
PURPOSE
The SQVOT programme addresses systemic gaps, as well as direct support to LGBTIQ+ people facing minority stress and social exclusion, with a special emphasis on homelessness and housing exclusion, on asylum seekers and refugees, and on persons who are targets of hate speech and hateful acts.
GOALS
Addressing homelessness of LGBTIQ+ youth
Updating and developing activities for young LGBTIQ+ people facing housing exclusion and/or homelessness and informing LGBTIQ+ youth about available services and support.
Support activities for LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers and refugees
Continuing and expanding our support activities to reduce the effects of isolation and intersectional discrimination for LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers and refugees, including through our peer-led group activities, individual advocacy support and awareness raising.
Advocacy
Carrying out advocacy activities for the rights of young LGBTIQ+ homeless people and LGBTIQ+ applicants for international protection and providing support in their inclusion in formal procedures.
Strengthening professional and organizational capacity
Training volunteers and developing a training package for professional workers in the field of social protection and related systems.
KEY ACTIVITIES
LGBTIQ+ applicants for international protection and refugees
- Weekly support group
- Community building through cultural and social gatherings
- Assistance in employment and accommodation searching
- Administrative support and accompaniment in institutional procedures
- Language learning and support
- Material support
- Psychosocial support
- Awareness raising and advocacy
LGBTIQ+ youth with experience of homelessness and/or housing exclusion
- Providing and support with finding crisis accomodation
- Support in searching for decent accommodation
- Administrative support and accompaniment in institutional procedures
- Individual and group support meetings
- Community building activities
- Support in finding employment
- Psychosocial support
- Awareness raising and advocacy
LGBTIQ+ people who are targets of hate speech and hateful acts
- Support in reporting hate motivated incidents and attacks
- Support with police procedures, judiciary and legal support
- Administrative support and accompaniment in institutional procedures
- Supportive talks
- Psychosocial support
- Awareness and advocacy
SUPPORT SQVOT
Join as a volunteer
Volunteers are an integral part of the SQVOT programme and we are always open to new members joining our team!
Send an email to sqvot@ljubljanapride.org to learn more about how to get involved.
Donate to the SQVOT emergency fund
You can support an LGBTIQ+ person in crisis by donating to the SQVOT emergency fund.
Društvo Parada ponosa
Dunajska cesta 10, 1000 Ljubljana
Davčna št.: 50719459
Matična št: 4010604000
TRR: SI56 6100 0001 2119 430
(Delavska hranilnica d.d. )
Purpose/message: SQVOT emergency fund
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Write to us at sqvot@ljubljanapride.org!
PROJECTS
Program Safe Living for Young LGBTIQ+ People
The program addresses the housing and social exclusion of young LGBTIQ+ people experiencing homelessness or at risk of it. It is a comprehensive support mechanism that provides young people with a safe space, psychosocial support and gradual empowerment for independent living. It includes professional support, individual counseling and community activities. The purpose of the program is to develop a sustainable model for reducing the consequences of housing and social exclusion of LGBTIQ+ people, combining crisis and long-term support.
Sheltering Diversity: A European Initiative for the Mental Health of Vulnerable LGBTIQ+ Young Adults
Duration: 1. 10. 2025 – 30. 9. 2027
Partners: Le Refuge Foundation (FR), Lambda Warszawa (PL)
Aim: This project aims to strengthen LGBTIQ+ shelters across Europe by integrating mental health support for LGBTIQ+ young adults experiencing homelessness by training internal and external stakeholders.
Objectives:
1. Developing training and knowledge sharing,
2. Enhancing shelters’ capacities to address mental health needs,
3. Building external stakeholder awareness of these challenges,
4. Promoting the recognition of LGBTIQ+ shelters’ expertise in mental health care.
MATERIALS

Les droits des demandeurs de protection internationale LGBTIQ+ en Slovénie
The publication explains the rights of LGBTIQ+ applicants for international protection in Slovenia and their specific vulnerabilities. It reviews EU and national case law, the need for up-to-date country of origin information and special procedural safeguards, and outlines measures for decent living conditions. It criticises the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum for restricting access to protection and calls for safe, legal migration routes based on solidarity and equality.

The Rights of LGBTIQ+ Applicants for International Protection in Slovenia
The publication explains the rights of LGBTIQ+ applicants for international protection in Slovenia and their specific vulnerabilities. It reviews EU and national case law, the need for up-to-date country of origin information and special procedural safeguards, and outlines measures for decent living conditions. It criticises the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum for restricting access to protection and calls for safe, legal migration routes based on solidarity and equality.

Prevention of LGBTIQ+ youth homelessness
Manual for youth workers.
In the course of our work, we draw upon concepts that significantly shape our understanding of the existential challenges faced by young LGBTIQ+ individuals and all the associated risk factors and consequences. Understanding housing exclusion and homelessness is of paramount importance if we are to grasp the complexity and dynamism of inadequate housing situations. Simultaneously, we must take into account certain specific circumstances that accompany LGBTIQ+ individuals and social phenomena that profoundly influence their daily lives and life trajectories.
Co-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 the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

