25 days remain before the queer people in Bulgaria proudly take to the streets of Sofia. As you know, they are faced with extreme oppression and death threats after the main LGBTQ organization in Bulgaria announced that a pride march would take place again this year. This is a call for you to support them in their current struggle. Here are some of the ways that you can help:
1. If you are part of an organization, issue a public statement of Solidarity with the Bulgarian LGBTQ community on your website;
*Solidarity statements can also be emailed to sofiagaypride2009@gmail.co
2. Contact the Bulgarian consulates. Email them, call them, harass them as much as you want:
· Washington D.C.: office@bulgaria-embassy.or
(202) 387 0174; (202) 299 0273
· New York: consul@consulbulgaria-ny.o
(212) 935 4646
· Chicago: consul@bgconsulchicago.net
(312) 867 1904
· L.A.: bglaconsulate@adelphia.net
(310) 478 6700
3. Contact the Bulgarian President and Prime Minister
· You can copy and paste the letter listed bellow to the following address: http://www.president.bg/en
Letter To the President:
Dear President Parvanov,
Greetings. I am a concerned citizen
of the world who cares deeply about the tenets of social and economic justice, which
incorporate a world free from discrimination based on race, creed, age, ability,
culture, and most importantly, in terms of this letter, sexual preference and
identity. I am writing regarding the 2009 LGBTQ Pride march in Sofia
out of concern for the safety of its participants.
We in the international community have been paying close attention to the treatment
of the Bulgarian queer community and have been dismayed to see the rampant
homophobia and transphobia that has been actively promoted by prominent media
personalities, nationalist organizations and even Parliament members. This includes
statements by nationalistic groups that stated recently that they would “do anything” to
stop the march. To make matters worse, these attitudes have not only been tolerated but also encouraged by your government. Since the march last year was violently attacked with small explosives and molotov cocktails by various nationalistic groups, this year, “anything” could mean the same, or worse.
Under this current threat to the safety of those wishing to participate in the Pride
March, we as active members of our respective communities not only encourage, but
demand your government to provide a safe space for the March and to adamantly seek out and hold accountable those responsible for any attacks on Bulgarian
citizens/allies who wish to participate in this years festivities.
Queer rights is a human rights issue, and human rights is a world issue. Violations
of human rights will not be tolerated now or ever. The eyes of the world will have
their attention on Bulgaria in hopes that perpetrators of human rights violations
will be held accountable.
Sincerely yours,
4. Contact Gemini to express solidarity and offer support
· sofiagaypride2009@gmail.co
5. Inform your family, friends, and co-workers of ways they can support the Bulgarian LGBTQ community.
1. If you are part of an organization, issue a public statement of Solidarity with the Bulgarian LGBTQ community on your website;
*Solidarity statements can also be emailed to sofiagaypride2009@gmail.co
2. Contact the Bulgarian consulates. Email them, call them, harass them as much as you want:
· Washington D.C.: office@bulgaria-embassy.or
(202) 387 0174; (202) 299 0273
· New York: consul@consulbulgaria-ny.o
(212) 935 4646
· Chicago: consul@bgconsulchicago.net
(312) 867 1904
· L.A.: bglaconsulate@adelphia.net
(310) 478 6700
3. Contact the Bulgarian President and Prime Minister
· You can copy and paste the letter listed bellow to the following address: http://www.president.bg/en
Letter To the President:
Dear President Parvanov,
Greetings. I am a concerned citizen
of the world who cares deeply about the tenets of social and economic justice, which
incorporate a world free from discrimination based on race, creed, age, ability,
culture, and most importantly, in terms of this letter, sexual preference and
identity. I am writing regarding the 2009 LGBTQ Pride march in Sofia
out of concern for the safety of its participants.
We in the international community have been paying close attention to the treatment
of the Bulgarian queer community and have been dismayed to see the rampant
homophobia and transphobia that has been actively promoted by prominent media
personalities, nationalist organizations and even Parliament members. This includes
statements by nationalistic groups that stated recently that they would “do anything” to
stop the march. To make matters worse, these attitudes have not only been tolerated but also encouraged by your government. Since the march last year was violently attacked with small explosives and molotov cocktails by various nationalistic groups, this year, “anything” could mean the same, or worse.
Under this current threat to the safety of those wishing to participate in the Pride
March, we as active members of our respective communities not only encourage, but
demand your government to provide a safe space for the March and to adamantly seek out and hold accountable those responsible for any attacks on Bulgarian
citizens/allies who wish to participate in this years festivities.
Queer rights is a human rights issue, and human rights is a world issue. Violations
of human rights will not be tolerated now or ever. The eyes of the world will have
their attention on Bulgaria in hopes that perpetrators of human rights violations
will be held accountable.
Sincerely yours,
4. Contact Gemini to express solidarity and offer support
· sofiagaypride2009@gmail.co
5. Inform your family, friends, and co-workers of ways they can support the Bulgarian LGBTQ community.
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