“I appeal to all governments and societies […] to build a world where no one has to be afraid because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
António Guterres, UN Secretary-General

OutSpoken is a multimedia gallery exploring the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons in the Western Balkans. OutSpoken celebrates speaking out against violence, discrimination and marginalization. Through its stories of adversity, resilience and triumph, it nurtures compassion and connectedness to illuminate our shared humanity.

The diverse cast of OutSpoken come from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Their sexual orientations and gender identities may vary, but their experiences are powerful reminders of the need to protect LGBTI people from stigma and violence.

In the Western Balkans, as in much of the world, LGBTI people experience inadequate legal protections, discrimination in accessing public services, hostile public attitudes and a general lack of support. It is essential that the human rights of LGBTI persons are defended and protected by addressing inadequate laws while combating discriminatory attitudes and acts.

UNDP supports the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, which promised to leave no one behind. In 170 countries and territories, UNDP is working to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and end exclusion. In all of our efforts, we encourage the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women, minorities and the most vulnerable. That includes the rights of LGBTI persons.

For more information about the state of rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons in the Western Balkans, check out these four country reports for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.