The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) is a global occasion that highlights the importance of addressing discrimination and promoting equality for the LGBTI+ community. Despite the challenges of these times, we choose to remain hopeful. Continuing the tradition, Nafas LGBTI Azerbaijan Alliance plans to mark this year’s IDAHOBIT+.
Under the theme “Everything will be alright!”, we are proud to announce a series of events that embody resilience, hope, and solidarity within and beyond the LGBTI+ community in Azerbaijan. The highlight of our program will be an exhibition series held in collaboration with Salaam Cinema Baku, Özünü Yarat Center, and Vegan Collective.
From May 17th to 19th, we will showcase artworks created by 20 queers using Ebru, a traditional Turkish water marbling technique. These amateur pieces are the result of the Queer Art Therapy (QAT) project, which offered psychological support to LGBTI+ individuals who have limited access to professional services.
In addition to the exhibition, each day will feature unique programs:
May 17th: Artistic performance – “Queer Destiny: This world will carry my colors”
May 18th: Artistic performance – Poem: “Everything will be alright!”
May 19th: Panel discussion – “Self-care is resistance”
The panel discussion “Self-care is resistance” aims to spotlight the importance of mental well-being and resilience within the LGBTI+ community in Azerbaijan. By addressing the intersection of socioeconomic challenges and their impact on individual and community levels, the panel discussion will provide momentum for exploring alternative mental health tools and practices that can support individuals to take charge of their well-being. The panel will seek further to identify actionable steps to strengthen the resilience and well-being of LGBTI+ individuals in Azerbaijan. The working language of the panel will be Azerbaijani.
Sharing is caring! We believe that small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, creating positive change far beyond what we may initially envision. Stray animals face numerous challenges in our city, and dedicated rescue individuals and groups work tirelessly to provide them with shelter, food, and medical care, but all are left with limited resources. During the exhibition, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the beautiful Ebru artworks created by QAT beneficiaries or create their own one at the Ebru station that will be available at the event venue, at a symbolic price of min. 5 AZN. All proceeds will be directed to stray animal rescue initiatives in Baku and surrounding.
We are pleased to share that this year, we can host more attendees than usual, which brings us great joy in extending the invitation to a wider audience to join us on the exhibition days. In acknowledgment of the context in which we operate and our responsibility to ensure the safety of all attendees, the IDAHOBIT+ 2024 Baku Organizing Team has decided to create a participant list ahead of the event week, with only those on the invite list permitted entry into the building. To manage this matter effectively, we have provided a link where you will be asked a few questions easily, then select the exhibition days you wish to attend, and specify the number of people accompanying you.