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THE ORGANIZATION THAT BRINGS PEOPLE
TOGETHER
EQUAL RIGHTS FOR EVERYBODY.
EQUALITY, DIGNITY AND FREEDOM
We work to ensure that people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, have equal rights.
We are breaking down stereotypes around stigmatized groups in Ukraine and expanding the circle of allies who support equal rights for all people. We actively promote the adoption of civil partnerships in Ukraine and are co-authors of bills on the establishment of the institution of registered partnerships No. 9103 and No. 12252.
PROJECTS
Chatbot "tseneok"
An interactive chatbot about different types of discrimination and how to overcome it. The chatbot offers eight stories in which you can counteract discrimination in a variety of situations, and your every step can lead to a different ending. And in the "My Guide" block, invited experts will reveal the psychological and legal side of each story.
Start over
We offer educational and career opportunities for vulnerable groups affected by war and job losses: friendly consultations with career counselors and a series of online workshops on effective job search, interview preparation, and protecting your rights in the workplace. We also offer training on the use of artificial intelligence for career development and psychological support.
Corporate Equality Index
We help Ukrainian businesses strengthen diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The project is funded by the United Nations Democracy Fund.
The project will provide businesses with appropriate tools, information, and create demand for the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion among Ukrainian consumers and company employees.
Change
A project to support the mental health of adolescents and young people. We offer free psychological support, webinars, a chatbot, and other educational materials about mental health and its support.
Take an online course on inclusive psychological care and connect to a mental health support chatbot with exercises and a well-being test.
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RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS
Ukrainians' attitude towards their mental and psychological health during the war
As part of the “Point of Concern” project, supported by the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, we investigated how Ukrainians express themselves on social media about their mental health, their willingness to seek help from professionals, and generally on the topic of mental health care during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The research was conducted together with the NGO “CAT-
UA: Communication Analysis Team — Ukraine.”
(Non)discrimination of vulnerable groups in the workplace. (Non)inclusive labor market
This study is an attempt to analyze the level of (non)discrimination and (non)inclusion in the Ukrainian labor market towards vulnerable groups, in particular LGBTQI+ people. The results are based on online surveys, in-depth interviews and social discourse analysis, which allows for a comprehensive assessment of the challenges faced by members of the community during job search, during the employment process and in the workplace. The study captures changes in legislation and public attitudes, and also highlights the practices of Ukrainian employers in the field of inclusion.
Held with the support of ILGA-Europe.
English version here
My Little Monster, or What's Happening to My Child? A Guide for Parents of Adolescents
The publication is designed for parents who want to better understand the changes that occur with their children during adolescence and learn how to build trusting, open relationships. The guide contains information about the emotional and physiological characteristics of adolescents, teenage crises, first love, depression, bullying, as well as recommendations for sexual education and child safety. The authors, Maryna Didenko, Yulia Yarmolenko, and Nina Verbytska, have combined psychological knowledge, pedagogical experience, and practical advice.
The advisor was recommended for publication by the Department of Psychology and Personal Development of the State Higher Educational Institution "University of Educational Management" of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The publication was made possible thanks to the financial support of the World Childhood Foundation within the framework of the From Needs to Actions 2018 project.
National Study of School Environment in Ukraine 2018
The first study in Ukraine dedicated to the experiences of LGBT adolescents in schools. Conducted by the NGO “Tochka Opory” in 2018, it was an attempt to comprehensively study the phenomena of discrimination, harassment, and hostile school climate based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The survey covered 718 schoolchildren from all regions of Ukraine, including the temporarily occupied territories. The study showed that the majority of LGBT students face negative statements, feelings of insecurity, bullying, and lack of support from school staff.
The document was prepared by Roman Ivasiy and Maryna Didenko. The publication contains an analytical review, methodology, and key findings on the impact of hostile environments on the psychological well-being of adolescents, as well as recommendations for creating a safe and inclusive learning space.
(non)discrimination against LGBTQI+ people in the workplace and an inclusive labor market
This study is the first attempt to shed light on the challenges and barriers faced by LGBTQI+ people in Ukraine when searching for work and in the workplace. The results are collected through an online survey and in-depth individual interviews with LGBTQI+ people and highlight the issues that need to be addressed to make the Ukrainian labor market more inclusive. The research was conducted with the support of ILGA-Europe.
English version here
Addressing violence in schools through education for democratic citizenship and human rights education
This analytical report was prepared by the Council of Europe within the framework of the pilot project “Tackling violence in schools through education for democratic citizenship and human rights education”. The document is based on research and national reports prepared by teams from Greece (coordinating country), Hungary, Montenegro, Poland and Romania.
The main goal of the project is to raise awareness about violence in schools, examine educational policies and practices, and develop recommendations for spreading a democratic culture and preventing violence.
The research encompasses institutional frameworks, qualitative interviews and focus groups, as well as reflective models of addressing violence and building a human rights-based school culture.
The joint analytical report was developed in cooperation with the Council of Europe and the European Union.
