Queerlab Socio-Cultural Youth NGO

Queerlab is a dynamic, youth-led initiative founded in early 2019 by a collective of queer artists and media creators aged 18-25, later it has been registered as an NGO in 2025, April. Initially launched as a youth advocacy project by Armenian Progressive Youth (APY), Queerlab has grown into a sustainable initiative, spearheading its own projects for LGBTIQ+ youth in Yerevan and rural communities across Armenia. The organization was created to raise awareness and amplify visibility around LGBTIQ+ issues in Armenia. Through the use of multimedia and artistic expression, Queerlab advocates for the rights of LGBTIQ+ youth, promotes inclusivity, and supports queer mental health. Since its inception, Queerlab has successfully organized over 30 projects, funded by various European funds such as the European Youth Foundation, in collaboration with partners like Armenian Progressive Youth, RFSL Sweden, Pink Armenia, and the Swedish government. Queerlab's mission centers around: Empowering LGBTIQ+ youth in Armenia to actively participate in decision-making processes through storytelling and advocacy workshops. Using art and multimedia to raise the voices of LGBTIQ+ youth in Armenia and highlight their needs and concerns. Promoting the mental health and well-being of LGBTIQ+ youth through local well-being camps, annual retreats, and weekly yoga and meditation activities. Creating safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTIQ+ youth to perform, self-express, and build connections. Queerlab Armenia primarily focuses on engaging youth under the age of 25, providing a creative and supportive space for self-expression and personal growth. Our work centers on organizing local camps dedicated to queer mental health and well-being, where participants can explore these crucial topics in a safe and inclusive environment. These camps offer opportunities for young people to connect, share experiences, and develop tools for resilience and self-care. In addition to our camps, Queerlab hosts regular weekly activities centered around digital storytelling through the arts. These sessions empower participants to use various creative mediums to share their personal narratives and amplify their voices within the broader community. By blending art and technology, we encourage queer youth to experiment with new forms of expression and raise awareness about the issues that matter to them. Every Friday, we organize performative art events, showcasing the diverse talents and perspectives of queer youth. These events provide a platform for artistic experimentation, allowing young people to engage with their identities, explore queer themes, and foster a sense of community through creative expression.