The Estonian LGBT Association is a non-profit organization working for LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other sexualities and gender identities) people and their loved ones. It follows the principles of the code of ethics of Estonian non-profitorganizarions.
 

The mission of the Estonian LGBT Association is supporting the LGBT+ community and their loved ones by offering support services and engaging in advocacy work, as well as raising awareness on LGBT+ topics in society.

The vision of the Estonian LGBT Association is a strong community and a caring and inclusive society, in which individuals are valued regardless of their sexual and/or gender identity. The Estonian LGBT Association is an effective and sustainable speaker on LGBT+ topics in Estonia.

Values of the organization:
We are aware of what is happening in the world and in the country, of ourselves and of the people around us, and of our rights and obligations;
We care about the people around us, we respect differences and avoid passing superficial judgment;
We involve LGBT+ people, our partners, friends and supporters in our work and we cooperate with them.

 

Fields of work:

1. Community. Supporting LGBT+ people and their loved ones by providing support services and growth opportunities;

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1.2 COUNSELLING AND SUPPORT GROUPS

Psychological counseling, Legal counseling, Peer counseling

Four support groups -

Youth. “OMA youth is a group of young people who have been meeting at the center for two years. We are young people from all over Estonia who meet to hang out, chat, make food, discuss, make the world better, study, share stories, listen, support. You are not alone!’’
Families. Families withsame sex parents meet to share their joys and concerns by communicating openly. Our meetings are open to families with children and those who are planning to have children. Everyone is welcome!
Transgender people and their loved ones. The group meets to discuss gender identity, self-identification and self-expression: “We meet to share and listen to each other’s stories. The evening is dedicated to questions and answers regarding transgender topics. Participation is anonymous and we aim for a safe environment.”
The Association of Gay Christians: “Our tea evenings take place on the first and second Tuesday of every month at 18. The Gay Christians Association is an ecclesiastically and politically independent non-profit association which aims to unite sexual minorities of the Christian faith. We welcome all friendly people regardless of religious affiliation or sexual identity." You can get an overview of their activities on their website and Facebook page.

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1.2. Community centre

OMA (Oma Maailma Avardamise - Broadening Your World) Center is an LGBT+ information and activity center, connecting LGBT+ people, their loved ones, questions, ideas, problems and wishes. The center was opened in 2011 by the Estonian LGBT Association.The center is located in Tallinn, at Kaarli pst 5-1, and is open Tuesday-Friday at 15-18.

1.3 LIBRARY
The centre is home to a library with books on LGBT+ topics, including fiction, scientific publications, popular science, research papers, films, and LGBT+ themed magazines. Our collection has over 400 books which you can borrow or read at the center. The books are mainly in English and in Estonian, but some are also available in Russian and Finnish. You can get an overview of our collection in our database, which is constantly being updated.

1.4. Events

2. Communication and seminars to raise awareness and caring in Estonian society;

 

2.1 Seminars and educational work to raise awareness in Estonian society, educational materials for teachers and youth workers.

2.2 BALTIC PRIDE
The culture festival Baltic Pride has been organized by Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania since 2009. In Estonia, it has taken place in 2011, 2014, and 2017. Baltic Pride stands for a free and caring society, living in which is good and safe for everyone, regardless of one’s sexuality, gender identity or expression. The next Baltic Pride hosted by Tallinn will take place in 2020.

 

2.3. Internship in the LGBT+ field

 

2.3. we help to write an article or a research paper in the LGBT+ field

 

3. Advocacy
            3.1 Free legal aid for LGBT+ people and their families.

            3.2 commenting on law proposals

 

3.3 Monitoring cases of discrimination - hate crime and hate speech to be used in advocacy work.
etc
 

Kristel Rannaääre   kristel@lgbt.ee