Community-led organizations and events that make Prague open and safe for everyone
13.04.2023
Prague has made significant strides in recent years to promote the rights and wellbeing of its LGBTQ+ community and is becoming more inclusive and supportive. A significant part of that progress is the growing number of support groups available for LGBTQ+ individuals. These groups provide a safe space for people to connect, share their experiences and receive assistance. Below are some examples of LGBTQ+ events and support groups in the city:
Pride Counseling is part of the non-profit counseling organization that focuses on providing mental health services to LGBTQ+ individuals. The organization offers confidential sessions with trained therapists, and they make sure to provide services that are culturally aware and attuned to the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
Queer Geography is a non-profit organization that provides support and care to LGBTQ+ persons in the Czech Republic. They offer a broad spectrum of help, including counseling, legal advice, and other community-centered events to support and connect people.
Proud is an organization that advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and promotes understanding and inclusivity. They offer education and training programs for schools, businesses, and other organizations to promote knowledge on the topic and provide support and advice for those who need it.
One of the major events that provides visibility to the LGBTQ+ community in Prague is the Prague Pride festival. This annual event typically takes place in August and includes a range of activities and events, such as parties, cultural events, and an equality march. The festival is a celebration of diversity and inclusivity, and it attracts thousands of participants each year!
In addition to Pride, there are many cultural events organized in the community each year. Mezipatra Queer Film Festival is a queer film festival organized by non-profit organizations Mezipatra and STUD Brno. Every year, they introduce around a hundred Czech and foreign films centred around LGBTQ+ issues, and their creators. The films are apprised by a professional jury as a part of a prestigious international competition. Inherent part of the program are the accompanying discussions, lectures, workshops, exhibitions and parties.
Trans*Parent provides social and psychological support to transgender individuals. They offer peer-to-peer counseling, support groups, and transgender meetups to help individuals navigate their identity and feel a sense of belonging.
It is also worth mentioning Queer Expats in Prague, a private Facebook group where you simply request to join and can find common ground/have discussions with other members of the community living in the city. This is a great place to make friends if you’re new to the city, or just a friendly place to share experiences.
Furthermore, various businesses in Prague have also show their support for the LGBTQ+ community by joining the We Are Fair initiative. We Are Fair is a campaign that supports companies in making their workplaces more welcoming and inclusive for LGBTQ+ employees and customers.
As you can see from the few of many mentioned above, Prague now offers a wide variety of support groups and resources to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. These organizations provide a safe and welcoming environment for individuals, and they offer essential services and support towards promoting equality, inclusivity, and acceptance.
Author: Trinity Reda