On September 30, from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM, the French Institute in Bulgaria, the Woman Up Foundation, and the “LGBTI Action” Association will bring together representatives of the LBQ community, health professionals, human rights advocates, legal experts, public institutions, and civil society organizations. The event aims to facilitate a discussion on the violence, discrimination, and legal invisibility faced by lesbian, bisexual, and queer women in Bulgaria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The expert forum will present findings from two studies and link two topics often addressed separately: access to healthcare and protection against violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Results from a national online survey and focus groups regarding experiences of violence, the lack of support mechanisms, and necessary legislative changes will be presented. Discussions will also cover how the specific needs of lesbians* can be taken into account during the process of transposing the Directive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Participants:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Polya Hristova, State Expert in the “Analysis, Prevention, and International Cooperation” Department at the Commission for Protection against Discrimination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PhD in Sociology from the Institute of Sociology and Philosophy at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS). Clinical psychologist with a psychoanalytic perspective (Master\u2019s degree from New Bulgarian University).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Master\u2019s degree in Management of Social Activities and Systems from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
20 years of experience in the field of human rights, including professional experience as a psychologist specializing in children’s rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Currently a State Expert in the “Analysis, Prevention, and International Cooperation” Department at the Commission for Protection against Discrimination. Mila Krastenova \u2013 Junior Expert in the Specialized Proceedings Department at the Commission for Protection against Discrimination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She supports the work of the standing panels specialized by protected characteristics, the expanded five-member panels addressing multiple discrimination, and *ad hoc* panels, in accordance with the Rules of Organization and Operation of the Commission for Protection against Discrimination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a rare opportunity to bring together health professionals, legal experts, institutions, civil society organizations, and community representatives in a single conversation to explore the intersections of healthcare, law, and protection against violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This event is funded by the Euro-Central Asian Lesbian Community (EL*C) and the European Union. Its content is the sole responsibility of the “LGBTI Action” Association and the WomanUp Foundation\u2014the event organizers\u2014and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Euro-Central Asian Lesbian Community or the European Union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can find detailed information about the forum’s objectives and participants on the event page: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/events\/906415365521932<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n