Equality Armenia (EqAr) (Armenian: Հավասարություն Հայաստան, romanized: Havasarut’yun Hayastan) is a non-governmental organization which advocates for marriage equality in Armenia. Equality Armenia was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.[1]
Հավասարություն Հայաստան | |
 | |
| Abbreviation | EqAr |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2017 |
| Type | Nonprofit |
| Legal status | Non-governmental organization |
| Focus | Marriage equality, LGBT rights in Armenia, LGBT activism |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles |
| Location | |
Region served | Armenia |
| Methods | Advocacy |
Director | Armen Abelyan |
| Website | Equality Armenia |
History
editEquality Armenia was founded on 2 December 2017 and its current Director is Armen Abelyan.[2] The organization seeks to achieve marriage equality in Armenia, as well as, advancing both LGBT rights and human rights, and combating homophobia in the country.[3][4] During an interview on 28 November 2017, EqAr Director Abelyan stated, "Marriage equality is within reach in Armenia and that concerted effort in the Diaspora is crucial."[4][5]
On 28 February 2018, Equality Armenia hosted a charity event in Pasadena to raise funds for Pink Armenia, an organization based in Armenia focusing on the advancement of LGBT rights.[6]
On 29 March 2019, Equality Armenia held its first annual Leadership Council in Glendale. The forum brought together lgbtq activists, government officials, and community leaders to discuss advancing LGBTQ equality in Armenia. Various Los Angeles Councilmembers, Glendale Mayor Vartan Gharpetian, delegates from the Armenian National Committee of America, GALAS LGBTQ+ Armenian Society, and Equality California spoke at the event. EqAr Director Abelyan stated, "The future of the LGBTQ community is woven with the future of Armenia. It always has been. Armenia has a window of opportunity to become a leader in the region."[7]
Partnerships
editEquality Armenia has developed partnerships with other LGBT rights organizations including Pink Armenia and Right Side NGO.[8]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ Gerami, Vic (22 November 2017). "STANDOUT: ARMEN ABELYAN". THE BLUNT POST.
- ^ "Equality Armenia". Archived from the original on 1 September 2018. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
- ^ "Reaching Out to All Armenians: 'Equality Armenia' and the Fight for LGBTQ Rights". 7 February 2018.
- ^ a b says, Palma. "Father Vazken Movsesian Joins Equality Armenia Board – Asbarez.com".
- ^ [1]
- ^ "«Հավասարություն Հայաստան»-ը 2500 դոլար է փոխանցել Փինքի դրամահավաքին – Pink Armenia". 28 February 2018.
- ^ "Equality Armenia Honors Three City Officials". 4 April 2018.
- ^ "Amid a War and a Global Pandemic, Local Groups Supporting Queer Armenians Saw an Opportunity to Build Community".