Given the state of emergency caused by the proliferation of COVID-19, we have had to make some changes to our activities. We believe we have a duty to do our best to preserve the health of our community, so as of March 13, 2020, we have cancelled all our in-person events, as well as all events at Rainbow Hub Community LGBTI Center.
The cancellation of physical meetings does not mean that we will not be together! We believe that it is even more important to support one another in difficult times, so we are introducing new ways to meet each other. Most of our events are currently taking place online. In response to the crisis, we have also launched new initiatives to support the LGBTI community in Bulgaria. On this page, you will find up-to-date information on all our current community activities, as well as all necessary adjustments we make in regards to COVID-19.
Bilitis has launched a humanitarian fund to support LGBTI + people in need, as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. The aim of the initiative is to be in solidarity with those who are most in need during this difficult period.
The fund provides vouchers for food and medicine, as well as financial support for emergency medical and housing expenses.
All of our mutual-support groups continue to hold their online meetings regularly. Bilitis facilitates 4 LGBTI mutual-support groups, providing a safe space for sharing, finding support and community building. These include the following mutual-support groups – LGBTI Youth Group (BraveLab), the LGBT Women (QueerFemme), the Trans and Intersex People (TIA) and bisexual people (BInonymous). You can join the groups by contacting us by using the contact form below. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need more information about future events and activities, want to join one of our mutual-support groups, or just want to leave us a message.
Tino from our LGBTI Youth Mutual-Support Group – BraveLab – has joined the UNICEF Bulgaria “Youth Life during the State of Emergency: Mission Possible” initiative. Throughout the campaign, young people will be sharing creative ideas for spending time at home in a meaningful and enjoyable way. See how Tino is spending his time at home …
#WithCareToMe is a series of online meeting/discussion sessions for help and self-help for LGBTI people in times of State of Emergency. Inevitably, the emergency situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic has an impact on our day-to-day life, which can cause additional stress, anxiety, depression amongst other difficulties. We at Bilitis believe that it is even more important to stick together in tough times. This is why we have launched a series of free online psychological support meetings for LGBTI people.
Meetings are held online every Saturday at 1 PM. You can take part by registering on our contact form below or emailing us at [email protected]. In the “About” column, mark #WithCareToMe. The meetings are led by Elza Kaloyanova, a psychologist and psychotherapist who has experience working with the LGBTI community.
The regular yoga practice that was taking place at the Rainbow Hub also went online. Every Monday at 8:00 PM our yoga instructor Angie goes live on our Facebook Yoga Group showing interesting exercises and telling parables to reduce tension and bring peace within ourselves and with the situation we are in. To join the group, please contact us by using the contact form below.