Director: Yuri Yereev
The Tchaikovsky Foundation is a non-governmental, non-profit organization founded in 1990 to defend the rights of sexual minorities. The group seeks to create a more tolerant and understanding relationship between people of different sexual orientations through cultural activities and education. The group also plays an active part in AIDS education and outreach. Charitable assistance (medical, legal, material) is provided for AIDS victims as well.
The Foundation was established by gay and lesbian activists on June 30, 1990. Official registration, however, took 17 months of deliberations with authorities. The group was finally officially registered with the Legal Department of the St. Petersburg Mayor�s Office on November 5, 1991. Initial work of the group focused on social and psychological support for the gay and lesbian community and addressing issues of discrimination and physical attacks on homosexuals. The group has developed strong ties with international gay and lesbian rights groups, especially the International Lesbian and Gay Human Rights Association. The group has participated in international events such as the International AIDS Conference and the Annual Christopher Street Days Festival. The group also took part in founding the Russian Association of Gay and Lesbian Organizations "Triangle" (August 12-14, 1993).
In 1993 alone, the Foundation was filmed by six international companies and interviewed by twenty journalists. One million rubles of humanitarian aid was distributed and material and psychological support was provided for about 400 people. Most of the group�s funding comes through international donations and support from other gay and lesbian organizations, as well as a small amount of local financial and material donations.
Special Projects:
Telephone Hotline for Gays and Lesbians
Opened February 16, 1993.
Conference on AIDS and Human Rights
This conference, held at the St. Petersburg Human Rights Center on March 27, 1993, brought activists and medical specialists together to examine the rights issues involved in the AIDS crisis.
First Exhibit of Homoerotic Artists
August 6, 1993. An art exhibit featuring the works of Boris Englegardt and Constantine Ilyashevsky. All profits were donated to the Anti-AIDS Program.
"Square Dances" Cultural Project
August 17-20, 1993. Cultural event run with cooperation of American gay and lesbian groups.
"Gay and Lesbian Power" Workshop
September 24-26, 1993. Over 70 Americans and Russians participated in this workshop on homosexual empowerment and cultural adaptation.
AIDS Prevention Day Conference
December 1, 1993. Conference held at local Institute of Medical Professional Training.
Constantine Ilyashevsky Charitable Exhibition
January 20- February 20, 1994. Held at the St. Petersburg Human Rights Center.
Free Computer Matchmaking Service for Gays and Lesbians
Begun March 20, 1994.
First Festival of German Gay and Lesbian Movies
May 15-23, 1994. Held in various St. Petersburg theaters.
Publications:
Safe Sex Brochure (June, 1994)
The NIS Third Sector Organization section is based on information found in the print edition of "The Post-Soviet Handbook." For more information on the Handbook and instructions on how to order, see our
Post Soviet Handbook Information page.
Sponsored by:
Center for Civil Society International
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