Introduction: Fear and Hostility on the Rise
Georgia, a country balancing between democratic aspirations and conservative traditions, has become a dangerous place for LGBT citizens and activists. Anti-LGBT protests and violence have intensified in recent years, fuelled by ultra-nationalist groups, conservative politicians, and segments of the Orthodox Church. The lack of effective state protection has left many LGBT Georgians vulnerable, while activists continue to face threats, harassment, and physical attacks. This climate of fear is driving some to leave the country, seeking safety and dignity abroad.


Historical Context of LGBT Rights in Georgia
While homosexuality was decriminalised in 2000, social acceptance has lagged far behind legal changes. Georgia remains one of the most conservative countries in Europe on issues of sexuality and gender identity. Public opinion polls consistently show widespread hostility toward LGBT people, making them one of the most stigmatised groups in society.


Rise of Anti-LGBT Protests
Anti-LGBT protests have become increasingly visible, particularly around Pride events and public demonstrations. Nationalist groups, sometimes joined by radical clergy, mobilise large crowds to intimidate LGBT activists and their supporters. Protesters often frame LGBT rights as foreign impositions that threaten Georgian identity and traditional values.

Violence Against Activists and Journalists
LGBT activists and their allies frequently face violence. Pride events have been attacked by mobs, leaving participants injured. In 2021, journalists covering a Pride event were brutally assaulted by far-right protesters, one of whom later died from his injuries. These attacks underscore the broader risks faced not only by LGBT communities but also by those defending human rights and free expression.


Role of the Orthodox Church
The Georgian Orthodox Church plays a powerful role in shaping public opinion. While some clerics advocate tolerance, others openly encourage anti-LGBT protests, framing LGBT rights as an attack on the Church and national identity. This rhetoric emboldens extremists and legitimises violence in the eyes of many Georgians.


Government Response and Failures
Authorities have repeatedly failed to protect LGBT citizens. Police presence at Pride events is often inadequate, and perpetrators of violence are rarely prosecuted effectively. Some officials downplay the seriousness of anti-LGBT violence or echo conservative rhetoric, reinforcing the perception that the state is complicit in discrimination.


Media and Public Discourse
Media coverage of LGBT issues is polarised. While independent outlets highlight human rights concerns, others spread homophobic narratives. Social media has become a battleground where hate speech flourishes unchecked, further inflaming tensions and normalising hostility.


Migration as a Response to Violence
Faced with daily discrimination and the threat of violence, many LGBT Georgians choose to migrate. Exile provides safety and the ability to live openly, though it often comes at the cost of permanent separation from family and homeland. Diaspora communities continue to support LGBT activism abroad, keeping attention on the challenges in Georgia.


International Reactions
International organisations, including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the European Union, have condemned anti-LGBT violence in Georgia. Foreign governments have urged Georgian authorities to protect vulnerable communities and prosecute perpetrators. Despite these calls, progress remains slow, with political elites reluctant to confront conservative constituencies.


Human Cost of Hostility
The spread of anti-LGBT protests and violence has devastating consequences for individuals and society. LGBT citizens live in fear, often concealing their identities, while activists risk their lives to fight for equality. This culture of hostility undermines Georgia’s democratic development and tarnishes its international image.


Pathways Toward Inclusion
To protect LGBT citizens, Georgia must:

- Enforce anti-discrimination laws effectively.
- Hold perpetrators of violence accountable.
- Promote public education campaigns to challenge prejudice.
- Ensure adequate police protection at public events.

These measures are essential to reversing the tide of hostility and building a more inclusive society.


Conclusion: A Democracy Tested
The spread of anti-LGBT protests and violence in Georgia represents a critical test of the country’s democratic commitments. As long as intolerance and impunity prevail, LGBT citizens will continue to suffer exclusion and violence. For many, migration will remain the only way to live freely and safely. Protecting LGBT rights is not only a matter of human dignity but also a benchmark for Georgia’s aspirations toward European integration and democratic maturity.