11th Rainbow Forum. Compliance Or Resistance
On May 15–16, the 11th Rainbow Forum took place, bringing together LGBTI+ people, allies, and partner organizations for discussions, mutual support, and the strengthening of community ties.
This year’s forum was held under the theme “Compliance or Resistance,” creating a space to speak about the challenges faced by LGBTI+ people in Armenia, different strategies for responding to oppression, as well as the importance of collective resistance, care, and cooperation.
The forum opened with the presentation of the annual report “The Human Rights Situation of LGBTI+ People in Armenia: 2025” and a roundtable discussion. Participants discussed human rights violations recorded in 2025 based on sexual orientation and gender identity, barriers to reporting cases to law enforcement bodies, distrust toward institutions, hate crimes, hate speech and calls to violence, cases of domestic and intimate partner violence, as well as existing issues within the justice system.
The report “The Human Rights Situation of LGBTI+ People in Armenia: 2025” presents the human rights situation of LGBTI+ people in Armenia, addressing cases of discrimination, violence, and hate speech.
During the official opening of the forum, participants were also introduced to the forum spaces and safety guidelines, emphasizing the importance of creating safer and more inclusive environments for LGBTI+ people and allies in Armenia.
“Our Future in Armenia: Discussing Concerns with Partners”
One of the key discussions of the first day, “Our Future in Armenia: Discussing Concerns with Partners,” brought together representatives of LGBTI+ and partner organizations to address the challenges of the current political climate, visions for the development of the movement and human rights agenda, and possibilities for stronger collaboration within the movement.
The forum also included “Breathing Spaces” dedicated to participants’ emotional wellbeing and recovery. These spaces included karaoke, dancing, relaxation, and various self-care activities, creating a supportive and safe environment.
Parallel discussions during the first day focused on the impact of electoral processes and political rhetoric on the LGBTI+ community, the history and importance of safe and inclusive community spaces, as well as the influence of social media, algorithms, and disinformation on trust and communication.
At the end of the day, a reception and music evening took place, becoming an informal and safe space for conversations, new connections, strengthening community ties, and celebrating solidarity.
The second day of the forum continued with discussions around xenophobia, prejudice, and exclusion within the community, seeking to understand the impact of systemic oppression and to explore possibilities for building more inclusive and supportive environments.
Participants also engaged in discussions on queer politics and feminism.
“Queer Party: Theory and Practice”
The discussion addressed the possibilities of shaping a queer political agenda and political subjectivity in Armenia
“Feminism and Other Ideas: ‘I Am a Feminist, But…’”
the discussion focused on myths and contradictions surrounding feminism, as well as the interconnectedness of gender and sexuality issues.
The forum also hosted parallel spaces dedicated to youth exchange programs, Armenian drag culture as a form of visibility and resistance, and the legal and social challenges faced by migrants and asylum seekers. Another space brought together parents of LGBTI+ people, creating a warm environment to discuss the importance of family support and relationships with parents.
During the second day of the forum, participants also had access to free and confidential HIV testing and counseling in cooperation with the NGO “Real World, Real People.”
This year, the 11th Rainbow Forum brought together a total of 158 participants, including LGBTI+ people, allies, parents, helping professionals, researchers, representatives of international and state institutions, and others.
The 11th Rainbow Forum concluded with a closing discussion reflecting on the main themes, challenges, and key conclusions that emerged throughout the two days.
As in previous years, the Rainbow Forum once again served as an important platform for strengthening dialogue, visibility, solidarity, and cooperation between the LGBTI+ community and allied movements in Armenia.
