Opening of the LGBT+ community center in Prague

Prague Pride has opened a new community center for LGBT+ people at Železná 18, a short walk from Old Town Square: Rainbow House.

The main goal is to create a safe and respectful environment in which “everyone can be themselves, regardless of their orientation and gender identity,” says Hana Třeštíková, Prague city councilor for culture.

The opening of the new community center took place symbolically on the eve of human rights day, December 10.

Regarding the current situation, no public events will take place at the community center until the end of the year.

“Since January, however, visitors can look forward to our open days, where it will be possible to visit the community center every Thursday between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. The main room includes a library, PlayStation, board games and a jukebox. You can also just come and talk to friends or other visitors to the community space,” adds director Tom Bílý.

The Rainbow House, which can accommodate up to 40 people, will also host conferences, debates, screenings, support groups.

In June 2019, according to a survey conducted between May 4 and May 14, 2019 by the CVVM, 48% of respondents said that homosexuality would not cause difficulties in coexistence with people in the city or community where they live. live, while 42% disagreed.

Compared to 2008, this represents an increase of 11%. The same survey also revealed that 39% of Czechs have a gay or lesbian friend or acquaintance, while 50% do not and 11% “don’t know”. Compared to 2018, this represents an increase of 5%.

A Median poll, released in January 2020, found that 67% of Czechs support same-sex marriage. It also found that 78% of Czechs agreed that gays and lesbians should be allowed to adopt their spouse’s child, and 62% of Czechs supported full joint adoption rights for same-sex couples. .

The poll showed that people in Bohemia were more likely to support LGBT rights than people in Moravia. It also revealed a large generational gap, with young respondents overwhelmingly in favour, but those aged 55 and over overwhelmingly opposed.

A gender gap was also found, with women being more supportive of same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption than men.