Interview with volunteers

Viky (20), Law student - Czech Republic

1. What does pride mean to you?

The first thing that comes to my mind is the celebration of LGBT people but not only that like people, their feelings, their sexuality, how they feel as person taking it as they are, not judging and feeling free to share their real person inside.

2. How LGBTQIAP+ people are seen in your country? Do they feel support from the society, or they feel oppressed or ignored? Why is like that in your opinion?

Well I think it is hard to say because I only see my social bubble and in my social bubble there are many open minded people so I think there is no need to be ashamed or judged. But yes sometimes when you open social media there is hate, discrimination.

3. In social media we can observe lots of hate and discrimination of LGBT communities. What do you think we can do about this?

The best way how to bridge this way of thinking is to talk about it, promoting it, showing that is not something wrong that the person is not sick or mentally ill or whatever they think. Just show them that the people are normal, they have feelings that LGBT people are the same as them and talk about it – this is the best we can do.

Alba (27), Psychology student - Italy

1.Do you think there should be expectations on people because of their gender?

No... I don't think so. I think that everybody is different, and we should expect anything from anyone, beyond sex, gender, age, nationality etc.

2. What does the word “discrimination” mean to you?

To discriminate means to judge negatively and wrong someone who for innate reasons or for own choice is different - usually because of ignorance.

3. Do you think LGBTQIAP+ issues should be talked about in primary schools?

I think that in schools we must speak and teach respect for individual freedoms. Even without deepen and talking about what exactly the term LGBTI means, I think the school should teach open-mindedness and all that goes with it. Children can be accustomed by perhaps including examples in books that include people outside the gender binary.

4. How important is your gender identity to you?

I think that beyond the LGBTI issues there is a psychological question that concerns everyone, that is the way in which we manage to reconcile in our personality the male and female polarities (which we all have). Beyond the "choice" I think that simply everyone must become what they are. Therefore, it's not really important for me to think about my gender identity, I prefer to complicate my life thinking about more psychologically thorny issues!

1.Do you think there should be expectations on people because of their gender?

I think there shouldn’t be any expectations regardless of your gender. Unfortunately, we live in the world that has many expectations especially towards women in relation to life, work.

2. is pride month celebrated in your country? If yes how it is celebrated?

Yes, in France, mainly in Paris on the first weekend of June, there are celebrations that take place on the main streets of Paris. There is a colourful parade, there are huge trucks with music, stage we just dance and have fun. People are so into it. There is nothing else but the good vibe here.

3.Do you think that LGBTQ+ people should be the ones educating others about related issues?

Yeah, of course. I always think that when there is an issue, the only person that can talk about the issue is the person who is concerned.

Agata (24) European Studies student - Poland

1.Do you think the media in your country does a good job of portraying/representing LGBTQIAP+ people?

I am aware of the importance of the topic, but I have a feeling that media in Poland do not pay enough attention to this topic. I rather use European sides to educate myself about LGBT and related topics. Occasionally, some stories of LGBT+ people are presented in polish media but only those which are not related to the present government. I think there is a room for improvement for polish media to raise the awareness of LGBT+ communities.

2. How can we better support LGBT youth and their families?

We could show the support to LGBT youth and their families by taking part in pride parades and any other events organized to promote rights of LGBT+ people. I think that it all should have beginning at school, there should be psychologist or well-trained teacher with whom that youngsters can discuss their concerns, ask for advice etc. The same for the companies. Almost all international companies based in Poland have the policy of inclusion regardless sex orientation, religious belief ect. However, in small private sectors very often they lack this policy of inclusion. Here is a room for improvement.

3. What can we learn from LGBT+ people?

Understanding of another person. They are understanding and always cheerful regardless the situation; they do not make any comments about others. What is more they always focus on the strengths of a person and positive sides.

4. What does it mean to love someone?

I think that loving someone is to accept all flaws of someone. We all have strengths and weaknesses, nobody is perfect. However, if you love someone you can fully accept their weaknesses, it is easier than with a person you do not like.