Press Release first Study on Queer Partnerships in the Baltics

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Press Release

First Study on Queer Partnerships in the Baltics: Findings, Trends, and Challenges

Tallinn, May 2025 — The Estonian Network of People Living with HIV (EHPV) has released the results of a groundbreaking sociological study focused on queer partnerships and the situation of LGBTIQ communities in the Baltic States and Ukraine.

The survey was conducted in August 2024 during Tartu Pride, one year after Estonia officially adopted gender-neutral marriage legislation. Participants from 24 countries took part, with the majority from Estonia (69%), Ukraine (8%), Latvia (7%), and Lithuania (4%). A total of 420 responses were analyzed.

Key Findings:

  • Over half (57%) of respondents were single; 36% were in queer partnerships, 16% in officially registered ones.
  • Those in partnerships tend to be older, more educated, better-off financially, more likely to have children, and show fewer symptoms of depression than singles.
  • Cis men were more likely than cis women and trans/nonbinary people to plan for parenthood within the next year.
  • Clinical depression symptoms were observed in 35% of participants, and in 49% of trans and nonbinary respondents.
  • Higher levels of internalized transphobia and perceived stigma were linked to younger age, lower education, lack of partnerships, and lower well-being among trans/nonbinary people.

For the first time, population estimates of all LGBTIQ sub-groups in Estonia were provided:

Group Consensus Estimate 95% CI
Gay, bisexual, and other cis men who have sex with men 8,600 6,000–12,100
Lesbian and bisexual cis women 8,700 5,600–12,200
Trans and nonbinary people 1,700 800–2,700
Total 19,000 12,400–27,000
% of Estonian population aged 15+ 1.7% 1.1–2.4%

Recommendations:

  • Strengthen mental health support, especially for younger LGBTIQ individuals, as a path toward increased partnership rates and improved demographic sustainability.
  • Develop support programs for LGBTIQ people affected by SOGI-based stigma, discrimination, and hate crimes.
  • Implement systematic monitoring of SOGI-based hate-speech and violence.
  • Use data on queer-partnerships to form state family and demographic politics.

This study presents the first quantitative portrait of queer families in the Baltics and highlights the persistent presence of minority stress within LGBTIQ communities. Despite ongoing liberalization of laws and public opinion, social stigma continues to affect partnership formation and parenting plans.

Full text of the book: https://ehpv.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Did.you_.know_.pdf

 

Contact:
Dr. Maksym Kasianczuk
M&E Coordinator, EHPV
Tallinn, Estonia