“Queer Cyprus Association-Diversity of Colours Project Press Conference was held”
(Nicosia, 26/01/19) The press conference of the Diversity of Colours Project which is funded by the EU and implemented by Queer Cyprus Association was held at Civic Space (technical assistance to support civil society funded by the EU) on 25th January Friday at 10:00 am.
The Diversity of Colours Project gave a start with the slogan, “Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and beyond (LGBTI+), a Diversity of Colours Project for a Cyprus where all colours can coexist!” The project aims to improve access of LGBTI+’s to human rights and to prevent discrimination in the northern part of Cyprus. Diversity of Colours is a 3 year project that started on December 2018, and is funded by the EU under the “Cypriot Civil Society in Action VI” Programme and implemented by Queer Cyprus Association.
Erman Dolmacı, the project coordinator started the speech with thanking press members for coming to the press conference and continued saying “In this challenging struggle, 27th of January is of great importance for us to tackle the prejudices that exist in society and to create awareness. On January 27, 2014, indeed the Penal Code changed and in the northern part of Cyprus homosexuality stopped being considered as a crime. Then, through various activities and the Unspoken Project funded by the EU between November 2015 and November 2017, we ensured that awareness of LGBTI + rights are raised in the community agenda and in various fields.” After mentioning the importance of the day, Mx Dolmacı, gave some brief information about the new project of the association and stated that detailed information can be accessed from the web site of the association.
The Diversity of Colours Project started on December 2018 and will last for 3 years. Within the framework of the project various activities will be organized in cooperation with partner organizations. The activities include in-house capacity building activities; trainings for psychologists and lawyers; an internship and volunteer programme ; media monitoring; fund raising activities; newsletters; local meetings against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia; international conferences in cooperation with universities; booklets related to LGBTI+ issues; attitude based research; providing legal, psychological and social consultancy services to LGBTI+’s and strategic litigation.
Lastly, the project team invited anyone who is interested to the exhibition of 10th Anniversary of Queer Cyprus and launch of “Diversity of Colours” Project on 4th March at 19:00 at European Mediterranean Art Association (EMAA).