Our lives are at stake

The terrorist attack on Zámocká Street, which resulted in the deaths of two young people, underscored the poor legal situation and societal acceptance of LGBTI+ individuals in Slovakia. From the very beginning, we began helping LGBTI+ organizations with strategic communication. The umbrella “Our Lives Are at Stake” linked their efforts, all aimed at achieving a safer and more inclusive Slovakia. LGBTI+ people gradually found allies in both businesses and the public.

United and strong voice for diversity

After the murder in front of Teplárňa, the civic community began to mobilize. LGBTI+ organizations and activists wanted to join forces but were unsure how. Within 12 days, the Our Lives Are at Stake initiative emerged, bringing together over 60 organizations from across Slovakia in their endeavor. We assisted the initiative in setting up communication both externally and internally. Together, we handled media pressure, coordinated activities, and sensitized society through the stories of LGBTI+ individuals, their families, and friends. The initiative and the situation of LGBTI+ people in Slovakia drew significant interest from both domestic and foreign media, resulting in a large number of media outputs. More than 32,000 people and 100 organizations signed the call to action addressed to the government and parliament.

Unprecedented mobilisation of the private sector

Post the terrorist attack, the community needed more than just a show of solidarity – they were missing a strong ally that would help them to drive the advocacy efforts. Corporate backing for LGBTI+ rights was present but lacked coordination and a unified front. Together with several of our clients, who became the drivers of corporate efforts, we created a business appeal for the improvement of LGBTI+ rights in Slovakia. Thanks to the unprecedented mobilization of the private sector, the NGOs gained a powerful ally in the form of over 60 companies, including the biggest employers. We first communicated the appeal symbolically at a press conference on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on May 17, 2023. In October 2023, companies presented an economic study highlighting the benefits of inclusion and giving an authentic voice to corporate activism.

New safe haven for the LGBTI+ community

Even a year after the attack, LGBTI+ people did not feel safe. Despite an initial wave of solidarity, the queer community continued to face hatred and attacks. The need for a safe place where they could find acceptance, respect, and be themselves was stronger than ever before. Together with Iniciatíva Inakosť, we launched a fundraising campaign for a new community center in Bratislava. We capitalized on the momentum of the attack’s anniversary to remind the public of the challenges confronting LGBTI+ people in Slovakia, reigniting a sense of solidarity, all while attracting significant media attention. Thanks to public support, we raised almost 84,000 euros. It was one of the largest crowdfunding campaigns in Slovakia and the biggest campaign in the history of Inakosť.

Results

• Uniting 60+ civic organizations in the umbrella organisation “Our Lives Matter”
• Over 7000 media appearances in Slovak media on topics related to the “Our Lives Are at Stake” initiative
• 32,000 signatures under the “Our Lives Are at Stake” call to action
• 60+ companies involved in the business appeal 
• 84,000 euros for a new community center

Awards

• IN2 SABRE Awards 2024, EMEA, category: This Year’s Issue: LGBTQ Rights
• Shortlist EMEA SABRE 2024, category: Advocacy – Issue Management
• Inakosť Award 2023: Leadership in Business Award for the Corporate Appeal
• Inakosť Award 2022: Initiative of the Year Award for the “Our Lives Are at Stake” initiative
• DIGITAL PIE 2023: DIGITAL SPECIAL AWARD for the “Our Lives Are at Stake” initiative