Discussion in Tartu focuses on well-being of LGBT+ people, action plan under work

TALLINN - In cooperation between the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications and the LGBT+ community of Tartu, a discussion was held on Monday in the framework of the Tartu 2024 Pride Week on the first LGBT+ action plan for Estonia, which is currently under work.

This spring, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications started preparing an action plan for equal opportunities for LGBT+ people. The action plan aims to increase cooperation between public authorities, civil society and across sectors to ensure the well-being, equal opportunities and feeling of security of LGBT+ people.

Four areas will be at the heart of the action plan: security, education, health, and working life. There is a separate focus on the well-being of trans people in different areas of life. 

Taavi Talupuu, adviser on equal opportunities at the ministry, said the discussion held as part of the Tartu Pride Week emphasized the importance of informal networks and the knowledge and support provided by the community itself.

"Equality concerns all areas of life and is not the responsibility of just one ministry. This is why, in the process of the LGBT+ action plan, we want to bring together representatives of the community, different sectors and walks of life and jointly set out the directions and activities that we will be moving towards in the coming years," Talupuu said.

The action plan is to be completed by the end of 2024. 

Tartu 2024 Pride Week will culminate in a parade on Aug. 17. The event is special because it will be the first marriage equality parade in Estonia.