It's Worth to Be Equal on Warta Fundation, Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland
This project addresses the problem of little public awareness of asexual people and the discrimination and violence that they experience. Between 1% and 8% of society are asexual – which means in Poland a community of a minimum of 350 000 people. At the same time, this is a subject that is practically non-existent in public discourse in Poland, and is marginal even within the LGBT+ movement. The level of acephobia in society is very high, and a lack of sexual attraction to others is incomprehensible and not socially accepted. Even psychologists or doctors do not have knowledge of asexuality, and often consider lack of sexual attraction to others to be a disorder or illness. Asexual people themselves often do not understand their orientation and have no way of seeking help. This alienates them further and leads to mental crisis. Asexual people are also particularly at risk of sexual violence.
Under the project, the Project Promoter will conduct four nationwide campaigns on asexuality, including events to mark Asexuality Day and/or Asexual Awareness Week, open a consultation and psychological counselling centre for asexual persons and their families, and start a support group in the Lubuski voivodeship. Approximately 500 people will receive support. The Project Promoter will publish a professional e-book describing the main problems faced by asexual people, and make ten educational films on asexuality. Under the project, two conferences and two scientific symposia on asexuality will be held.
The project will primarily benefit asexual people. They will be provided with professional psychological support on the path to self-acceptance. Public awareness of the asexuality spectrum will also improve.
The project partners are: Fundacja Rozwoju Holistycznego, which will provide premises for use in the project and operate a clinic, and Fundacja Warto być równym nad Wartą, which will assist the Project Promoter in operating a counselling centre.
