Expanding the Sofia Pride Coalition: Strengthening Community and Inclusion

Sofia Pride, Bulgaria’s largest demonstration for human rights since 2008, is embarking on a transformative project to expand its community involvement. Led by the GLAS Foundation in partnership with Bilitis Foundation, Deystvie Association, and the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, the initiative aims to create a more open and participatory structure, which to include different parts of the LGBTI community and broader allies.

The project will build up on the existing Organizational committee, which consists of the GLAS, Deystvie, Bilitis and BHK and will broaden the Sofia Pride coalition by increasing the number of engaged organizations and stakeholders. A gender mainstreaming strategy will be developed to ensure that women’s rights are better integrated into Pride’s messaging, policies, and advocacy efforts. This will be supported by structured pathways for participation, allowing more individuals and groups to contribute to the strategizing and planning of Pride.

Capacity-building is also a key focus, with knowledge exchange and study visits to European Prides to adopt best practices for inclusive and community-led events. A learning expert will document key insights from the project, culminating in a good practice report that will be shared across international queer networks.

Additionally, the initiative will boost civic engagement through recruitment campaigns and community meetings, ensuring stronger participation from the LGBTIQ+ community and allied movements. Sofia Pride will also conduct outreach to new stakeholders, including businesses and institutions advocating for women’s rights and equality.

By enhancing its coalition, fostering meaningful community involvement, and strengthening its strategic framework, Sofia Pride is set to become an even more impactful movement for equality and human rights in Bulgaria. 

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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Netherlands Helsinki Committee. Neither the European Union nor the NHC can be held responsible for them.