"Every day, I walk into spaces where I don’t know if I’ll be accepted or judged," shares Ada, a 24-year-old activist from Tirana. "It’s exhausting, but staying silent isn’t an option anymore."

In Albania, Ada’s story is far too common. A staggering 83% of violence cases against LGBTI individuals go unreported. These are not just statistics—they reflect lives lived in fear, mistrust, and a system that often looks the other way.

The problem is pervasive. In schools, 54% of LGBTI students face discrimination from peers, and 25% experience bias from teaching staff, turning classrooms into places of dread rather than learning. In workplaces, 32% of LGBTI individuals report being treated unfairly, but only 2% feel safe enough to report it. Healthcare is no refuge either—16% of LGBTI patients face prejudice from medical staff, while 64% avoid seeking care altogether out of fear or financial constraints.

These numbers reveal a sobering reality: systemic discrimination persists, silencing voices and limiting potential. But what if things could change?

UN Free and Equal: The Campaign for Equality

The UN Free and Equal Campaign is leading the change to ensure fairness and dignity for Albania's LGBTI community. Its approach is simple yet effective: educate, empower, and engage.

Knowledge: A Catalyst for Change

"Most of the time, discrimination comes from ignorance," says Edi, a 32-year-old community advocate. "If people understood our challenges, they’d think twice before judging."

Education is central to the campaign. Training sessions are equipping magistrates, prosecutors, and human rights institution staff with the knowledge and tools to handle LGBTI issues fairly. 

From understanding terminology to recognizing systemic biases, these sessions aim to bridge the gap between the law and the lived experiences of LGBTI individuals.

This work addresses a glaring need: 63% of LGBTI individuals believe law enforcement lacks the knowledge to protect them effectively. By building awareness among key stakeholders, the campaign is fostering accountability and creating a foundation for lasting change.

Changing Minds Through Media

Prejudice thrives on ignorance, but awareness can challenge it. The campaign’s social media outreach highlights compelling stories and hard-hitting statistics to spark dialogue. Findings from the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) reveal Albania’s human rights gaps, shedding light on the urgent need for action.

By amplifying the voices of LGBTI individuals, these efforts aim to shift perceptions and dismantle stereotypes. "When people see our struggles, they start to understand we’re no different from them," Ada explains.

Inclusive Workplaces: A Step Toward Progress

Discrimination in the workplace remains a significant hurdle. 

"It’s not just about a paycheck—it’s about dignity," says Erion, an LGBTI employee in Tirana.

To address this, the campaign has partnered with businesses like Raiffeisen Bank, promoting policies that foster inclusion and diversity. Workshops, training sessions, and one-on-one meetings encourage companies to adopt anti-discrimination standards, creating safer and more respectful environments.

The results are promising. Several businesses now publicly commit to LGBTI inclusion, demonstrating that diversity isn’t just good ethics—it’s good business. However, as the campaign stresses, policies are just the beginning. Sustained effort and accountability are essential.

The Power of Art

Art offers a unique way to challenge prejudice and spark empathy. The campaign’s support for the Queer Film Festival provides a platform for storytelling that resonates deeply with audiences. By confronting societal norms through film, the festival fosters understanding and dialogue, paving the way for a more inclusive culture.

A Collective Responsibility

Real change cannot happen in isolation. Education institutions, workplaces, policymakers, and individuals all have a role to play.

How can you contribute? Start by educating yourself about the challenges faced by the LGBTI community. Speak out against discrimination whenever you witness it. Support initiatives that promote inclusion, whether in schools, workplaces, or social settings.

"Equality isn’t just for some of us—it’s for all of us," says Ada. "But it takes every one of us to make it real."

A Call to Action

The UN Free and Equal Campaign has laid the groundwork for change, but its success depends on collective effort. Together, we can build a society in Albania where everyone—regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity—feels valued and safe.

About Free and Equal

Led by the UN Human Rights Office, the UN Free & Equal campaign is the United Nations’ global public information and advocacy campaign for LGBTIQ+ equality. The campaign aims to support UN-system public advocacy on the human rights of LGBTIQ+ people and to contribute to increasing public support for diverse societies that are inclusive of LGBTIQ+ people, and for stronger legal protections against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity/expression and sex characteristics. Albania is among 50 countries where the campaign takes place since 2016.The campaign in Albania is implemented by UNDP and partners from the UN system, civil society organizations and human rights institutions.