LGBT Bosnians Find Strength at Merlinka Festival

Vanja Lasic, manager of Kriterion, a small venue on the river Miljacka in Sarajevo, isn't too happy about having several security officials posted at the entrance of her club. "They kind of spoil the good atmosphere of the event," she says. "Still, I understand that unfortunately their presence is necessary."

For the fourth year in a row, Kriterion is hosting Merlinka, an international film festival screening movies addressing LGBT issues. It's a decision that Lasic advocates with pride: "It's important to have at least one place where people from the LGBT community can feel safe and welcome in Sarajevo," she says, pointing out that "the festival is attracting a growing number of visitors, year after year".

Despite the growing popularity of the Merlinka festival, organising a LGBT-friendly event in Sarajevo is far from being easy and security concerns remain high. Two years ago, participants at the festival were attacked by a group of ten people who invaded the club and injured some of them, sparking criticism about the inability of the police to secure the event.

At the following events, Bosnian authorities showed more commitment towards protecting the festival. This year, too, dozens of policemen are stationed beside the club, in case of disorder.

Personal security is still a major concern for most in the LGBT Bosnian community. Many festival participants are fearful of telling their real names, like "Walter", a 17-year-old Sarajevan, who proudly defines himself as "queer from the beginning.

"It's normal that people are afraid when it comes to organising an event like this, we're constantly under threat of violence by hooligans, football fans, homophobes and religious extremists," he tells BIRN.

These menaces, however, are not...