Catalyst of Change
Supporting a vibrant civil society in Europe
LGBTI Deystvie
deystvie.orgDeystvie is an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTI people in Bulgaria. It works to ensure legal rights, social inclusion, and safety for the community. As part of its efforts, Deystvie empowers the LGBTI community, raises public awareness of their challenges, and supports legal recognition for same-sex families and gender identity. The organisation also aims to provide training for state and municipal employees to improve understanding and sensitivity in working with LGBTI people.
About the Project
Sofia Human Rights Forum 2026 (SHRF)
This project aims to address shrinking civic space, limited funding and visibility for CSOs, and low civic participation in Bulgaria. In mid-March, Deystvie will organise the Sofia Human Rights Forum to provide dialogue and a platform for grassroots organisations to showcase their work and collaborate across sectors. The 2026 forum will focus on women change-makers, engaging media, citizens, and smaller CSOs while promoting partnerships. It will feature expert panels and discussions, supported by a campaigning programme before, during, and after the forum to increase visibility and maximise impact.
Communication Outputs
Project Communications
The project culminated in the organisation of the 2026 Sofia Human Rights Forum. It brought together 10 speakers from the civil society and public sectors, representing diverse perspectives on gender equality, civic participation and social change.
Social Media
Deystvie created a dedicated webpage, Instagram, and Facebook for the Sofia Human Rights Forum and frequently posts invitations and updates on social media.
Media Coverage
Given the popularity and effective communications campaign, the Sofia Human Rights Forum garnered a lot of attention from the press.
See a selection of articles about the Forum:
- Strong rights, strong women
- “STRONG”: Rights Forum gathers activists for equality, women’s rights and LGBTI causes
And media interviews with members of Deystvie and speakers from the Forum:
- Conversation about the Forum between Lyuba Konstantinova, Denitsa Lyubenova, and Olga Mineva
- TV interview with Deystvie’s Denitsa Lyubenova on Nova News
- Interview with Deystvie’s Borimir Totev and Daniela Samiri, a Roma rights activist and speaker at the Forum
- Interview with Deystvie’s Denitsa Lyubenova in the show “Horizon to Noon”
Identity becomes a barrier when stereotypes enter the room before you do. When others believe they already know who you are. These assumptions shape expectations, opportunities and even the tone of conversation.
Funded by the European Union
name
Catalyst of Change: Protecting the Union values by supporting a resilient, engaged and vocal civil society for the promotion of women’s rights, environmental justice and anti-corruption
partner
European Center for Not-for-Profit Law Stichting (ECNL)
duration
1 January 2023- 31 December 2026
budget
3,411.982 EUR
