By Mamikon Hovsepyan | Executive Director
While the world was struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, we woke up to the war on September 27. The Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched a large-scale offensive against the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), targeting the civilian population, peaceful settlements of Artsakh and Armenia, as well as civilian infrastructures. As a result, martial law was declared in Artsakh and Armenia. The period of war, from September 27th to November 10th, included not only military operations and a large flow of contradicting information but also manipulations on LGBT topics in Armenia.
Since the very first days of the war, some members of the public started spreading manipulative and discriminatory speech about LGBT people, noting that if members of the community were harmed in the conflict areas, the representatives of the international community would react immediately. It is noteworthy that statements containing similar messages were also made by some public and cultural figures and even members of political parties. Despite numerous treacherous accusations and manipulative speculations, LGBT people were actively participating in military actions against Azerbaijani-Turkish aggression, many of them volunteered for military service and took part in military operations in defense of our homeland.
During this period, our offices actively worked to provide professional support not only to the LGBT community but also by directing our efforts to assist people affected by the ongoing war. Both Pink and the LGBT community were involved in volunteering. LGBT community members collected food, clothing, basic necessities, medicine, and hygiene items for displaced people from Artsakh. Meanwhile, a group of volunteers were involved in providing housing to these affected families. Many of our specialists provided psychological, social and legal advice, as well as assisting our compatriots from Artsakh to receive medical care. We are touched that our supporters did not forget us during this period and continued donating to our cause. Even our great friend Armen Menechyan organized an Instagram Live to share our fundraising campaign with his friends and followers.
The Pink Armenia team wants to thank you all once again for your generous support towards our work in the regions of Armenia which has been possible with your donations.
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