Georgia may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about LGBT+ rights and acceptance, but the country is slowly but surely making progress towards a more inclusive society. One way this progress is being celebrated is through the growing number of LGBT+ festivals and events in Tbilisi and beyond. Here are some of the top festivals to check out:
Tbilisi Pride
Tbilisi Pride is the largest LGBT+ event in Georgia and takes place annually in June. The first Tbilisi Pride was held in 2019, and despite facing opposition and threats from far-right groups, the event was a success with hundreds of people marching through the streets of Tbilisi. The second Tbilisi Pride in 2020 was held virtually due to the pandemic, but organizers are hopeful that the event will return to the streets in 2021.
Tbilisi Pride is not just a celebration of the LGBT+ community, but also a protest against the discrimination and violence that the community faces in Georgia. The event is an opportunity for the community to come together and demand equal rights and acceptance. It is also a chance for allies to show their support and solidarity.
Cinemania LGBT Film Festival
The Cinemania LGBT Film Festival is an annual event that showcases LGBT+ films from around the world. The festival takes place in Tbilisi and has been running for over a decade. It is a great opportunity to see films that may not otherwise be available in Georgia and to connect with other members of the LGBT+ community.
The festival is not just about entertainment, but also about education. The films shown at Cinemania often deal with important issues facing the LGBT+ community, such as discrimination, violence, and coming out. The festival is a chance to learn more about these issues and to start important conversations.
Outfest Georgia
Outfest Georgia is a week-long festival that takes place in Tbilisi and features a variety of events, including film screenings, panel discussions, and parties. The festival aims to promote LGBT+ visibility and acceptance in Georgia and to provide a safe space for the community to come together and celebrate.
Outfest Georgia is more than just a festival; it is a movement. The festival organizers work year-round to promote LGBT+ rights and acceptance in Georgia, and the festival itself is just one part of that effort. The festival is a chance to celebrate the progress that has been made, but also to acknowledge the work that still needs to be done.
Queer Tbilisi Festival
The Queer Tbilisi Festival is a relatively new event that takes place in October. It is a multidisciplinary festival that includes art exhibitions, performances, workshops, and more. The festival aims to showcase the diversity of the LGBT+ community and to challenge stereotypes and prejudices.
The festival is a celebration of the many different identities and experiences within the LGBT+ community. It is a chance to learn about and appreciate the unique perspectives of others. The festival also aims to break down stereotypes and prejudices by showing the richness and complexity of the LGBT+ community.
Batumi Pride
Batumi Pride is a smaller event than Tbilisi Pride, but it is still an important one. Batumi is a coastal city in Georgia, and the pride event takes place in September. The event includes a march through the city, as well as other activities such as film screenings and parties.
Batumi Pride is a chance for the LGBT+ community in Batumi to come together and show their pride and solidarity. The event is also an opportunity to raise awareness about LGBT+ issues in a part of the country that may be less accepting than Tbilisi.
LGBT+ Rights in Georgia
While the growing number of LGBT+ festivals in Georgia is a positive sign, it is important to remember that the country still has a long way to go in terms of LGBT+ rights and acceptance. Homosexuality was decriminalized in Georgia in 2000, but discrimination and violence against the LGBT+ community are still common. Same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no laws protecting LGBT+ people from discrimination in employment, housing, or public accommodations.
Despite these challenges, the LGBT+ community in Georgia is making progress. The growing number of festivals and events is one example of this progress, but there are also other signs of change. In 2018, the Georgian Orthodox Church issued a statement condemning violence against LGBT+ people, and in 2020, the Georgian government passed a hate crime law that includes sexual orientation and gender identity.
Conclusion
Attending an LGBT+ festival in Georgia can be a powerful experience. It is a chance to connect with others in the community, to celebrate diversity, and to show support for LGBT+ rights and acceptance. While there is still much work to be done, the growing number of festivals and events in Georgia is a sign of progress and a reason to be hopeful for the future. By attending these festivals, we can all play a part in creating a more inclusive and accepting society.