Human Rights Academy is an educational program designed for activists, human rights defenders, and public sector representatives who wish to gain a deeper understanding of human rights protection mechanisms, develop their own projects, and acquire practical skills for effective social change.
Launched by us in 2024, the academy brought together 15 participants who either already worked in the field of human rights or wanted to take their first steps in this direction. We created a space for learning, mutual support, and experience sharing, where participants gained not only knowledge but also resources for their future work.
As a result of the first cohort of the Human Rights Academy, strong projects emerged that had a significant impact on Ukrainian society. Participants attended lectures, training sessions, and practical workshops, and received funding to implement their projects. All of this took place under the mentorship and guidance of the Gender Stream team and experts.
Today, we reflect on some of the best projects created.
Sashko Drahli and Serhiy Grankin
Podcast Quiz “I’m Not Your Enemy”
Thanks to the Human Rights Academy, three episodes of a special project appeared on Drahli’s YouTube channel, where Sashko Drahli and Serhiy Grankin, together with invited guests, discussed social issues, the rights of queer people, and many current topics in contemporary Ukrainian society.
Guests included Sasha Gontar, Svyat Zahaykevych, and Reine Cares. This special project did not end with the three episodes but continues to this day.
The “I’m Not Your Enemy” podcast quiz takes the format of a conversation with seven questions directed at the guest, allowing both the audience and guests to learn something new about the Ukrainian and global queer community.
“Because we believe that conversation is the path to understanding, and facts are the way to find common ground,” a quote from the video description on Drahli’s YouTube channel.
Kamiliia Safarova, Resistance
“Feminization of the Voice”
A project that became a real breakthrough for trans* women!
This vocal training for voice feminization with Salvador provided 14 trans* women the opportunity to work on their voices so that they matched their gender identity.
More than half of the participants achieved the desired results, which positively impacted their self-confidence. It also represented an important step towards their social integration and increased safety in the context of today’s militarized society.
Pavla Potakova
“Circle of Equals”
This project became an important step toward creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ people in Lviv.
From September to November, 10 group therapy sessions, each lasting two hours, were held, bringing together 16 participants with the support of two LGBTQI+ friendly therapists. The project helped create a community where people could open their hearts, share experiences, and find support.
This project was especially important for people who had been forcibly displaced from their hometowns.
Nona Wine
“Album (of) Friends”
The project for creating the zine “Album (of) Friends” brought together seven LGBTQI+ and feminist artists who, through their works, shared stories of self-acceptance, the experience of war, and the search for support. This zine became a tool for promoting equality and diversity. Throughout the project, 66 copies were printed and distributed among interested readers! The presentation of the work took place at the feminist festival “The World Through Her Eyes,” which was also made possible through the support of the Human Rights Academy.
This project became an important platform for self-expression and diversity.
Alina Ivanisova
“The World Through Her Eyes”
As part of the “The World Through Her Eyes” project, created by Alina Ivanisova, two festivals were held featuring feminist and queer authors and non-binary individuals. Lectures and exhibitions revealed the evolution of feminist ideals and the struggle against patriarchal systems.
Festival participants discovered new horizons for their art. These events became key steps for the development of creativity in the women’s and queer spaces.
Ihor Molnar
“Monochrome Rainbow Under Occupation”
The documentary film “Monochrome Rainbow Under Occupation and Survival After Occupation” became not just a story of experiences, but a true tool for unity and reflection for the LGBTQI+ community in Kherson. One of the most emotional moments of the project was the closed offline screening of the film on the day of Kherson’s de-occupation. It was more than just a film viewing; it was an opportunity for participants to meet, share their feelings, and find strength in unity.
The screening became a starting point for new partnerships and opportunities. The NGO Legal Solutions Center and the Vdoma Center became important allies in implementing the initiative, assisting in the execution of tasks at every stage. This support demonstrated how the collaboration of different organizations can expand influence and strengthen the achievement of goals.
Yana Radchenko, Wonderzine, Zmina
“Inclusive Future”
How can companies protect their employees? Why does discrimination have a chain reaction? Why is inclusion not just for people with disabilities and veterans? How to combat bullying in schools? — Each of these articles became an incredible opportunity to reach out to those seeking support, inspiration, or simply answers to important questions.
