HISTORY & CONTEXT

 

 

Z E P H I R O platform was established in 2014 in Vilnius, Lithuania by several engaged human rights activists, who have been previously involved in human rights discourse and campaigning both in Lithuania and on international level.

 

Back in 2012, Z E P H I R O co-founder Sandra Amankaviciute and communiity member Agne Jo initiated a first independent queer community festival in Lithaunia, named  ‘PiLeFe,’ which sought to bring the community to share ideas together for the first time. Festival proved to be a great success and grew each year by bringing people together into a shared space and providing a crucial platform for peer-connection and exchange of ideas. For the for the 4th year now, festival seeks to empower the queer community, combat prejudice and discrimination, as well as increase the visibility of queers in Lithuania and Eastern Europe more generally.  Festival was renamed to 'SapfoFest' in 2014 and led to the a great peer-connection and founding of Z E P H I R O platform by some of the festival organizers in 2014.

 

Most Z E P H I R O members and volunteers are based in Lithuania, however, we actively adopt an international discourse in our work, and collaborate with both international organizations and associations, academic institutions, and civil society organizations from around the world.