Community Development

The “Building Communities Locally” program strengthens alliances and the capacity of organizations working outside major urban centers, with the aim of improving the position of LGBTI people in local communities. Through this program, Labris works with youth, feminist and LGBTI organizations at the local level, providing support to help them identify the needs of the LGBTI community and develop appropriate support mechanisms.

Through training and mentoring, organizations are supported in integrating an LGBTI perspective into their existing programs, as well as in actively supporting LGBTI people living in their communities. In this way, the program contributes to greater visibility, access to support and inclusion of LGBTI people in local communities.

An important component of the program is the initiation and development of Local Networks for the Prevention of Discrimination and Support for LGBT+ People, established in Belgrade, Pančevo, Novi Sad, Kragujevac, Novi Pazar, Niš and Subotica. These networks bring together civil society organizations and local institutions, enabling coordinated action, knowledge exchange and stronger institutional responses to discrimination and violence against LGBTI people.

The program contributes to building sustainable local communities that are informed, connected and equipped to provide support, creating safer and more inclusive environments for LGBTI people across Serbia.

In addition, Labris continues to organize a variety of events for the LBTQ community to strengthen mutual support, visibility, and connection. These gatherings are designed in response to the needs identified within the community and provide an important space for exchange, socializing and building a sense of belonging.