Horizontal Activism for Sustainable Communities

The Horizontal Activism for Sustainable Communities project aims to strengthen LGBTI communities in Bulgaria by fostering stronger partnerships, shared leadership, and sustainable models for civic participation. The initiative is implemented by the Bilitis Resource Center Foundation in partnership with the Lespectra Association and the Queer Varna Foundation, bringing together their expertise in human rights advocacy, community organizing, cultural activism, and volunteer engagement.

The project was developed in response to the growing challenges faced by LGBTI communities in Bulgaria, including the rise of anti-LGBTI rhetoric, the shrinking civic space, and the need for closer cooperation among organizations. At its core is the concept of horizontal activism—an approach based on equal participation, collective decision-making, mutual care, and shared responsibility. Through this model, the project promotes the development of more connected, resilient, and inclusive communities that are able to collaborate effectively and respond in solidarity to societal challenges.

The project’s main objective is to establish sustainable mechanisms for cooperation among LGBTI organizations, activists, and local communities by promoting knowledge exchange, mutual support, and the development of a new generation of civic leaders.

To achieve this goal, the project includes a Horizontal Activism Lab, where the partner organizations will develop and pilot innovative models for collaborative work. The project will also organize artistic and activist workshops, produce a community zine and an exhibition, and host community festivals in Sofia and Varna, all implemented with the active involvement of volunteers and local communities.

In addition, the project includes the Bilitis Leadership Academy, featuring a Training of Trainers (ToT) module, as well as a public discussion dedicated to the exchange of good practices between LGBTI organizations and other civil society organizations.

The project is expected to engage more than 200 participants through trainings, creative workshops, and community events, while reaching over 1,000 people through its public initiatives. In the long term, it will contribute to strengthening cooperation among organizations from different regions of the country, expanding sustainable volunteer networks, and promoting horizontal ways of working as an effective approach to building strong, resilient, and sustainable LGBTI communities.