Yana Radchenko’s project on Wonderzine and Zmina, dedicated to legislative bill #5488, became an important platform for popularizing the topic of inclusion and equal rights for LGBTQI+ people.
Articles, expert interviews, and in-depth analysis of discrimination issues drew international attention and contributed to societal change. Tens of thousands of people received crucial messages from experienced experts such as Tatyana Kasian, Marina Shevtsova, Maria Klyus, and Daryna Dmytrievska.
Increasing Audience and Reach:
Active promotion on social media (Facebook, Instagram) and publication on ZMINA ensured high views, indicating interest in the topic of inclusion in education, work, and healthcare. The publications were actively reposted, especially by educators.
International Reach:
Translation into English helped the project extend beyond Ukraine, drawing attention from human rights defenders and international organizations, thereby promoting awareness of LGBTQI+ discrimination.
Enhancing Dialogue:
Articles about LGBTQI+ students and non-discriminatory practices sparked lively discussions, with even hate comments confirming the relevance of the topic.
Raising Awareness:
Materials about responding to discrimination and interviews with Dr. Daryna Dmytrievska became practical guides for implementing inclusive practices.
Vitalii Tsaryuk
“Ambassador of Sodom in Ukraine”
At the Human Rights Academy, Vitalii created a project consisting of two videos on his YouTube channel and 10 publications on his Telegram channel, which reflected the changes and news regarding the LGBTQI+ movement in Ukrainian society.
The project “Ambassador of Sodom in Ukraine” became a successful example of how important topics can be brought to attention and how a new audience can be engaged. During the implementation of the project, the Telegram channel gained over 1,200 new subscribers, expanding its reach and confirming that the created content is both interesting and necessary.
YouTube also showed great results: over the last 28 days, the channel gained more than 8,000 views and 399 new subscribers. The videos “TOP 5 Memes of Homophobes” and “Reaction to Oksana Bilozir’s Homophobia” became especially popular, receiving 96.2% positive feedback. This shows that the audience not only watches but actively supports the content.
The project demonstrated that complex topics can be discussed in a simple, accessible, and even humorous way. The high interaction with the content proves that people are ready to listen, support, and become part of change.
“Ambassador of Sodom in Ukraine” united people by creating a space for open dialogue and support, which is an important step toward equality and tolerance.
Anna Khaietska, Wonderzine Ukraine, NGO Pochuta
“Draft Law No. 5488: Why is this Necessary for Ukrainians?”
The special project dedicated to supporting the adoption of Bill No. 5488 reached significant outreach, attracting the attention of more than 34,000 readers on various distribution platforms. The publication on Wonderzine.me, supplemented with interviews with experts and shared across Facebook, Telegram, and Instagram, became an important step in promoting this legislative initiative.
The project not only highlighted cases of violence based on hate but also emphasized the urgent need for the adoption of the bill that would provide greater protection for LGBTQI+ individuals and other ethnic and social groups.
Marina Palii
Sexual Education Lectures by FOSA
Sexual education lectures for schoolchildren became not only a source of new knowledge but also a window into a topic that remains almost taboo in many schools. The reactions of teenagers, their questions during the lectures, and the answers provided, showed how important this topic is and how rarely it is addressed at the school level or in family discussions.
The demand exceeded all expectations: instead of the planned five lectures, ten were held. Each session confirmed that teenagers are eager to receive more information about sexual education, which helps them better understand their bodies, safety, and relationships. At the same time, these lectures revealed significant gaps in the education system and communication with parents.
Locally, the project helped raise awareness among teenagers, but it also pointed to a greater need: the deeper integration of sexual education into the school curriculum, conducting training for parents and educators, and conducting sociological research to understand the situation.
This initiative became a reminder of the importance of such knowledge for teenagers and their future. The ongoing demand for the lectures is evidence that the topic of sexual education requires more recognition and national implementation.
Human Rights Academy — a place where initiatives transform into real societal changes. The first cohort and the projects born from it, along with their powerful impact on society, are undeniable proof that every action matters.
Soon, we will open enrollment for Human Rights Academy 2.0!
If you want to influence the creation of a world free from discrimination and support equality, follow us on social media to be the first to fill out the application.
This project is implemented by Gender Stream in collaboration with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. The views expressed in these projects may not reflect the positions of these organizations.