Latvia is often dubbed the second-worst country in the European Union (EU) to be LGBTQ. Although you cannot discriminate against gay people in employment or housing (thanks EU!), Latvia has yet to introduce marriage equality (spoiler alert: we are far from it), and the parliament Saeima cannot get their cr*p together to even legalize some sort of a civil unionship mechanism that would grant some of the rights that are accessible to married heterosexual couples.

There’s also widespread societal discrimination towards queer people of all kind. We could say that a 2022 Latvia can be compared to the US of late 90s or early 2000s, with a handful of openly out celebrities and politicians. Furthermore, only 16% of the society are In favor of same-sex marriage (with 77% opposing). When asked, whether “Homosexuality should be accepted by society“, only a fifth responded with “Yes“.

One would think that it’s better to pack your bags and leave to at the very least the neighboring Estonia. Majority of the time, that’s what happens. But the situation seems to change as there’s the success story of Frankie. As a gay American, Frankie happily moved to Latvia in early 2022 being completely aware of the risks that may come with that. Having found a good friends circle, an inclusive employer, and a loving family, in the latest PROPAGANDA episode, Frankie shares his experiences and feelings of navigating life in Latvia as a gay expat.

Find out more and support the queer community in Latvia here: www.safespace.lv/propaganda/epizodes/11