Hey Estonian Youth - Do You Have Your Own Room Where You're Allowed to Be?

There is a small LGBTQ organization in Estonia called "Oma Tuba". The organization was founded by a group of LGBTQ people who felt there was a need for a safe space where people could come together, share their experiences, and support each other. Over the years, the organization has grown and now provides a variety of services to the LGBTQ community in Estonia.

The "Oma Tuba" project has been successful in providing a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ+ youth in Estonia. It has received funding from various sources, including private donors, government organizations, and NGOs, and has been supported by the Estonian LGBT Association. The project has also received recognition from the Estonian government for its positive impact on the community.

The project has been able to provide important services to LGBTQ+ youth, such as counseling and support, education and awareness-raising, and social activities. Through its work, the project has helped to create a more inclusive society in Estonia and has contributed to the well-being and empowerment of LGBTQ+ youth.

“Oma Tuba" project has been successful in achieving its goals and has made a positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ youth in Estonia.

One of the most important things that "Oma Tuba" does is provide a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ people who may be struggling with their identity or facing discrimination. They offer support groups, counseling services, and a variety of social events where people can meet and connect with others who are going through similar experiences.

But "Oma Tuba" is more than just a support group - they are also actively working to create a more accepting and inclusive society in Estonia. They organize educational events and workshops for schools and businesses to help raise awareness about LGBTQ issues and combat discrimination. They also work closely with the Estonian government to advocate for LGBTQ rights and push for legal protections for the community.

The philosophy of "Oma Tuba" is one of acceptance, empathy, and love. They believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. By creating a safe space for LGBTQ people to come together and support each other, they are building a stronger and more resilient community that can weather the challenges of discrimination and hate.

“Oma Tuba" is not just about helping LGBTQ people - it's about creating a better world for everyone. By promoting acceptance and inclusivity, they are helping to build a society where everyone is valued and respected, regardless of their differences. And that is a goal worth striving for.

The organization "Our Room" was primarily founded by young LGBTQ+ people who want to provide a safe and supportive place for their community. Since the organization is aimed primarily at young people, the age range of its members is between 16-26 years old.

The project "Oma Tuba" is funded by several sources, including individual donors and various funds. For example, the project has been funded by the European Economic Area's "At-risk Children and Youth" program, the Ministry of Culture's Cultural Endowment for Sports and Youth Work, the Tallinn Social and Health Department, and several other organizations and companies. The initiator and leader of the project is the Estonian LGBT Association.

There are several organizations and initiatives in Estonia that support the LGBTQ+ community and advocate for their rights, including:

Estonian LGBT Association - the largest LGBTQ+ community organization in Estonia, which organizes various activities and events, informs the community, and advocates for the rights of LGBTQ+ people.

Rainbow Youth Centre - a centre for LGBTQ+ youth, where various events and activities take place, and young people can receive counseling services.

Estonian Sexual Health Association - an organization that deals with sexual health and reproductive rights issues, including the protection of LGBTQ+ people's rights.

Regenbogen - an organization that supports the LGBTQ+ community and advocates for their rights, including providing counseling services and organizing events.

Who supports LGBTQ projects in Estonia?

The Estonian government supports several LGBTQ+ related projects through various programs. Some examples include:

The Ministry of Culture's Sports and Youth Work Foundation supports LGBTQ+ youth theater, dance, and film projects.

The Ministry of Social Affairs funds sexual health projects, including prevention and counseling projects aimed at LGBTQ+ people.

The Ministry of Education and Research supports youth and student council activities, which also include LGBTQ+ related projects and events.

The Estonian Cultural Endowment funds several cultural projects that deal with LGBTQ+ issues, including literature, film, and art projects.

Estonian youth! Do you need a megaphone or can you amplify your voice on your own?

The "Oma hääl" project aims to amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ youth in Estonia. It is an initiative of the NGO "Oma Tuba" which has organized several campaigns, events, and meetings to raise awareness about the challenges and issues faced by LGBTQ+ youth.

The project has provided a platform for these youth to express themselves and be heard, ultimately leading to greater awareness and inclusivity within society.

Through their work, the "Oma hääl" project has given LGBTQ+ youth in Estonia the opportunity to make their voices heard and advocate for change.

"Oma Hääl" project is initiated by the NGO Oma Tuba and works in collaboration with various other organizations and individuals who share the goal of promoting the visibility and inclusion of LGBTQ+ youth in Estonia.

The project is led by a team of dedicated volunteers who work to organize events, campaigns, and meetings that give a platform to LGBTQ+ youth to speak out about their experiences and challenges.

Estonia's LGBTQ community has made significant progress in recent years, with legal recognition of same-sex partnerships and the ability for transgender individuals to change their legal gender. However, discrimination and hate crimes against the LGBTQ community still persist.

Additionally, the project works closely with LGBTQ+ organizations, community leaders, and other allies to create a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ youth in Estonia.

Despite progress in recent years, discrimination and hate crimes against the LGBTQ community still occur in Estonia. Same-sex couples do not have legal recognition or protection, and transgender people face difficulties in obtaining legal gender recognition.

Additionally, many LGBTQ people report experiencing discrimination and harassment in their daily lives, including in the workplace and healthcare system. However, there are also organizations and initiatives working to combat discrimination and promote LGBTQ rights, such as the Estonian LGBT Association and the "Oma hääl" project mentioned earlier.

The future of the LGBTQ community in Estonia will depend on continued efforts to raise awareness, promote acceptance, and advocate for legal protections and rights.

Activist organizations like Oma Hääl and the Estonian Human Rights Centre continue to work towards greater equality and protection for the community. There is hope that with continued efforts and advocacy, Estonia's LGBTQ community will see even more progress and acceptance in the years to come.