Local self-government elections are being held in Georgia today, the results of which will be the most important for the country. Numerous observers from various international organizations have arrived in the country on this day.
A few days ago, parliamentary elections were held in Germany and for the first time in the history of the country, two transgender women were elected as members of the Bundestag. We hope that in the nearest future we will see openly LGBTQ+ community members in our country in leading positions in the legislature and executive branches.
In May, 15 political parties signed a general agreement on LGBT rights. Unfortunately, there was no ruling party among the signatory parties. Regarding the elections, we asked members of the LGBTQ + community who their preferred political party or mayoral candidate is. Although they have not named which political group they support, one thing is clear – none of them is a supporter of the ruling team. Members of the community support the changes and believe that the government should cater to better protect their rights.
Queer asked the LGBTQ community members:
Which party candidate are you voting for in this election and why? What is the most critical problem that the LGBTQ community has? How should these problems be solved? What strategies should be implemented?
Miko: “I support parties with liberal-democratic values, I will not vote for parties that do not deal with social issues. I also consider whether the party has a chance to get into parliament and vote for those who have a more or less chance of doing so.
I think that the most critical problem that LGBTQ+ community members are facing is homelessness and unemployment. But unemployment is caused by a lack of skills and more training programs should be available for them, these programs should be of very low cost, or completely free and funded by the state. This problem is multifaceted, it cannot be solved in 1-2 years and it concerns every oppressed socio-economic class. The education system and the consciousness of the citizens must change. We have a distorted mentality that has already become an identity. The state should be trying to solve this issue. They should have a long-term program that will not be partisan and will focus on the development of the state.”
Photo: Guram Muradov
Aia Beraia: “I won’t openly talk about which party I support, but I will say that I am going to vote for the opposition candidates.
As for the problems of the LGBTQ community – in my opinion, the most critical problem is the socio-economic challenges associated with specific oppression and discrimination. The second important issue is the realization of freedom of assembly.
Representatives of the LGBT organization are working on these issues, and it is necessary that politicians also have a non-discriminatory attitude. Their goal should be for the state to be able to solve these problems.”
Kristi: “I vote for the opposition; the government must change.
As for the problem, I think that, in general, poverty is the main problem of this country. The problem of the LGBT community is discrimination as well.
From what I have observed, community members under the age of 25 have problems with their families. There should be both financial assistance and housing for these people; because, often, they are left homeless and there are no jobs for them to be employed at.
Also, they should not be isolated from society.”
Alex Baghdasarov: “Now I am active in my party membership, in the Labor Party I support Mikheil Kumsishvili and in the proportion – Badirov. I have had other party memberships before, for example: European Georgia, I got involved in their campaign during the presidential elections in Georgia. From day one, everyone in this party knew about my orientation. Although the party leader is more conservative (meaning Shalva Natelashvili), no one has ever had a problem with my orientation. I am a member of an ethnic minority, I am an ethnic Armenian and I am in some elections in Akhalkalaki, currently I am number one on the list in Akhalkalaki from the Labor Party.
It was my personal choice because I know the people there well and there was a lot of support from the party as well. Here, there would be a possibility of pressure on me and the competition in this city is too high.
I have developed a strategy on how to solve the problems of the LGBTQ community. First of all, we should enable the queer community to hold a peaceful rally. This is the first thing that needs to be done.”
