Bleona Among Albanian and Foreign Artists Supporting Charities

Known as a courageous and prominent artist for her challenging approach towards closed-minded mentality in Albania, Bleona joined the fundraising event for at risk homeless LGBTI youth.

The charity gala “One Home, Many Hearts” was held at the Rogner Hotel in Tirana, Albania on May 16, 2015. More than 100 guests attended the event that was held for the first time in Albania in order to raise funds for STREHA, an LGBTI shelter.

Well-known Albanian singers such as Rosela Gjylbegu, Mariza Ikonomi, Semi Jaupaj, Era Rusi, and Anxhela Peristeri performed during the charity gala conveying messages against violence and abuse as well as messages of solidarity in respect of human rights and the rights of the LGBTI community in Albania.

“One Home, Many heart” gala was honored by the presence of the Ambassador of the US in Albania, Ambassador of the Netherlands, other diplomatic bodies, politicians and CSO representatives in Albania. Known for supporting LGBTI community in the US, Bleona did not spare her contribution to the country of her origin, being present as a special guest.

Under the motto “Courage is not the lack of absence of fear – it’s overcoming it”, Bleona expressed her support to STREHA shelter, the only residential center in Southeast Europe that accommodates homeless LGBTI youth at risk of social exclusion and abandoned by their respective families.

“I will do everything in my power to support STREHA and its ongoing mission”, said Bleona raising hope and optimism to youngsters at STREHA, who consider the shelter as a green light of not being left out on the streets. The shelter accommodates homeless young LGBTI in the Balkans since December 2014 with the support of USAID through Assist Impact.

During the course of the evening, awards were given to allies of the year who support the cause and rights of the LGBTI community, followed by music, art performances, and the sale of various objects as part of the silent auction.

The well-known British artist Ian McKellen was part of the silent auction via a sweater that he stamped and through a signed picture provided from Albert Kennedy Trust, a similar shelter in the UK.

Also, Bleona further expressed her generosity through gifting one of her dresses as part of the auction to raise money for STREHA shelter. Not only as an Albanian citizen, but also as an American citizen now, Bleona has publicly supported the protection of rights for homeless LGBTI youth in Albania.

Small steps have brought big changes. A big THANK YOU to Bleona, Rosela, Mariza, Semi, Era, Angela, and Ian McKellen for the unique dimension that they have given art through solidarity towards social causes.