Monday 2 November 2009

Faces of LGBT activists from Armenia - Zaruhi Shushanyan


Zaruhi Shushanyan from Armenia (We For Civil Equality NGO) was chosen as the face of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Youth and Student Organisation (IGLYO) for the exhibition celebrating the 25th anniversary of the organisation. She was among the representatives of 15 countries on display, including Georgia and Turkey.

Here is what Zaruhi has to say (via IGLYO website):  

“I believe that there are people who were born to change the world. I am the one who attempts to help activists in their mission.

I urge people in my country to care about others who "differ" from them.”


Well done, Zaruhi. I am proud of you.

This is the second instance when a female activist from Armenia is chosen for the international LGBT rights, anti-discrimination initiatives. (First example - Lilit Poghosyan)
About the exhibition: “In July 2009, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Youth and Student Organisation (IGLYO) celebrated its 25th anniversary with an international LGBTQ activist conference in Amsterdam, bringing together more than 80 activists from all regions of the world. The exhibition “Faces of IGLYO” consists of portraits some of these activists. It reflects the manifold backgrounds, experiences and people within the international LGBTQ community.”

“Very often, their personal efforts and sacrifices go unnoticed in the struggle for LGBTQ rights. This exhibition is also meant to act as a space for acknowledgement and recognition of the tremendously important contribution of each of these individual activists towards achieving equality for all LGBTQ people in all regions of the world.

On the occasion of IGLYO’s 25th birthday, Alex Muller has created portraits of 15 activists from all over the world. She is a self-taught photographer from Germany and considers photography a powerful tool of social activism. Her work mainly focuses on local and international activism around LGBT rights and health.”

“The struggles we face are unique in each country. However, what we share are our convictions, our knowledge and our passion.”

*picture - by IGLYO/ Alex Müller (via iglyo.com)

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