When I’d read about the social movements taking place in various countries around the world, I couldn’t help but wonder about the events unfolding in my own homeland of Armenia and the progress it was making on a cultural and national level. Relying on online news sources that were saturated with sensationalism left me dissatisfied. Attending lectures, seminars, protests and social events organized by the Armenians in my community only temporarily relieved me from the longing I felt to experience the homeland first-hand, with my own eyes. I was facing a dilemma and was tired of preserving and promoting my Armenian identity in America.
So, I moved to Armenia.
There is no denying the cultural revolution that’s taking place in Armenia and PINK is one of the organizations that’s catalyzing this movement. A nonprofit organization that promotes sexual health, human rights and diversity, “Public Information and Need of Knowledge” NGO (PINK) helped me realize the reality of what we are as a society coalesced with the image of what we can be. Despite the opposition’s widespread campaign to harm and interrupt their efforts, PINK continues to reinforce its mission and raise awareness through education, seminars, conferences, debates, youth training, film screenings, flash mobs, publications, parades and protests.
And PINK is more than just a nonprofit organization committed to the struggle toward justice, equality and peace. The fierce and resilient activists, educators and volunteers have willingly placed themselves at the forefront of mockery, danger and criticism to instill democratic principles in a nation they want to see thrive, despite formidable barriers (that include violent clashes with the opposition) that are all-too-often taken for granted. Questioning certain cultural traditions and promoting individual thought, in a population that’s hesitant to accept or embrace “western” ideals for fear of losing the culture they’ve preserved for thousands of years, is not a job; it’s a journey.
If you’re interested in learning about Armenia’s increasing HIV rate and how to prevent becoming a statistic yourself, attend a PINK organized seminar. If you need pamphlets to help spread information about safe sex practices, check out their website. If you are organizing an event centered on Armenia’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, PINK will cooperate. If you are a victim of injustice and wish to make a claim, call their office. If you’ve found yourself in an emergency situation and need protection or assistance, call their hotline. If you’re experiencing emotional or physical abuse and need someone to voice your struggle while concealing your identity, knock on their door.
PINK is celebrating its 5th birthday today, and I want to wish the organization continued success in introducing and defending the civil rights of individuals in the face of hostility and discrimination. Thank you, PINK, for recognizing the democratic potential of our nation, for protecting the rights of its citizens and for allowing me to be a part of your incredible team.
Lilian Avedian
