Libertate pentru o noapte
Freedom for one night
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In the Republic of Moldova, members of the LGBT-community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and
Transgender) may face legal challenges and constraints not experienced by non-LGBT residents.
Since the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the Orthodox Church in the Republic of Moldova has
been regaining influence and members openly express their resentment to non-heterosexuality.
Furthermore, LGBT-persons experience human rights violations, such as the violation to freedom
of expression. The Gay Pride Parade has repeatedly been banned by officials.
In June 2011, Moldova used its seat in the United Nations Human Rights Council to vote against 
the first successful UN resolution condemning discrimination and violence against individuals
based on their sexual oriention and gender identity.
„Between 5-7 May, the traditional ‘Rainbow over the Dniester’ Pride Festival took place in Chisinau.
This year’s tenth anniversary event was joyful [...] and somewhat sad at the same time. The
reason to be sad was government’s withdrawal of the draft law on non-discrimination after a group
of civic organisations who call themselves religious and keepers of traditional family values. They
promised to lock out parliament’s activity. And authorities drew back in fear of bigots.“
Journalists with photo and video cameras haven’t been allowed to the brightest and most colourful
phase of Pride events for several last years. However, reporting on the already indispensible part
of the festival, the Miss Flawless Queen 2011 drag queen contest, which actually merits to be
highlighted as a separate event within cultural life of Moldova, was allowed. It took place during the
last evening of the festival. Eight contestants from Azerbaijan, Russia, Ukraine and Moldova took
part in it, and their outfits, make up, plastique, artistry and correlation between their stage images
and stage numbers were estimated by competent professional jurors. 
The pictures presented were taken during this Contest and the following party.


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