Estonia is the first Baltic state to legalise marriage equality. (Getty)

Same-sex couples can now legally marry in Estonia, in a landmark moment for the Baltic states.

LGBTQ+ people in Estonia have been able to register civil unions since 2016, but the country became the first former Soviet republic to legalise same-sex marriage in June 2023 after a vote of 55 to 34 in the country’s 101-seat parliament.

The legislation officially came into force on New Year’s Day (1 January) and same-sex couples in the country can now register their marriage applications online.

It is believed the first applications will be processed and certified by early February.

Estonia is the first former Soviet republic to legalise equal marriage. (Getty)

Estonia’s minister of social protection, Signe Riisalo, said: “Laws provide clarity and influence our attitudes. I hope that unfounded fears will recede and that critics of this decision will realise that what is being taken away is not something that is being taken away, but something very important that is being added for many of us.”

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Dear friends! As the New Year approaches, it brings a time of fresh hopes, achievements, and successes. The coming year’s outcome relies on each of us. I, on behalf of the Estonian Network of PLHIV and the Board, wish you self-confidence, great achievements, discoveries, and hope. Together, we will make them a reality! I appreciate your hard work, dedication, and invaluable contribution to our shared cause, EHPV, the cause of goodness!

On a personal note, I confidently affirm that all of you make up a team of good people and genuine professionals. I take pride in working alongside you! The past year presented challenges, filled with intense events, disappointments, mistakes, and sorrows. However, they provided us with valuable experience, making us stronger. Let’s carry only the positives into the New Year, leaving the negatives behind.

In summary, the departing year has been successful and positive. We’ve established a solid foundation for the future, and today, we share the belief that the New Year will bring only positive changes. I am confident that each of you will continue to develop effectively in your roles, remaining a reliable guarantee of consistent success in all EHPV affairs.

Moreover, everywhere – in the family circle and in our centers in Narva, Jõhvi, Tartu, Tallinn – during these days, we become a bit kinder and more attentive to each other. We forgive past grievances, dream of the future like children, make wishes, and believe in their fulfillment. The outgoing year brought something unique to each of us – new victories, joys, encounters, and discoveries.

I wish that in the upcoming year, all your dearest dreams come true, and success accompanies all your endeavors! May the coming year multiply the count of happy moments, with dear ones by your side, and the warmth of the family hearth attracting desired guests.

Encourage the weary, smile at the lonely, and life will repay you for your care. Accept heartfelt wishes for health, well-being, happiness, and prosperity! Have a great mood and joyful New Year celebrations! Happy New Year to you all! Always yours, Latsin

Experience exchange between HIV Norge and #HelpNowHUB Foundation, as part of #BalticHUB activities

Visit to Norway. As part of the emerging collaboration resulting from the #BalticHUB StudyVisit and knowledge exchange between HIV Norge and the #HelpNowHUB Foundation, a personal meeting and a support group for Ukrainian women living with HIV in Norway were planned and conducted.

Despite the challenges in planning and  organizing the meeting, organizers faced difficulties in the women’s attendance (distance, lack of childcare for various age groups, health-related challenges). This issue also arises in organizing meetings for migrant women in other host countries.

However, despite the challenges, The meeting took place in a very warm, confidential, safe and close atmosphere at the HivNorge office.

Women were able to share their experiences, receive long-awaited support from their peers, discuss relevant topics, requests, and plans for the future. The next meeting is preliminarily scheduled for the end of February or March, with the participation of an infectious disease doctor.

Worth to mention that the collaboration between two organisations started before the meeting, thanks to #BalticHub. Organisations together have worked for  collaborative support and case management for a concrete Ukrainian refugee women living with HIV, who sought help directly from Poland. Hanna Ariabinska, with the support of Guro Sorensen have provided necessary assistance and support in transferring the case to another municipality for closer access to the clinic.

During the meeting in Oslo, the discussion of requests from HIV-positive men for joint meetings was also conducted. After surveying the women, consideration of the possibility of joint meetings was included in the near plans. After group discussions, a decision was made to share information about a closed Telegram chat of HelpNowHub Foundation for everyone worldwide. The group is used for communication and an informational chat for community representatives, as well as adding new participants from Norway.

In addition to chat support, the #HelpNowHUB Foundation together with HivNorge are ready to provide psychological support and online counseling from a Ukrainian and russian-speaking psychologist for people living with HIV from Norway (5 individual sessions per client) until the end of March, 2024.

Norway impresses with the beauty of nature and its readiness to help people living with HIV and key populations, as well as war refugees from Ukraine.

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