Peaceful mass protests in April led to the ousting of the old, corrupt regime. It is called the Velvet Revolution because people won an unprecedented victory for democracy without a bullet fired. The protest marked a historic turning point for a group of minorities.
“LGBTI activists were among the most active protesters. The society started understanding that we are patriots too, fighting for justice for all”, says the Armenian LGBTI activist Arman Sahakyan.
LGBTI persons in Armenia face widespread prejudice, bullying and discrimination. In this context, it took a lot of guts for individuals to get involved and get loud during the revolution.
“Our community has become more fearless. Trans persons demonstrated and spent sleepless nights in the streets with the other protestors. A friendly atmosphere was formed everywhere for one purpose: to end the corrupt regime and to build a new Armenia.”
The revolution is still not over. Pro-Russian opponents of the new Government claims that the USA and EU bring “perverts” to Armenia in order to destroy the traditional families and the country. LGBTI issues are still highly controversial, and it is now up to the new cabinet as well as the human rights movement in Armenia to change the agenda.
“We are doing our best in order to be an integrated part of the human rights movement. This is hard because many human rights defenders in Armenia still don’t accept our rights as human rights.”
International human rights organizations support the formation of civil society and democracy in Armenia.
“We are grateful for the support. The Norwegian Helsinki Committee has an important role in promoting equality and democracy in Armenia”, says Arman Sahakyan.
Source: Norwegian Helsinki Committee