Freedom of Artistic Expression’s Use of Protest Art and its Effectiveness in Advancing LGBTI+ Rights in Bulgaria
Chanelle Lajoie is a BCNL intern from Canada. During her stay, she explored the LGBT community in Bulgaria and the artistic expression in protest art. She describes herself as "Born on Treaty 1 Territory, the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and homeland of the Métis Nation, and currently a guest living and studying in Tiohtiá:ke, Kanien'kehà:ka Territory."
Freedom of Artistic Expression’s Use of Protest Art and its Effectiveness in Advancing LGBTI+ Rights in Bulgaria
Abstract
Freedom of Artistic Expression is a fundamental aspect of a democratic society, encompassing the right of artists and activists, among others, to freely express themselves through various artistic and cultural activities such as protest. This essay explores the role of protest art as a catalyst for advancing LGBTI+ rights in Bulgaria. It examines the legal landscape and key challenges faced by the LGBTI+ community, focusing on areas such as lack of hate crime legislation, Trans oppression, and statelessness of rainbow families.
International organizations, including the Council of Europe, the European Council, and the United Nations, recognize the paramount importance of Freedom of Artistic Expression and have established treaties, conventions, and declarations to protect and promote this right. However, within Bulgaria, the struggle for LGBTI+ rights and freedoms persist, necessitating artistic approaches to promote equality and inclusion.
This essay examines the effectiveness of art in promoting LGBTI+ rights in Bulgaria by measuring LGBTI+ visibility, representation, and public understanding at individual, collective, political, and judicial levels. This essay also discusses the barriers and limitations faced by artists and activists, including societal norms, censorship, and the need for a more inclusive legal framework. By analyzing the impact of the Supreme Court of Cassation on shaping the lack of recognition and protection for LGBTI+ rights, this research aims to shed light on the ongoing struggle for LGBTI+ equality in Bulgaria and the potential of artistic expression as a tool for change.
Key Words
Art, Effectiveness, Freedom of Artistic Expression, LGBTI+, Protest Art, Rainbow Families.
Read the the full essay on Chanelle Lajoie here: Freedom of Artistic Expression’s Use of Protest Art and its Effectiveness in Advancing LGBTI+ Rights in Bulgaria .pdf
Chanelle Lajoie is a BCNL intern from Canada. During her stay, she explored the LGBT community in Bulgaria and the artistic expression in protest art. She describes herself as "Born on Treaty 1 Territory, the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and homeland of the Métis Nation, and currently a guest living and studying in Tiohtiá:ke, Kanien'kehà:ka Territory."
Freedom of Artistic Expression’s Use of Protest Art and its Effectiveness in Advancing LGBTI+ Rights in Bulgaria
Abstract
Freedom of Artistic Expression is a fundamental aspect of a democratic society, encompassing the right of artists and activists, among others, to freely express themselves through various artistic and cultural activities such as protest. This essay explores the role of protest art as a catalyst for advancing LGBTI+ rights in Bulgaria. It examines the legal landscape and key challenges faced by the LGBTI+ community, focusing on areas such as lack of hate crime legislation, Trans oppression, and statelessness of rainbow families.
International organizations, including the Council of Europe, the European Council, and the United Nations, recognize the paramount importance of Freedom of Artistic Expression and have established treaties, conventions, and declarations to protect and promote this right. However, within Bulgaria, the struggle for LGBTI+ rights and freedoms persist, necessitating artistic approaches to promote equality and inclusion.
This essay examines the effectiveness of art in promoting LGBTI+ rights in Bulgaria by measuring LGBTI+ visibility, representation, and public understanding at individual, collective, political, and judicial levels. This essay also discusses the barriers and limitations faced by artists and activists, including societal norms, censorship, and the need for a more inclusive legal framework. By analyzing the impact of the Supreme Court of Cassation on shaping the lack of recognition and protection for LGBTI+ rights, this research aims to shed light on the ongoing struggle for LGBTI+ equality in Bulgaria and the potential of artistic expression as a tool for change.
Key Words
Art, Effectiveness, Freedom of Artistic Expression, LGBTI+, Protest Art, Rainbow Families.
Read the the full essay on Chanelle Lajoie here: Freedom of Artistic Expression’s Use of Protest Art and its Effectiveness in Advancing LGBTI+ Rights in Bulgaria .pdf