Rainbow Families of Greece:

OBJECTIVES

The company’s objective is non-profitable, charitable, ideological and generally financial, in accordance with article 784 AK. The company is a volunteer organization of a non-profit nature, devoid of any political and economic influence. It refers to the notions of solidarity, equality, as well as the rejection of all forms of discrimination, proposing as a model a rationale of dialogue and mutual support as a method of solving social conflicts. The objectives of the company comprise mostly of:

1. The support and promotion of all forms of parenthood and especially in the conduct of actions, so that the legal and social presence and recognition of Lesbian – Gay –Bisexual – Trans – Queer parenthood (thus abbreviated as “LGBT”) is established.
2. The combat against all forms of discrimination against LGBT parents and their children.
3. The support and advocacy of LGBT choices to bear their children and raise them with love and respect, claiming the truth of their conception and where possible the truth of their origin.
4. The advocacy of all reproduction options of adults, single or as a couple, when applied with respect to the dignity of all parties involved, that are consenting adults in a position to realize and handle the responsibility of their actions, with respect to each person and their freedom and control over their body.

1. The promotion of legal, social, political and cultural change in regards to matters of LGBT families and the upbringing of their children.
2. Ensuring visibility for families in which one or more parents are LGBT as well as raising awareness in the public so that it accepts strategies for equal opportunities and rights for LGBT persons.
3. The support, promotion and exchange of information regarding motherhood and fatherhood for LGBT parents.
4. The promotion and propagation of cultural tools (books, movies, multimedia etc.) that are useful for raising children with one or more LGBT parents, both to the parents themselves and school personnel, health professionals and anyone in contact with the daily reality and life of the LGBT.
5. The linkage between families and the promotion of frequent meetings between families in which one or more parents are LGBT and the dissemination of such meetings across the country as an active presence.
6. Constant action in order to ensure that children with one or more LGBT parents will have protection and equal treatment as other children from social and legal standpoints.
7. Assurance of LGBT parents’ and their children’s’ rights in case of a divorce or separation from a previous heterosexual relationship.
8. Constant action in order for a legal recognition of non-biological parents’ roles in raising a child, especially if the child was born or is being raised by a family of two parents of the same sex.

1. The support of either individual cases or collective appeals for the recognition of rights of families in which one or more parents is LGBT.
2. The support of the dialogue in regards with Medically Aided Reproduction in couples of the same sex and in individuals, and the alteration of the existing legal framework so that it is in compliance with the International Protection of Human Rights Conventions.
3. The support of the dialogue in regards with adoption from couples of the same sex, but also individuals, and the alteration of the existing legal framework so that it is in compliance with the International Protection of Human Rights Conventions.
4. The promotion of cooperation with other organizations, local and international, that share a similar cause, and with political parties that show sensitivity in matters in compliance with the objectives and principles of the company.
5. Ensuring that LGBT parents and their children share the same rights as heterosexual parents and their children.
6. Ensuring human dignity and rights for all people with any sexual orientation, so that equality between people independent of gender, origin, nationality, religious or other views, age, sexual orientation or other characteristics and unique attributes including their legal situation, is achieved.
7. Ensuring the principle of non-discrimination and the right of LGBT persons and everyone in general to live freely and have equal rights to dignity and to the possibility of benefiting from their rights and freedoms without any discrimination.

1. The claim of the right for LGBT persons and their children to practice without obstacles all their individual, social, economic, professional, cultural, family and political rights.
2. Making visible the right to be different, the elimination of homoerotophobia, the combat of racist ideas and practices and the idea of supremacy or inferiority between people independent of any differences or special features, the stereotypical role of two genders.
3. Equal participation of LGBT persons in society, the removal of social apartheid, the legal claim to equality on all levels and the claim to their rights, in which are included those for starting and raising a family and children and for the free development of personality.
4. The protection of human rights and individual liberties of the citizen. Raising awareness for the public in an attempt to create an atmosphere of respect of individual, social and political rights and freedoms of the citizens.
5. The support of LGBT persons’ children, of local origin or not, in the practice of every form of their rights and freedoms. The claim for respect for rights of children raised in a family where at least one member is LGBT.
6. Information / material / awareness-raising of society and appropriate parties on the legal, social, cultural matters as well as health issues related to the company’s objectives.
7. The dynamic activation in the promotion of LGBT victims of discrimination and/or violence, in all aspects of social, political, cultural and financial life. The archiving of hate crimes and/or violence fueled by hatred for LGBT persons, and the legal or non-legal support for relative cases.
8. The successful introduction of minority groups to greek society.

