Today, at a Prayer for Peace organized by Shalom, the Organization of Jews in Bulgaria, at the central synagogue in Sofia, we expressed our sorrow for the innocent children, parents, and peaceful residents of Israel who were brutally and publicly murdered in the unprovoked terrorist attack on October 7.

At today’s sitting, 28 July 2023, the Parliament passed a law amending the Penal Code, which provides for heavier penalties for crimes committed with the motive of the victim’s sexual orientation.

The public opinion of Bulgarians on LGBTI people, family and gender issues is still dominated by traditional stereotypes, but although slowly, skeptical opinions are changing, mainly because of people’s personal experience and contact with the topic.

In 2021, at a trans community event, a presidential candidate and his followers attacked the LGBTI+ community center, Rainbow Hub. This devastating act left the community without a safe space for almost two years.

Sofia Pride and GLAS Foundation supported Kiev Pride with a donation of 5000 BGN in their fight for a better life for LGBTI people in Ukraine and the legalization of same-sex partnerships in the country.

Over 12 thousand people were part of the 15th edition of Sofia Pride, which was held under the slogan “Proud to be”.