Resilience of the Movement: 10th Rainbow Forum

The 10th anniversary Rainbow Forum took place in Yerevan from June 19 to 21, 2025. The Forum is a crucial activist platform for the LGBT+ community, which over the years has shaped memory, solidarity, and a space for new opportunities. This year’s theme, “Resilience of the Movement,” was closely tied to the challenges faced, as well as to processes of stabilization and rethinking.

The Forum opened in an atmosphere not only of celebration but also of reflection on the journey so far. During the opening ceremony, attendees watched and listened to messages from participants of previous years, followed by speeches from activists, a drag performance by a talented artist, and a tribute to the history of the LGBT+ movement in Armenia. The Ambassador of Sweden made welcoming remarks, officially announcing the opening of the 10th Forum.

The Forum’s discussions focused on the importance of having safe queer spaces, and the issues of community’s security and accessibility. Another key topic was violence within the community, especially incidents of sexual harassment, lack of consent, abuse of power, and the prevailing culture of silence.

During the discussion on sexual health and access to services, participants highlighted problems such as breaches of medical confidentiality, the lack of sensitivity toward the queer community in healthcare, and the absence of comprehensive sex education. A significant study conducted in Armenia concerning trans individuals was presented, addressing the legal, medical, and bureaucratic aspects of gender affirmation processes.

Helping professionals who have long been key allies of the movement also spoke at the Forum. These professionals, including a psychologist, psychotherapist, sexologist, and social worker, not only shared their professional experiences and personal motivations, but also reflected on the challenges of maintaining boundaries and working sensitively with vulnerable groups. They emphasized their role in condemning conversion practices.

A moving discussion took place around the desire for marriage, partnership recognition, and having children, as well as the legal barriers to those rights. It was stressed that although these issues are often ignored, they directly relate to the possibility of living a life with dignity.

The instability in the region, the weakening of democratic institutions, and the restriction of rights, particularly for vulnerable groups, demand steady solidarity, political awareness, and activism. For this reason, special attention was given to the international component of the Forum, where representatives from the Eastern European Coalition for LGBT+ Equality presented the efforts undertaken in their countries, shared their experiences of resistance, and discussed mechanisms of collaboration. They highlighted the patterns of restriction affecting LGBT+ individuals across various countries and how different organizations have responded to these challenges.

Alongside the discussions, there was an open space where participants could interact, get to know each other, and share their personal stories.

Another memorable moment of the Forum was the “Bernaberan” (Mouth to Mouth) storytelling evening, during which participants and allies shared their personal, often deeply intimate stories. These were told with love, humor, vulnerability, heartbreak, and hope. Some spoke of courage, others of loss, but all the stories were filled with dignity and human sincerity.

On the Forum’s final day, the presentation of the book “Pink Pen” also took place, showcasing the intellectual and creative potential of the community. During the launch, renowned writer Armen of Armenia and his colleagues presented a new collection of short stories created through the collaboration of Pink NGO and PEN Armenia. The book features prose from authors of different generations, touching on themes of marginalized sexualities, identity, love, and acceptance.

After days full of rich and meaningful discussions, the closing of the Forum became not just a moment of gratitude, but also a space for inspiration, renewal, and reaffirmation of the movement’s continuity. The Pink team expressed their appreciation to all participants, speakers, moderators, and especially the volunteers, whose often unseen but vital efforts made the Forum even more impactful.

The closing of the 10th Forum was marked by a powerful and inspiring speech from prominent human rights defender Lara Aharonian. In her remarks, Lara reminded everyone of where we’ve come from, what we’ve been through as a movement, and how essential it is to keep going, even during times when everything seems to have come to a halt. She spoke of strength, care, perseverance, and solidarity, values that have supported our movement for years and must continue to guide us.

Lara Aharonian was also awarded the Spirit of the LGBT+ Movement prize for her unwavering presence, support, and inspiration to the community.

The closing part became the beginning of new ideas, connections, thoughts, and paths. All participants concluded the Forum with the feeling that their voices were heard, their emotions were understood, and their presence was valued. This was the brightest expression of the movement’s resilience.

Thus, the 10th Rainbow Forum not only restored the memory of the movement but also offered an opportunity to look forward. It reminded us that safe spaces are not to be expected – they are to be created, and that the continuity of the movement is ensured where there is trust, responsibility, and a shared aspiration to build a more just and equal world.