A new two-year project has been launched with the aim of countering hostility and disinformation against LGBTI+ people in the online space. The project, titled RESPONSES, is funded by the European Union under the CERV-2024-CHAR-LITI programme and will be implemented from June 2025 to May 2027.
The lead organization is GLAS Foundation, working in partnership with the Bilitis Resource Center Foundation, the Association of European Journalists – Bulgaria (AEJ-Bulgaria), and the Bulgarian Society for Psychoanalysis and Group Analytic Psychotherapy (BSPGAP).
With the growing number of online hate speech incidents and manipulative narratives targeting the LGBTI+ community, RESPONSES will combine journalistic, research, and psychosocial approaches to protect the rights and dignity of those affected.
What’s next?
The project will focus on six key areas:
-
Research and analysis of hate narratives, disinformation trends, and perceptions within the community;
-
A national awareness campaign aimed at engaging the broader public on the issue;
-
A digital guide titled “Surfing Through Hate”, offering practical tools for recognizing and responding to online hostility;
-
Investigative and fact-check journalism exposing key cases of disinformation and hate speech;
-
Specialized training for journalists and editors on ethical and inclusive reporting;
-
Resilience and mental health programs, including workshops and individual support for community members.
Opportunities for Journalists
RESPONSES offers concrete opportunities for media professionals, including:
-
Training for 20 journalists who will specialize in covering issues related to hate speech and the LGBTI+ community;
-
Production of 4 investigative journalism pieces;
-
Fact-checking and analysis of at least 6 real-world cases of online hostility.
This approach will enable journalists to work with in-depth methodology, expert support, and tangible societal impact.
Impact in Numbers
-
Over 200,000 people will be reached through the awareness campaign;
-
20,000 members of the LGBTI+ community will gain access to educational and supportive resources;
-
70 individuals will receive personalized psychological support through the “Rainbow Counseling” program.
The project introduces a new model for inter-organizational collaboration in the fight against online hate — through the synergy of journalism, mental health, and activism.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or [name of the granting authority]. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
