In the summer of 2024, the “DiverCity” NGO implemented a four-day course organized as part of the “Education for Prevention” program, funded by the Eurasian Coalition on Health, Rights, Gender, and Sexual Diversity—”ECOM”.
With an aim to equip participants with comprehensive knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including their various types, as well as effective measures for combating and preventing them, the four-day training course brought together almost 20 representatives of the LGBTQ+ community affected by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Another goal was to foster a sense of community and mutual support among participants. A welcoming and generous environment was created to enhance the sense of belonging.
Throughout the training, participants got informed about STIs, including detailed insights into different types of infections, transmission methods, and preventive measures. Legal aspects related to STIs were also thoroughly covered, with discussions on the responsibility of disclosing HIV status, and legal repercussions for intentional or unintentional HIV transmission.
In addition to formal training sessions, various fun activities and games were designed, such as film screening about an LGBT couple living with HIV, a heartfelt meeting with the parent of an LGBTQ+ individual, and a bonfire party where participants could relax, socialize, and celebrate their shared experiences.
The first day of the course began with an official opening ceremony, where participants were introduced to one another and oriented to the course schedule. On the second day, the group listened to lectures on “Hepatitis” and “Gonorrhea” with a quest between lectures. The evening wrapped up with a meeting with the parent of an LGBTQ+ person, offering participants a chance to get informed about the challenges faced by families within the community.
The third day continued with lectures on “Syphilis” and “Papillomavirus” as well as engaging role-playing games. One of the highlights of the day was the introduction of a new game, “Healthy Words”, developed by the “DiverCity” NGO as part of the program. This innovative game, available in two languages, Russian and Armenian, challenges players to explain words related to STIs and Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) to their team without using root words, all within a set time limit.
The day concluded with a vibrant campfire party, where participants enjoyed grilling sausages, singing, dancing, and deepening the connections they had formed over the course of the event.
The fourth and final day was dedicated to a lecture on “Chlamydia”. The day’s schedule included a screening of the three-part film “Never Wipe Your Tears Without Gloves,” which depicts the story of a gay couple living with HIV during the epidemic in Stockholm. The course was followed with an official closing ceremony, during which participants were awarded certificates for their achievements. The overwhelmingly positive feedback received from participants was a testament to the success of the program, and it was clear that the information and experiences gained during the course would have a lasting impact on their lives.
Let us to remind that the training conducted by the “DiverCity” Social-Cultural, Human Rights Defender NGO as part of the “Education for Prevention” project with the financial support of the “Eurasian Coalition on Health, Law, Gender and Sexual Diversity (ECOM).” .
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