National LGBT Strategy coordination team holds a meeting at the LGBTIQ Social Centre

Podgorica, Montenegro (28 February 2014) – The second regular meeting of the National coordination team for monitoring the implementation of the LGBT Strategy and for the creation of the appropriate reports and information was held on Thursday in Podgorica under the chairmanship of the national coordinator Dr Jovan Kojičić, adviser to the Prime Minister of Montenegro.

The meeting of the National team was held at the newly opened LGBTIQ Social Centre. The members of the National team commended the establishment of the centre for the LGBT community and welcomed the good message being sent by holding the meeting there. The National team expressed full openness for cooperation and partnership with the LGBT community, all stakeholders who deal with LGBT issues, the municipalities, and international partners.

The participants discussed the implementation process and difficulties of implementing the National team’s first meeting conclusions and tasks. It was specifically noted that all state organs need to propose activities for the LGBT Strategy 2014 implementation. The obligatory reporting form for all government stakeholders was adopted. This form is intended to ensure uniform and regular information collection regarding the implementation of the LGBT Strategy.

The meeting boasted a constructive discussion regarding the slow process of social acceptance of LGBT persons in sport, culture, and education. Special emphasis was put on the importance of recognising the local authorities as new stakeholders in the process. Ministry for human and minority rights presented its planned activities in this regard, which were welcomed and supported by all. The promotion of the LGBT Strategy and the National team locally and internationally was also welcomed by the participants.