At Tea Path, we protect, empower, and amplify the voices of LGBTQIA+ individuals, with a special focus on the transgender community, who face severe discrimination, violence, and criminalization in Belarus. Our mission is to increase LGBTQ+ visibility, advocate for systemic change, and provide direct support to those in need.
1. Laws Criminalizing Transgender People: History, Developments, and Impact
Belarusian authorities have intensified their repression of transgender individuals, particularly since 2020. Although no explicit laws target transgender identity, the state fabricates charges such as "hooliganism" or "distribution of pornography" to criminalize and silence transgender individuals.
Since September 2024, repressive measures have escalated:
DNA Registration: Transgender individuals are forced to submit DNA samples after updating their documents during gender transition.
Expanded Definitions of “Pornography”: Visibility and basic expressions of transgender identity are being criminalized under the guise of "pornography."
Arrests: At least eight transgender individuals were detained in September 2024 alone, accused of fabricated crimes.
2. Enforcement Practices and Consequences
The regime’s oppressive practices have led to:
Public Humiliation: Police circulate degrading videos of detained transgender individuals, inciting societal violence.
Abuse in Custody: Transgender detainees face physical and psychological violence, including sexual assault, with no access to legal representation.
Erasure of Support: LGBTQIA+ initiatives and safe spaces face systematic suppression, isolating the community further.
3. Tea Path’s Response: Adaptation and Advocacy
At Tea Path, we stand against these injustices by:
Emergency Relocation: Helping transgender individuals escape to safety through evacuation programs and humanitarian visas.
Mental Health Support: Offering specialized psychological assistance to those facing heightened suicide risks.
Community Empowerment: Elevating transgender voices globally and providing education through workshops and conferences.
Legal Advocacy: Documenting and addressing human rights violations through reports, petitions, and direct collaboration with international organizations.
4. Resources and International Solidarity
We emphasize global attention to the dire situation of transgender individuals in Belarus. Reliable information is available from independent outlets, including:
Reports of arrests and repression Radio Svoboda, Euroradio, and Doxa.
Personal testimonies and advocacy posts on Instagram from LGBTQIA+ activists like Prizmatika.
Stories highlighting broader struggles and individual experiences in the media (Euroradio).
For a deeper understanding of these issues, Tea Path collaborates with international organizations like ECOM, ILGA, and TGEU, leveraging their platforms to spotlight the crisis and advocate for systemic change.
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