Bulgaria : The LGBTQI+ Community Struggles Against the Far Right
Bulgaria : The LGBTQI+ Community Struggles Against the Far Right
An Organization Under Pressure in a Hostile Environment
In Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, the headquarters of the LGBTQI+ association Bilitis is tucked away in an anonymous building with no external signage. The address of this community center, known as the Rainbow Hub, is deliberately kept secret to avoid attacks and evictions. “We had to relocate after a violent assault in 2021 by Boyan Rasate, a far-right candidate, and his supporters,” explains Robin Zlatarov, the trans-identity program coordinator for Bilitis. Since then, the current location, surrounded by office spaces, offers some measure of safety, away from the pressures previously exerted by discontented neighbors.
An Anti-LGBT Law That Shakes the Community
In June 2024, Bulgaria’s LGBTQI+ community faced another shock when parliament passed a law banning “LGBT propaganda” in schools. Modeled after similar legislation in Russia and Hungary, the law prohibits any discussion of non-traditional sexual orientations and non-biological gender identities in education. Passed urgently with 159 votes in favor and 22 against, it has instilled fear within the community.
“We were overwhelmed with calls from panicked individuals,” recounts Zlatarov. Despite protests and a petition gathering over 7,000 signatures, President Rumen Radev signed the law. Since then, confusion reigns: teachers and students alike are unsure which topics can be safely discussed without risking sanctions.
Read more: Bulgarian Teachers Threatened for Opposing an Anti-LGBT Law
Severe Mental Health Impact on Youth
The law’s repercussions are particularly harsh on LGBTQI+ youth. Denitsa Lyubenova, a lawyer with the Deystvie association, reports cases of students being expelled for wearing pro-LGBT clothing. Ivan Dimov, founder of the psychological support platform Single Step, notes an alarming rise in anxiety among adolescents. According to a recent study, 50% of Bulgarian LGBTQI+ students have considered suicide, 68% face bullying, and 24% have been physically assaulted. “The law worsens an already critical situation,” laments Dimov.
Mass Exodus and Rising Violence
With a score of 23.22% on LGBTQI+ rights according to ILGA Europe, Bulgaria ranks near the bottom within the EU. Zlatarov highlights the everyday hostility, even in securing housing. Since the law's adoption, violence—especially from groups of teenagers—has escalated. “Many community members are considering leaving the country permanently,” Lyubenova explains.
The Vazrazhdane party, the instigator of the law, has capitalized on Bulgaria’s political instability to stoke tensions and gain voters. Over the past three years, the country has held seven elections, creating an environment that the populist party has exploited, rising to become the third-largest political force in the nation.
A Relentless Fight for LGBTQI+ Rights
Despite the hostile environment, activists continue their fight. The Deystvie association is preparing legal challenges to contest the law both nationally and at the European level. It also monitors the compliance of Bulgarian legislation with EU standards. Meanwhile, Bilitis and Single Step persist in their efforts to provide support and raise awareness.
“Meeting community members and organizing training sessions is one of the most effective ways to combat prejudice,” explains Zlatarov. For Ivan Dimov, the mission remains clear: to help LGBTQI+ youth thrive in Bulgaria, despite growing threats. The fight goes on, fueled by the hope for a brighter future for the community.
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