(Nicosia, Cyprus – 29.12.2023) Accept LGBTI Cyprus and Queer Cyprus Association received the European Citizen’s Prize for Cyprus at the European Parliament in Brussels and held a series of advocacy meetings in Brussels.
Accept LGBTI Cyprus and Queer Cyprus Association received the esteemed European Citizen’s Prize for Cyprus at the European Parliament in Brussels. This award acknowledges organizations’ steadfast dedication to promoting equality, unity, and advocating for LGBTQI+ rights in Cyprus. The award ceremony, hosted in the heart of European democracy, celebrated a decade of tireless efforts in building a more inclusive society.
Following the award ceremony, Accept LGBTI Cyprus and Queer Cyprus Association embarked on a series of crucial advocacy visits and meetings with key stakeholders. These included engagements with Cypriot Members of the European Parliament, European Commissioners for Health and Food Safety, and Equality, Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support, the Permanent Representative of Cyprus in the EU, political parties and various local civil society organizations and international umbrella organizations.
During their visit, the organizations highlighted the unity of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot LGBTI+ communities. They advocated for support, understanding, and recognition of the challenges and discrimination faced by the LGBTI+ community across the divide within EU institutions, LGBTI+ umbrella organizations, and NGOs.
The organizations urged EU institutions for active support in promoting positive changes for LGBTI+ rights in Cyprus. Additionally, both entities explored collaboration opportunities. The visit aimed at broadening networks with European LGBTI+ organizations, fostering relationships for potential partnerships, knowledge exchange, and future collaborative initiatives. Both organizations also collaborated with European Union representatives and international NGOs to spotlight the unique challenges faced by the LGBTI+ community in Cyprus as well as problems faced by TCc, emphasizing the potential role of the EU in supporting peace and reconciliation efforts.
Organizations consider this visit a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for the LGBTI+ community in Cyprus. The organizations remain dedicated to their mission and look forward to continued collaboration with both local and international partners. Two organizations have extended their appreciation to MEPs Niyazi Kızılyürek and Giorgos Georgiou, nominated Queer Cyprus and Accept LGBTI Cyprus for the European Citizen’s Prize.
Two organizations reiterate their unwavering commitment to continued advocacy for intersectionality, transparency, equality, respect, care, and understanding. The European Citizen’s Prize serves as a source of hope and inspiration, emphasizing the organizations’ dedication to dismantling barriers and championing human rights in Cyprus. This recognition fuels their pursuit of a more inclusive, accepting, and peaceful Cyprus for all.
In a joint statement, Accept LGBTI Cyprus and Queer Cyprus Association declare their plan to formalize their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in early 2024. This strategic alliance represents a unified effort in their ongoing work toward the unification of Cyprus, prioritizing the respect and promotion of LGBTI+ rights. The organizations stated that they remain committed in their commitment to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and ensures the well-being of all individuals in Cyprus.