The Rainbow Network is a growing network of LGBTIQ+ organisations, collectives, individual activists, and allies across Bulgaria working to strengthen local communities, increase visibility, and support LGBTIQ+ people beyond the capital.

The objective of the network is to build and strengthen LGBTIQ+ activism in Bulgaria

How it all started and what we’ve achieved

The Rainbow Network was created in 2024 through collaboration between the LGBTIQ+ organisations Bilitis and GLAS and activists across Bulgaria, with the aim of supporting community-led initiatives beyond the capital.

Since its creation, the network has:

  • Trained a new generation of over 30 local LGBTIQ+ activists
  • Supported the development of local organisations and community spaces
  • Connected activists, allies, and institutions across different regions
  • Implemented local campaigns and initiatives reaching hundreds of thousands of people
  • Contributed to documenting the situation of LGBTIQ+ people in Bulgaria through reports and community-based data

The Rainbow Network has helped strengthen local communities and build a more connected, visible and decentralised LGBTIQ+ movement across the country.

Who is part of the network

Current participants include:

  • Bilitis Foundation [instagram]
  • GLAS Foundation [instagram]
  • Queer Varna Foundation – Varna [instagram]
  • Pogled Foundation & Community Center Pogled – Plovdiv [instagram]
  • Colour Wave Collective – Blagoevgrad/Dupnitsa [instagram]
  • Dozens of local LGBTIQ+ activists from across Bulgaria who have participated in the Rainbow Network *Leadership Academy

(This list reflects organisations, collectives and individuals activists currently active within the network and continues to grow.)

*The Leadership Academy is an in-person program that provides tools, insights, and valuable connections to LGBTIQ+ people and allies who wish to dedicate themselves to human rights activism in Bulgaria. The Academy aims to introduce individuals who are at the beginning of their activist journey to the pursuit of social justice. The curriculum has been carefully designed and is grounded in the victories and challenges of the LGBTIQ+ community in Bulgaria.

What does the network do

Members of the Rainbow Network work together to:

  • Support and empower local LGBTIQ+ communities
  • Organise community events and initiatives
  • Share knowledge and good practices
  • Increase visibility of LGBTIQ+ issues at the local level
  • Build connections with allies and institutions

Get in touch

If you would like to connect with the Rainbow Network or learn more about local initiatives, you can reach out directly to any of the organisations and collectives listed above, part of the Rainbow Network.