User:Sweetpetras/sandbox

The Lithuanian Gay League (Lietuvos Gėjų Lyga), located in Vilnius, is a “national nonprofit, nongovernmental organization uniting homosexual, bisexual and transgender persons.”

LGL’s vision is an inclusive Lithuanian society which is free from homo- and transphobia. It defines itself as an advocacy organization which struggles discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation and gender identity. LGL promotes an inclusive social environment for gay men, lesbian women, bisexual and transgender persons through support, education and representation of the LGBT community.

History
LGL is one of the longest-existing NGOs in Lithuania. In 1993 a constituent meeting took place and in 1994 it became member of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA). In 1995 LGL was officially registered with the Ministry of Justice in and the first LGBT information center opened its doors.

Projects and activities
LGL carried out the first survey in the Baltic States about the discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation. Further projects include the photo exhibition “Living together”, seminars, film screenings and discussions throughout the country, several publications, coordination of the European Commission initiative EQUAL project on workplace diversity, and the project “Empowering LBT Women”. An LGBT support and information centre in Vilnius has been run by LGL since 2004. In 2007 LGL was the co-host of ILGA Europe’s annual conference. LGL was one of the main organizers of Baltic Pride 2010 in Vilnius, the first Pride march to be held in Lithuania. LGL is also active in lobbying: “It put forward amendments prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, which were later included in the Penal and Labour codes.” In May 2012 LGL organized the “International Day Against Homophobia” (IDAHO) which was marked by a week-long celebration of “Rainbow Days”; including a press conference, film screenings and discussions in Vilnius and Kaunas.