Among the social groups that are least accepted and against which there is the highest level of prejudice and discriminatory attitudes are the LGBT+ people, the HIV-infected persons and prisoners or former prisoners. These groups face the most serious barriers to social and economic integration. These barriers are amplified by prejudices and discriminatory attitudes coming from society, shows an analysis on the level of tolerance of Moldovans, presented by the public association National Center for Research and Information on Women’s Issues “Partnership for Development” (CPD).
In a press conference hosted by IPN, Natalia Covrig, executive director of the Center “Partnership for Development”, said that citizens’ tolerance toward minority groups is an extremely sensitive issue in Moldova. “We measure acceptance through social distance, which shows to what extent the citizens of the Republic of Moldova are ready to build different relationships, of different intensity, of different degrees of closeness with representatives of different social groups. For example, to build friendships, to be family members, co-workers, neighbors, etc. Social distance is measured on a scale from 0 to 6, where 0 means that the individual is ready to build any type of relationship with the representative of a particular social group. 6 shows the greatest social distance, including up to expulsion from the country,” explained the CPD director.
The analysis covers 13 social groups. The top three groups are the LGBT+ people, the people with HIV and the prisoners or former prisoners. The Muslims, people of minority ethnic groups and people from African countries at three other groups that face discrimination, but there is a predisposition to build particular social relationships with them, albeit limited.
“These six groups are basically the most discriminated-against ones and the prejudice against these groups is very pronounced. Specifically, the citizens of the Republic of Moldova are not ready to be even neighbors with representatives of these groups. This shows a very high level of prejudice and discriminatory attitudes that still persist despite all the efforts made and measures taken to socially integrate them and increase society’s awareness of the inclusion of social groups, especially those that are often marginalized,” said Natalia Covrig.
Leo Zbancă, Organizational Development coordinator at the Information Center “Genderdoc-M”, said that he represents the community that, unfortunately, remains the most discriminated-against and isolated one, and the road to acceptance seems to be very long. “I would like to start with a fact that affects me a lot. Statistically speaking, world statistics show that in every country, in every society, the representatives of LGBT+ groups constitute 3% to 7% of the population. Statistically speaking, if we take the probability theory, each of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova has an LGBT person among their neighbors, colleagues, relatives. So, we see a huge discrepancy. On the one hand, 70% would not accept LGBT people either as neighbors or as citizens of the country, but on the other hand, LGBT people live among us and there are many of them,” noted Leo Zbancă. According to him, in a hostile society, the people do not feel safe to reveal their sexual orientation, gender identity and this gives the impression that they do not exist.
Ruslan Poverga, director general of the public association “Positive Initiative”, said that he has been living with HIV for 25 years. He is an ordinary man, has children, has friends, has a job and seeks to be useful to society. When he faced discrimination, he had a choice: either to hide or to fight for rights. In his opinion, it is essential for a discriminated group to strengthen itself and fight for a change of mentality.
Note: IPN Agency offers the right of reply to persons who consider themselves targeted in the news made from the statements of the organizers of this press conference, including by facilitating the organization of another press conference under similar conditions.