Albanian organizations have an answer to the heated debate on LGBTI rights: A TV spot for gay and lesbians families

Aleanca LGBT and Pro LGBT the two main LGBTI organizations in Albania published the first television spot in the framework of the International Day of Families (May 15th) and the international day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. A lesbian couple appear on their daily activities with their child in this unique spot, the first of such produced in Albania and by Albanian people. It ends with the message “Family is about love and care”.

The spot tries to answers questions raised recently by Albanian media in a heated public debate about LGBTI issues and family rights, just ahead of IDAHOT events in the small country that is struggling to advance its European integration.

“Gay and lesbian couples are a concrete reality in Albania. These couples are trying to build every day with dedication and tremendous sacrifices their lives and it is unfair that in this country some families are entitled to have full rights while others do not enjoy any of these rights”, said Xheni Karaj, a leading LGBT rights activist.

“It is the time for Albanian Parliament and politicians to take their responsibilities, to raise themselves above the prejudices and to finally amend the old Family Code in order to guarantee equal rights to everyone. We can not tolerate any more to have LGBTI families treated as second hand citizens”, said Kristi Pinderi, another leading LGBTI activist. Both Karaj and Pinderi are the leaders of the LGBTI movement in the country.

Albania will mark this week its 5th Tirana Gay (P)Ride, the most important pride event, followed up by screening at the Prime Minister Palace of Ska Ndal a long featured documentary about the LGBT movement and the announcement of 10 well known public figures in Albania who have supported LGBTI cause as “Allies of the Year”. On May 20th, a gala fundraising dinner will be organized at the former Royal Palace in Tirana to raise money for STREHA, which is the first residential shelter for LGBTI young homeless people, being forced to move out of their families because of their sexual orientation and / or gender identity.