PINK Embassy meets with the Mayor of Elbasan

4 March 2013 – PINK Embassy / LGBT Pro Albania trespasses the “borders” of Tirana, in a first official meeting at the Municipality of Elbasan (central Albania) with its Mayor, Mr. Qazim Sejdini. Welcomed by him and his staff, at the Municipality’s headquarters, representatives of PINK managed to introduce the cause of the LGBT community, share important information on the issue and hand in the requests of the LGBT community for the local government through the manifesto prepared by the community itself prior to the municipal elections of 2011.

During the meeting at the Municipality 

Mr. Altin Hazizaj, Ambassador of the organization, thanked Mr. Sejdini for receiving them, by breaking this way the borders of the capital and by giving a chance to the LGBT community of this part of Albania to feel welcome and accepted by their municipality. Even though this is just the beginning of a long journey Z. Hazizaj expressed his joy that after several years of work and efforts, now the leaders of other important regions of Albania, can be informed on LGBT issues and try to introduce the issue through their work.

Mr. Sejdini on the other hand, along with his recognition and congratulations for the work done by PINK Embassy in Albania, and by taking into account the role of Tirana from where important reforms resonate all across Albania, mentioned also the challenges with old mentalities and discrimination especially in areas where LGBT issues have not been discussed before. He also noticed, than in his long career in local politics and governance he has never had the chance to meet with LGBT people who would be able to speak openly about their sexual orientation, thus making it nearly impossible for the local government to consider working on this issue.

He also noticed that political parties have not included LGBT issues in its political program, which makes the work of LGBT organizations even more important.

At the end of his speech the Mayor of Elbasan, expressed his willingness that despite the difficult mentality and inherited prejudices, this municipality will be willing to offer its help and support for the members of this community as for any other citizen.

Mr. Hazizaj thanked Mr. Sejdini again for his comments and the Municipality of Elbasan for the support, hoping that in the future the LGBT community will be able to benefit from the same chances and opportunities. 

Together with representatives of PINK Embassy, at the meeting there was also Mrs. Amarda Çoku, legal expert at the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination with whom the Municipality of Elbasan has a memorandum of agreement who congratulated the Mayor for his work in the fight against discrimination of any marginalized group in the country.

PINK Embassy / LGBT Pro Albania wishes to thank Mr. Qazim Sejdini and his staff for their support and for allowing us to take one further step in the Albanian LGBT movement, hoping that gradually LGBT people, regardless whether they live in Tirana or outside, in the city or in villages, in north or the south, to have the help and support of institutions just like any other citizen of this country.

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