As countries integrate or associate with the European Union (EU)—which espouses gender equality as a basic human right—Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) rights in southeastern Europe have gained prominence. LGBTI groups now have an increased profile and more resources to combat physical threats, social ostracism, and economic discrimination. However, these groups have also suffered backlash in the form of discriminatory laws and violent acts. Shaped largely by misinformation, both deliberate and unwitting, on how LGBTI people live and what their equality means for society, public views on LGBTI rights in the region are predictably negative.
On average in Western Balkans countries—according to a 2015 opinion poll funded by USAID—58% of citizens believe homosexuality is a sickness, 54% believe that if homosexuality is normal then religion would approve it, and 50% believe that in a “normal” family, a child can’t become homosexual. There is also a direct correlation between knowing someone in the LGBTI community and having considerably less homophobic and transphobic attitudes—a key to lasting change. The problem is, in the Western Balkans only 1 in 10 citizens know someone who is LGBTI, compared to the US where 9 out of 10 citizens know someone who is an LGBTI community member.
Advocates must go beyond victimization with positive portrayals of LGBTI contributions to society. Societies in this region also have fundamental problems with same-sex couples adopting children, although one third to one half support gay marriage rights. In addition, in this region three out of four LGBTI members been psychologically tortured and verbally abused, one out of four have been victims of physical violence, and one out of two has been discriminated against, all because of their sexual orientation and gender identity. However, on certain issues like fair treatment in employment and hate crimes protection, and among certain groups—such as youth, urbanites, and the professional class—there is still considerable opportunity to sway public opinion.