1. Awareness-raising in matters of rights, health and life quality, and the attempt to inform and/or educate on relative matters.
2. The fight against exploitation, marginalization, degradation of life quality and social apartheid.
3. Intervention, judicial or not, in cases where human rights and freedoms are breached or degraded. Taking action when appropriate.
4. Effective investigation and judicial support for cases breaching Human Rights, in accordance with the company’s objectives, with presence for political prosecution and/or presence to support the case in national, European and international courts of all kinds and levels, and the role of a mediator where this is possible and necessary.
5. The investigation of problems to do with sexual orientation and social gender, at an individual and collective level and the submission of proposals for their solution.
6. The promotion of art and culture as a means to combat discrimination and racist thinking.

Article 4

MEANS

Means for the promotion, campaigning and realization of the company’s objectives comprise mostly of:

1)      The organization of seminars, conferences, workshops, public and/or internet discussions and symposiums on matters relative to its objectives.

2)      The company’s participation in legal organisms, bonds, non-governmental organizations, federations, collaboration with other groups, unions or collectives.

3)      The creation of a forum and research center for the promotion of LGBT rights. The organization of research and study groups, both in the context of the EU, as well as the broader European and international level.

4)      The creation and functioning of an internet website.

5)      The creation of consultation or scientific councils.

6)      Taking initiative in the face of relative legal organisms and parties, through judicial actions, claims and reports in greek, European, and international courts, councils and national, community or international legal entities.

7)      The advocacy of agreements with public and legal personas of private or public law, relative to the objectives of the company and their realization.

8)      The collection of financial aid through events, celebrations, fundraisers, lottery sales and sponsors for the work of the company, which is given towards the company’s objectives but also for the financial support of certain cases of LGBT persons or families that require funding due to their living standards.

9)      The creation of sister organizations in other parts of Greece and internationally.

10)   The publication and dissemination of books, magazines, studies, monographs, essays, collections, photograph albums, diaries, leaflets, newspapers, especially in print or electronic form. The functioning of a publishing house.

11)   The publication and dissemination of videocassettes, optical discs (CD, CD ROM, DVD etc.) relevant to the objectives of the company and their support.

12)   The invitation of specialist scientists and/or artists, in order to aid in special cultural or scientific matters relative to its objectives.

13)   The organization of thematic gatherings.

14)   The organization of spectacles such as theatrical – music/dance shows, concerts, literature and poetry nights.

15)   The planning, realization and conclusion of programs for humanistic action and relative supportive services.

16)   The creation of a support service to ensure access for LGBT persons to health services and psychosocial and legal support.

17)   Collaboration with local or international agencies and even persons that are in a position to promote and aid with the company’s objectives.

18)   The organization of seminars, workshops, conferences, expositions, field trips, study groups and all kinds of events, activist actions or spectacles to raise the public’s awareness and deepen the public debate on human rights, LGBT persons’ and families’ rights, children’s rights and also to support the company’s actions.

19)   The dissemination of knowledge and experience through advice of LGBT persons on practicing their rights, non-discrimination, family, health, occupation, business endeavors and social absorption.

20)   The realization of national, community and international programs of action in matters relative to the company’s objectives.

21)   The offering of services for personal advice, information – education, social / psychological / health support, the organization and staffing of education facilities, linkage and promotion of occupation through advice and collaboration with relative agencies, the creation of a refuge – temporary hostel to receive and host victims of violence, abuse and certain cases of LGBT persons living in hostile and precarious for their life and health conditions, in the context of creating various support programs and services for social solidarity.

22)   Mediation for access to services for social solidarity offered by other agencies, non-profitable unions and non-governmental organizations.

23)   The creation and functioning of a meeting and office space (library, meetings, café etc.) in Greece or outside of it.

24)   The dissemination into the market of items (e.g. crafts, artwork etc.) created by members of vulnerable social groups or for their benefit, in specially organized events.

25)   Claiming, receiving and using funds, grants, sponsorships, sales, exonerations and other such aids.

26)   Educational activity on matters that are related, directly or not, with the company’s objectives.

27)   The realization of cultural and other exchanges.

28)   Any other useful means that the board accepts with full majority, helpful for the realization of the company’s objectives.

For the effective realization of the company’s objectives, the board may introduce special councils from its own members or not. These councils, that will be directly linked to the board and each one will be led by a board members, will study familiar specific matters, and submit their conclusions to the board, and, after its approval, will aid in carrying out the decisions taken.