions, they presented the experiences existing in their communities, highlighting the obstacles and limitations faced by LGBT+ people and other vulnerable groups.

The main challenges to participation in social and public life were mapped out, allowing participants to see both common issues and the specific characteristics of each community.

In the second part of the day, the focus shifted to opportunities.

Working in groups, the participants mapped the resources available in their communities, opportunities for cooperation, as well as the organizations and initiatives with which it is possible to develop joint work.

Then, each group created its own vision of a dream community, depicting an environment where safe and inclusive spaces are established, necessary resources are accessible, and cooperation among different community actors contributes to the full participation of LGBT+ people.

The second day was dedicated to the development and practical implementation of these ideas.

The participants presented their developed community visions, discussed possible steps for their implementation, and through the exchange of experiences, developed new ideas to apply in their communities in the future.

An important component of the program was also the non-formal recreational activities, which contributed to building trust among participants, creating new connections, and strengthening community ties.

Such meetings are especially important for LGBT+ people living in the regions, as they provide an opportunity to feel the support of the community, share experiences, and together envision and build more inclusive and safer communities.

The post Two-Day Regional Planning: A Continuation of the “Merontsov” Forum appeared first on Pink Armenia.

The gathering provided an opportunity to get to know one another, share experiences and concerns, and discuss the realities and challenges faced by different communities.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in various activities dedicated to queer culture, spending time in a safe, inclusive, and mutually respectful environment.

Such gatherings contribute to strengthening community ties, mutual support, and the creation of more inclusive and accessible communities.

The post Queerathon: A Day of Community Building and Experience Sharing appeared first on Pink Armenia.

From June 26 to 28, the annual concluding event of Pride Month, Pride Camp, took place in a nature-filled, safe, and comfortable environment.

The theme of the 6th Pride Camp was “I Am” and was dedicated to queer identity, self-discovery, personal growth, and strengthening community connections.

The goal of the camp was to create a space where participants could better understand themselves, share their stories and experiences, listen to one another, and form new supportive connections.

21 LGBT+ individuals from different regions and communities of Armenia participated in the camp.

During this time, an environment based on trust and acceptance was formed among the participants, where everyone shared their life stories, concerns, and achievements through open and honest conversations.

During the camp, discussions were held dedicated to queer identity, self-worth, personal experiences, and mutual support.

The agenda also included self-discovery exercises, group work, experience sharing, and collective relaxation, which contributed to forming new connections and strengthening mutual support within the community.

Pride Camp continues to be a safe and inclusive space for the community to get to know one another, build connections, and empower each other together.

The theme “I Am” once again emphasized that recognizing and valuing one’s own identity is an important step toward better understanding ourselves, accepting ourselves, and building stronger connections within the community.

The post Pride Camp 6. “I Am” appeared first on Pink Armenia.

Three-Day Gathering for Newly Arrived LGBT+ People in Armenia

From June 12 to 14, a three-day gathering was held for newly arrived LGBT+ people in Armenia. Its purpose was to provide participants with practical information, support, and the necessary skills to help them organize their new lives in Armenia and navigate various systems with greater confidence.

The gathering brought together 16 participants from the LGBT+ community representing different countries, including Iran, India, Nigeria, Algeria, Russia, and others.

Throughout the program, participants had the opportunity not only to receive useful information but also to share their own experiences, voice their concerns, and discuss the challenges they encounter while living in Armenia.

Pink’s Team as Observers During the Elections

During the elections, members of our team — Seda, Edgar, Karine, and Ara — were involved as observers, advocates, and lawyers, supporting the monitoring of the electoral process and responding to potential issues.

Pink will continue to contribute to the strengthening of human rights and democratic values in Armenia.

I Stay Silent Because…

As part of the “I Stay Silent Because…” campaign, 6 videos were published on Pink’s YouTube channel, where LGBT+ people shared their stories, talking about the reasons behind their silence, its consequences, and the challenges they face in their daily lives.

Pride Month Events

Our representatives attended Pride events held in Chișinău and Ljubljana, sharing experiences, gaining inspiration from international communities, and representing Armenia’s LGBT+ community.

Beyond the marches, they also participated in various conferences, meetings, and discussions, contributing to the strengthening of connections between Armenia’s LGBT+ community and activists with international partners and promoting further cooperation.

Pride Camp 2026

From June 26 to 28, the annual concluding event of Pride Month took place — the 6th Pride Camp, which this year was held under the theme “I Am.” The camp brought together 21 LGBT+ participants from different communities across Armenia, providing a safe and inclusive environment that fostered self-discovery, appreciation of identity, exchange of experiences, and strengthening of community connections.

As part of the program, discussions, practical self-discovery exercises, group work, and experience-sharing formats were organized, contributing to the development of a culture of mutual trust, solidarity, and support. The theme “I Am” emphasized the importance of recognizing and accepting one’s own identity as a fundamental condition for personal growth, community cohesion, and empowerment.

Research on LGBT+ People’s Experiences of Becoming Parents

Pink Human Rights NGO is conducting research on the experiences and challenges of LGBTQ+ people in becoming parents in Armenia.

The aim of the research is to explore the possibilities for LGBT+ people in Armenia, including couples, to have children.

The survey is completely anonymous.

The post Recap | June 2026 appeared first on Pink Armenia.