Queer Communities From Across Cyprus Unite for Solidarity and Collective Action

Held at the Home for Cooperation, the event brought together community members, artists, and activists to discuss building a united queer community that transcends cultural and political boundaries.

Organised by the Queer Cyprus Association and funded by the European Union’s Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, the event was themed “Building an Inclusive and United Queer Community: Solidarity Beyond Cultural and Political Borders.” Discussions focused on fostering bicommunal collaboration, shared creative spaces, and intergenerational dialogue.

Participants explored how queer communities across the island can come together through mutual understanding and respect, without erasing cultural diversity. Despite the island’s historical divisions, the shared nature of queer experiences was highlighted as a unifying force. Bilingual communication, inclusive representation, and bicommunal initiatives were seen as key to building trust and belonging.

The role of Pride events in enhancing visibility and community-building was also discussed. Participants stressed that these events should not be limited to celebration but should also serve as platforms for political expression. Topics such as bisexual invisibility, transphobia, and the vulnerability of queer refugees were identified as areas needing greater visibility during Pride events.

The discussion also focused on how to make queer identities in both communities visible in their unique forms. Proposals included bilingual zines, shared storytelling, and cultural festivals. Activists and artists called for more participatory and intersectional approaches, emphasising that events should be collaborative rather than merely performative.

Beyond physical spaces, the creation of emotionally and mentally safe environments was another central theme. Trauma-informed facilitation, active listening, and accountability mechanisms were proposed as key practices in this regard.

Intergenerational dialogue was underlined as vital to the queer movement. Participants suggested that mentorship programmes and storytelling sessions could help bring together the wisdom of seasoned queer activists and the energy of younger generations.

Moving beyond visibility, the event also explored pathways toward queer empowerment and self-determination. Participants stressed that queer individuals must not only be represented but also take active roles in decision-making processes. Community media, leadership training, and political advocacy were cited as crucial strategies.

Ways to share resources and exchange knowledge while respecting local contexts were also discussed. Joint toolkits, translation initiatives, and bilingual campaigns were proposed, along with the idea of creating a shared digital archive.

The event reflected a strong commitment to bridging divides through inclusive dialogue, mutual support, and transformative collaboration.