Tirana, 21 December 2011 - Starting from January 2012, Tirana will have its first reception and accommodation shelter in emergency cases for the LGBT community in Albania, which we have called the “Rainbow Shelter”. This important project, made possible through collaboration with Planet Romeo Foundation in Netherlands, equips the LGBT community with a shelter at their most difficult and extreme moments in life, especially for the people who are in a “coming out” process in their families.

Today’s reality, which often puts LGBT people in front of the personal dilemma of self-acceptance, even with the condition of leaving the family, made it necessary for PINK Embassy to look for a shelter, which will make possible for those who have to abandon their homes, to have a place which will offer them protection and safety.

The “Rainbow Shelter”, whose location will not be disclosed for security purposes, will enable LGBT individuals in difficulty to integrate in society and give them the needed time to communicate with their relatives and loved ones. The “Rainbow Shelter” will be open only for individuals older that 18 years and for those younger, accommodation will be available in shelters for children and teenagers.

For a long time, PINK Embassy has expressed concern for cases when parents or relatives of the LGBT community have reacted strongly after learning about the sexual orientation of their children, reaching the point of beating or kicking them out. In many cases, however, after a period of reflection and communication, parents have re-united with their children, starting the phase of recognizing their sexual orientation. Taking into consideration this important and fragile moment of their lives, the wish of PINK Embassy has been that during this transitory period, to assist the members of community in the negotiations with parents and loved ones or by helping them to learn and find a profession.

The “Rainbow Shelter” will function, based on ethical rules, in order for cohabitation, no matter how short, to be at the benefit of all individuals and our common cause.

For PINK Embassy, this is an important moment towards the advancement and protection of LGBT community rights, by making sure that independently from life circumstances, none of its members is suffering violence and damages that might come from leaving the family.

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