National Study of the School Environment in Ukraine 2020
The updated national study of the school environment in Ukraine, conducted by the NGO “Parental Initiative TERGO” with the support of GLSEN, was a continuation of previous studies in 2017–2018. In 2020, 1,743 adolescents aged 13 to 18 who studied in schools across all regions of Ukraine and identified as LGBT were surveyed. The study examined students’ experiences of safety, discrimination, prejudice, and bullying, as well as the consequences of a hostile school climate for adolescents’ learning and psychological well-being.
The report shows that almost half of respondents do not feel safe at school because of their sexual orientation, and 59% face verbal abuse. Despite the existence of a law to prevent bullying, the data shows an urgent need for systemic changes. The study was prepared by Roman Ivasiy, Maryna Shevtsova and Joe Kossiv (GLSEN).
#Teenagers: A guide for psychological and social professionals
The guide is designed for professionals working with adolescents in the field of psychological and social support. The publication consists of 14 chapters dedicated to the peculiarities of adolescence, modern subcultures, psychological problems, (un)truth and manipulation, bullying prevention, Internet safety, and working with adolescents belonging to vulnerable groups - LGBT, HIV-positive, or with disabilities.
Tips, exercises, and theoretical materials help you better understand the specifics of adolescent development, recognize the risks of social isolation, and master tools for preventing and combating bullying.
The publication was prepared by Nina Verbytska, Maryna Didenko, and Roman Ivasiy. The publication is recommended by the Department of Psychology and Personal Development of the State Higher Educational Institution "University of Educational Management" of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The project was implemented with the support of the World Childhood Foundation within the framework of the From Needs to Actions 2018 initiative.
Ukrainian Corporate Equality Index 2024
A national survey of corporate policies, rules, and practices of companies to support equality and diversity, as well as the prohibition of discrimination in the workplace, was conducted. Here are the results of a survey of more than 100 Ukrainian companies conducted in September-October 2024. The research was conducted as part of the project Strengthening Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace in Ukraine, funded by the United Nations Democracy Fund.
For teenagers about important things in a simple and accessible way: a guide for teenagers
The guide is designed for teenagers who are going through changes in their bodies, feelings, and relationships and are looking for clear answers to difficult questions. The publication contains recommendations and advice on puberty, emotions, first sex, contraception, as well as how to deal with bullying and where to find support. The authors are Maryna Didenko, a practical psychologist and lecturer at the Department of Psychology and Personal Development of the State Higher Educational Institution "University of Educational Management" of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and Yulia Yarmolenko, a sex educator and trainer. The guide helps teenagers better understand themselves and get reliable information about development, emotions, and safe relationships.
National Study of School Environment in Ukraine 2019
The second report in a series of studies conducted by the Foundation "Tochka Povory UA" in partnership with GLSEN (USA).
The survey covered over 700 LGBT teenagers from all regions of Ukraine and focused on their experiences at school: levels of safety, incidents of discrimination, hate speech, bullying, and support from teachers.
The results showed that more than half of students feel unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation or gender expression. The report was an important milestone in the study of school climate for LGBT youth and the basis for a follow-up survey in 2020.
Young people about finding a job: simple, fast and without discrimination
The guide for applicants and students, created by the NGO "Tochka opory UA" in 2019, helps young people navigate the employment field with confidence. It explains what discrimination is when looking for a job, how to recognize and avoid it, what rights a minor employee has, how to combine study with work, and where to turn in case of violations by the employer.
The guide contains short practical tips, a selection of useful resources and internship programs, as well as sections dedicated to employment of LGBT+ students and youth living with HIV.
Authors — Timur Levchuk and Yana Tovpeko, layout — Mykhailo Fedyshak.
PODCASTS
MANIFEST OF ALLIES
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I love and respect the right of others to love.
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I believe that no one should be limited in their rights, guaranteed by the Constitution for all.
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I stand for gender equality and against prejudice, hate speech and incitement to hatred, and I want everyone to be able to freely express their views and have the right to assemble peacefully with guaranteed protection from attacks and beatings.
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I support safe schools, workplaces, and other spaces, free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination. And I believe that the younger generation has the right to quality sex education .
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I stand for everyone's right to have a family, to visit their partner in the hospital, to leave an inheritance, and not to testify against their partner in court. I want these rights to be guaranteed for everyone.
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I protect my friends, colleagues, and loved ones.
FAQ
Have a question? Find the answer in our FAQ.
Do you provide help to people who were affected by the war?
Yes, our organization supports people affected by Russian aggression. We assist Ukrainian women and men who have lost their jobs or want to change careers because of the war. We launched the project Start from Scratch, which covers the costs of training, career counselling, and psychological support. Details are here.
Are there any conditions for receiving assistance?
We are happy to support people from the LGBTIQ+ community, as well as allies who share the view that all people should have equal rights.
Do you have shelters to accommodate internally displaced persons?
Previously, we had two shelter centers in Lviv, but we had to close them and focus on other areas. But you can find shelter thanks to our colleagues from other organizations: KyivPride and GenderStream.
What other services do you provide?
You can get tested together with our friendly doctor. You can order a test and consultation here. We also send out free tests for HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis by mail. We provide this service for LGBTIQ+ people.
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