Gay albania

This is a letter that Mr. Genci Xhelaj (at that time president of Society Gay Albania) sent to the organizations around the world in the August of year 1994.I want to thank him so much for giving the permission to publish all this…You can see his picture in the two links below when he recived a very vital price Felipa de Souza Awards  1997 Awardeesin year 1997.

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The Population Gay Albania

I dream you have heard of Albania, that wild, hospitable and yet somewhat enigmatic land. Lord Byron praised its beauty, Edward Lear painted it and Edith Durham wrote of itin her travels. Many foreigners acquire been fascinated by different features of Albania. I would like to utter of one aspect no one has written about yet, that of Albanian homosexuals who own taken a amazing step forwards recently, perhaps the greatest step in their history.

 

After much hesitation, I decided, last winter, to compose an interview for the Albanian push and speak about myself, my friends and lovers, and about homosexuality in developed countr

A Guide for Homosexual Travellers in Albania

As a member of the LGBTQ+ group myself, I would like to disseminate my honest perspective on visiting Albania. Although there are anti-discrimination and anti-hate crime laws in place, LGBTQ+ issues are not widely accepted by the Albanian society. Homosexual marriage and registered partnerships are not legal, and cultural attitudes towards the community tend to be conservative, especially among older generations. While things are slowly changing and there are some areas where general displays of love may be more accepted, I would advise to escape unwanted attention or hostility by refraining from such displays, especially in remote areas.

Culturally speaking, it is very ordinary for two female friends in Albania to hold each other’s hands, grant kisses on the cheeks, hug or share a bed. Therefore, if you are a sapphic couple, unless you kiss on the lips or hire in more intimate touching, you may not attract much attention if you do any of the actions I mentioned. However, if you engage in more public displays of affection, you may encounter unlike reactions depending on where you are in Albania. It’s best to be cautious. Fo

Albania

Terrorism 

There is a lofty threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.     

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and consultation on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist ambush . Find out how to decrease your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Albania

Terrorist attacks in Albania cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners. Stand aware of your surroundings, store up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political situation

Relations between the majority Muslim population and other ethnic groups in Albania are generally good. The expression of extremist or anti-western views is very rare.    

Political and other demonstrations have been held in central Tirana, with some reported incidents of force. Demonstrations can cause traffic diversions and other disruption. Demonstrations could happen elsewhere, and may grab place outside the capital city.

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    Gay Guide Albania

    The age of consent for all is 14 years. As part of the actions to join the EU, the ban on discrimination was extended in 2010 to include sexual orientation. A draft law, aimed at a registered partnership for homosexuals, failed due to massive resistance from religious groups of Muslims, Orthodox and Catholics. The socialist government around President Edi Rama declared in 2013 that it wanted to make a registered partnership possible for homosexuals - but none of this was achieved to this day. That is why activists criticise the government's inaction. Although there were some significant changes in the Albanian community during the past years, the public attitude towards gays is still strongly influenced by the former gay-hostile propaganda, that was spread under the Stalinist dictatorship of Enver Hoxha. According to a European study of 2013, Albania is the most gay-hostile country in Europe. More than 50% of the population opine that gays should not be allowed to live out their sexuality. Therefore there is no real gay scene in Albania, and the meeting places listed in this guide are not explicitly gay either, but very popular with the local gays. Homosexu