Last week, the National LGBTI Consortium took an important step in developing regional cooperation and support for LGBTIQ+ communities.

Kateryna Snihur, ALLIANCE.GLOBAL’s consultant for regional development of MSM/LGBTIQ+ communities, made a two-day technical assistance visit to Poltava.

 

The first day of the visit focused on informal communication and strengthening ties within the local LGBTIQ+ community. A picnic, organised by the local LGBTIQ+ community, took place on the picturesque banks of the Vorskla River. This event became a platform for exchanging experiences and ideas.

 

A key element of the first day was a working session conducted by Kateryna Snihur together with regional coordinator Vitalii Kot. The session focused on issues of regional advocacy development. Kateryna provided specific recommendations for improving communication with local business representatives and attracting more resources to support the community. This information directly impacts the development of local initiatives and strengthens the influence of LGBTIQ+ organisations at the local level.

 

The second day of the visit was marked by the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between ALLIANCE.GLOBAL NGO and the “Pectoral” Artists NGO. This document became the tenth memorandum of cooperation signed with municipal and public organisations in the Poltava region, confirming the systematic approach to building partnerships in the region.

 

Prior to signing the memorandum, there was a mutual presentation of the organisations’ activities. Representatives of Art Centre ZELO NGO, “Pectoral” Artists, conducted a tour of their premises and spoke about the range of opportunities and activities for their beneficiaries. ALLIANCE.GLOBAL representatives presented their organisation’s work and revealed the main areas of activity.

 

The signed memorandum outlines specific initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of the LGBTIQ+ community in Poltava. In particular, it provides for educational and cultural events to raise public awareness about the problems faced by LGBTIQ+ individuals. Special attention is paid to organising training sessions, seminars, and workshops for representatives of the LGBTIQ+ community, who will spread ideas of equality and inclusivity.

 

This cooperation has specific positive consequences:

1. It demonstrates the active position of local organisations in constructive dialogue and joint work with the LGBTIQ+ community.
2. It opens up additional opportunities for LGBTIQ+ individuals in the sphere of culture and art, promoting their integration into the local community.
3. It expands the network of allies, enhancing the effectiveness of advocacy work at the local level.
4. It forms a positive image of the LGBTIQ+ community through participation in cultural and artistic projects.

 

The technical assistance visit to Poltava demonstrates the effectiveness of the National LGBTI Consortium’s strategy in developing regional initiatives. The combination of informal events to strengthen the community, providing expert support to local activists, and building partnerships with local organisations creates a foundation for long-term positive changes.

 

This working model is being adapted and implemented in other regions of Ukraine, systematically improving the quality of life for LGBTIQ+ individuals across the country. The National LGBTI Consortium is expanding its presence in the regions and strengthening local LGBTIQ+ communities, actively creating an inclusive and tolerant environment for all citizens of Ukraine.