It’s been a tough year for the LGBTI community in Bulgaria, and if you’re expecting progress, think again.
It’s been a tough year for the LGBTI community in Bulgaria, and if you’re expecting progress, think again. A fresh survey from Alpha Research shows Bulgarians’ attitudes towards LGBTI people haven’t budged much in 2024. That might sound like stability, but in reality, it’s a sign of stagnation in a country where equality is still far from the norm.
Here’s what the numbers say: when asked about problems in schools, most Bulgarians pointed to issues like bad behaviour, aggression, and drugs—not "gender ideology," a term often used to stir up fear and controversy. On the surface, it sounds like good news—no mass hysteria over LGBTI topics in education. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a different story.
New Laws That Hurt, Not Help
In August, the Bulgarian parliament pushed through amendments to the education law that ban any teaching about “non-traditional sexual orientation” or “gender identity different from biological sex.” The government says it’s about “protecting children,” but let’s call it what it is—state-sanctioned discrimination.
Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, are up in arms. They’ve labelled this law an attack on the entire LGBTI community, warning it will isolate young people who are already marginalised. Amnesty says it’s not just harmful; it’s dangerous.
“It’s a direct copy of laws we’ve seen in Russia and Hungary,” one rights group said, calling out the clear influence of far-right ideologies sweeping across Europe. And the European Commission? They’ve been asked to step in and see if this law breaks EU rules on equality and human rights.
Why Aren’t Bulgarians Talking About This?
So why isn’t this sparking outrage among the public? According to the Alpha Research survey, most Bulgarians just don’t see this as a priority. It’s not that they’re shouting for anti-LGBTI laws—many simply don’t want to engage with the issue at all.
Sociologists say this reflects a society still grappling with the idea of modern inclusivity. Bulgaria’s deep Orthodox Christian roots play a big role, with the Church often framing LGBTI issues as “foreign influences” threatening traditional values. It’s a powerful narrative, and one that’s hard to shake in a country where rural areas still dominate cultural attitudes.
The Fallout for Bulgaria’s LGBTI Community
For LGBTI Bulgarians, this isn’t just politics—it’s personal. Stories of discrimination and violence are far too common, with many incidents going unreported because victims fear retaliation or don’t trust the authorities.
In 2023, a gay couple in Sofia was attacked in broad daylight, and while it briefly made headlines, it didn’t spark a national conversation. Activists say that silence is telling—it reflects how normalised prejudice has become.
But the community isn’t giving up. Sofia’s Pride Parade is growing every year, with record numbers showing up in 2022. The message is clear: “We’re here, and we’re not going anywhere.”
Where Does This Leave Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is at a crossroads. On one hand, the government is leaning into regressive policies that echo the Kremlin’s approach to suppressing LGBTI rights. On the other, there’s a growing, resilient movement pushing back and demanding equality.
The European Union has a big role to play here. If Brussels lets this slide, it sets a dangerous precedent for other countries flirting with anti-LGBTI laws. But if they take a hard line, they could force Bulgaria to rethink its approach—or at least face consequences for its actions.
Final Thoughts
Bulgaria might not see itself as part of the “culture wars” we hear so much about in the UK and US, but make no mistake: the fight for LGBTI rights is happening here, too. Whether the country chooses to embrace equality or stay stuck in the past will say a lot about its future in the European Union—and in the world.