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GLAS FOUNDATION
About GLAS Foundation
GLAS Foundation (Gays and Lesbians Accepted in Society) is a non-governmental organization, founded in 2014. GLAS strives to bring forth a positive change to the lives of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Bulgaria and eastern Europe, guaranteeing them full equality and protection from all forms of discrimination. The organization’s goal is the complete inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in all aspects of life and society. The main focus is on working with parents of LGBTQIA+ people, creating an integrated work environment and campaigning against homophobic hate crimes, as well as promoting tolerance.
PROGRAMS
Sofia Pride
A considerable amount of the GLAS Foundation’s work is aimed at the support of quality health education, as well as combating the stereotypes and prejudices that surround the HIV virus amongst not only Bulgarian society at large, but the group of men, who have sex with men – the group that is most vulnerable towards infections. Through a series of focused campaigns and organized support groups, the foundation seeks to stimulate regular HIV/AIDS testing, as well as to provide information concerning the latest methods used to prevent and fight the virus with the help and collaboration of partners and health organizations.
Campaigns Against Homophobic Hate Crimes
Since 2015 the GLAS Foundation has held a series of public campaigns with the purpose of raising awareness towards the discrimination of LGBTI people and initiating a discussion for the addition of sexual orientation and gender identity to all articles of the penal code that concern hate speech and hate-motivated crimes
Positive LGBTQIA+ Representation in Society
The GLAS Foundation has done considerable work to combat the negative portrayal of the LGBTI community, as well as the stereotypes in the media, by creating more positive content. Far too often gay men and lesbians are portrayed in a negative light and looked upon as morally degenerate by the media. This leads to an easily recognizable and widespread negative and stereotypical image of people with non-traditional sexual orientation.
Working With Parents of LGBTQIA+ Children
We want to help parents cope with the feelings of confusion, shame, blame, denial and anger that they get once their children come out. We also want to make sure they don’t fall into the trap of the myths surrounding homosexuality. We are conducting regular informal groups and individual gatherings where parents discuss their experiences and problems.
HIV/AIDS Testing & Prevention
A considerable amount of the GLAS Foundation’s work is aimed at the support of quality health education, as well as combating the stereotypes and prejudices that surround the HIV virus amongst not only Bulgarian society at large, but the group of men, who have sex with men – the group that is most vulnerable towards infections. Through a series of focused campaigns and organized support groups, the foundation seeks to stimulate regular HIV/AIDS testing, as well as to provide information concerning the latest methods used to prevent and fight the virus with the help and collaboration of partners and health organizations.
Diversity & Inclusion at Work
With initiatives like the first network for diversity and equality Work It OUT, awareness-raising campaigns and various activities, the foundation strives for workplace inclusion and equal opportunities for LGBT employees, empowering them to be their true self at work, without fear of discrimination. We assist local and international businesses in their efforts for reaching diversity at work.
