ScaNdal in Albanian cities

As part of a project organized by the Peace Corps of the United States, the Alliance Against Discrimination of LGBT, Pro LGBT and NGOs, with the aim to raise awareness about LGBT issues in communities outside Tirana, last week in Durres, on the premises of the organization CSDC, was screened the documentary ScaNdal, which is the first ever long documentary about the LGBT movement in Albania. After the screening of the documentary, the participants, among whom were representatives from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, State Social Service, psychologists of different schools, and other institutions engaged in an extensive debate about the issues of the LGBT community. This was the fourth such commitment and will continue in other cities of Albania.

Although there were different opinions and views among participants, responses were generally positive. Always there have been some misconceptions about LGBT people, and this was also noted by the exercise held about the stereotypes of the LGBT community, like lesbians dress like boys, speak like boys, have short hair and male character. As for gays they had the feeling that they were very polite, feminine in action and talk and they care a lot about their appearance. After the screening of the documentary ScaNdal, the participants from the community, NGOs, psychologists and LGBT activists discussed the many problems the LGBT community faces in everyday life and what to do to diminish these concerns. The collaboration in Durres with CSDC saw tremendous progress for LGBT awareness in this city.”/A.A.