The "PRIDE++" project, led by ERIM and a coalition of two civil society organisations, aims to strengthen LGBTIQ+ organisations and activists in Albania to promote the rights, acceptance, inclusion, and protection of LGBTIQ+ minorities.
A key focus is boosting the impact of partner CSOs and activists by improving their skills, supporting their mental health, and equipping them with adequate resources for their inclusion, protection, and advocacy work.

The project is structured around three main pillars: • Capacity Building, supporting LGBTIQ+ CSOs through internal structuring and direct community support. • Protection & Resilience – Improving access to basic services and fostering economic independence through an entrepreneur incubator. • Advocacy & Awareness – Launching online and offline campaigns to promote LGBTIQ+ rights and raise public awareness.

By combining institutional strengthening, social protection, and public advocacy, the project takes a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges LGBTIQ+ communities in Albania face. The ultimate goal is to create inclusive societies where LGBTIQ+ individuals can live a safe and inclusive social and economic life. The collaboration between ERIM and its partners ensures a locally grounded and community-driven implementation.

• To strengthen the role of grassroots civil society organisations (CSOs) in promoting the acceptance, inclusion, and protection of the LGBTQI+ minority in rural and urban Albania, with a particular focus on protecting at-risk LGBTQI+ youth and promoting respect for the fundamental rights of the LGBTQI+ community.
• To strengthen Albanian CSOs and LGBTQI+ activists by improving their professional skills and mental health and providing them with the necessary means to carry out their inclusion and protection missions while raising awareness and advocating for LGBTQI+ rights.

• “Strengthening LGBTQI+ organisations”: Activists and partner LGBTQI+ CSOs in Albania gain professional skills and benefit from personalised mental health support, which enables them to work more efficiently and deal more effectively with the challenges linked to their mission.
• “Protection and integration”: Members of the LGBTQI+ community have improved access to basic psychosocial services and job opportunities, enabling them to be more autonomous
• “Awareness and Advocacy”: The rights of, and a more positive image of the LGBTQI+ community are promoted through broad online and offline awareness and advocacy campaigns.