Our method for achieving change

We achieve change through legal regulation, the provision of pro bono legal services, strategic litigation, and advocacy aimed at achieving legislative reform.

Deystvie is a human rights non-governmental organization with a mission to contribute to sustainable change in the lives of LGBTIQ+ people in Bulgaria.

Our vision is the full legal recognition and social inclusion of LGBTIQ+ people in society.

WE LEAD

strategic litigation and engage in advocacy to achieve legislative change

WE PROVIDE

free legal aid and representation before national and international courts

WE ORGANISE

public events, protests, and marches: Sofia Pride, Sofia Pride Film Fest, Sofia Human Rights Forum, March for Equality, Women’s Rights March

WE TRAIN

public administration, private companies, and active citizens

THE BEGINNING

2010 - 2014

We started as an informal group of like-minded people who organised individual actions such as the protest against the municipal ordinance banning homosexuality in Pazardzhik, an information campaign in the underpass of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski,” and bike rides.

In 2012, we organized the first LGBTIQ+ music festival in Bulgaria, featuring over 20 artists. This colourful weekend ended with a single jar full of donations, which allowed us to register the “Youth LGBT Organization Deystvie” in the Sofia City Court.

Since 2014, Deystvie’s Legal Program has been launched as the organisation’s core philosophy — a strategy for achieving lasting change in the negative social environment through legislative reform.

Our team

CO-CHAIR

Denitsa Lyubenova

Lawyer. Human rights defender. Proven expertise in LGBTIQ+ cases. Has litigated a series of cases before the European Court of Human Rights and the Court of Justice of the European Union.

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CO-CHAIR

Radoslav Stoyanov

Activist. Has led a series of public interest cases. Co-Chair of the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee.

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ADMINISTRATION

Boriana Krasteva

Over 17 years of experience in the non-governmental sector. Expertise in the integration of marginalised communities. Has worked on numerous projects.

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FUNDRAISING

Anastasia Pihtelkova

Born in Ukraine. Has lived in Bulgaria for over 20 years. 10 years of experience in the IT sector. Focused on ecology and sustainable development.

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DEVELOPMENT

Borimir Totev

Develops public programs. Specialises in strategic planning, partnerships, and social impact. Has intersecting interests in migration, politics, and culture.

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DESIGN

Rositsa Kalamova

Graphic designer. Over 10 years of experience creating targeted visuals. Interests in psychology and the applied combination of materials.

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EUROPEAN PROJECTS

Shirin Hodzheva

Expert trainer and facilitator. Works with communities and volunteers. Focused on equality and empowerment. Always present where the need is greatest. Manages and administers projects.

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EVENTS

Anna Doneva

Clinical psychologist. Responsible for the overall organisation of Sofia Human Rights Forum and Sofia Pride Film Fest. Manages the online store and corporate partnerships.

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DIGITAL MEDIA

Galia Staneva

Journalist. Maintains our online presence and positioning. Experienced with media outlets such as Darik and NOVA Broadcasting Group. Facilitates meaningful conversations and tells a spectrum of our stories.

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