Programs & Services

OUR PROGRAMS & SERVICES

With a local Los Angeles footprint and a global reach, GALAS serves LGBTQ+ Armenians in the diaspora and in Armenia.

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Outreach

Connecting to communities to learn their needs, to collaborate on supportive programming for LGBTQ+ Armenians.

Safe Spaces

We host safe spaces for discussion and understanding amongst LGBTQ+ Armenians and their communities.

Educational Resources

Educating the community about LGBTQ+ issues for advancement and safety through presentation, collaborations, and expertise. Providing expertise on the Armenian LBGTQ+ movement.

Leadership Development

We provide annual scholarships for LGBTQ+ Armenians and opportunities for leadership advancement.

Culture

We host Armenian cultural events, to celebrate our heritage and engage with the greater Armenian community.

FEATURED PROGRAM

Soorj Sessions

Monthly guided roundtable discussions

Soorj Sessions are guided roundtable conversations between LGBTQ+ Armenians, their parents, families and friends to explore understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities and individuals.

After its launch in 2018, Soorj Sessions were received with positivity and excitement from the community. Through these safe and supportive events, attendees are invited to share their experiences, struggles, wisdom and growth.

FEATURED EVENT

Queernissage

An annual market by SWANA LGBTQ+ creatives

Queernissage is an homage to “Vernissage,” the open air market in Armenia that has been a gathering place for artists and merchants for decades.

Queernissage celebrates the incredible talent within our community to the public and creates a safe space for LGBTQ+ SWANA and allies to gather and celebrate.

The continued vision for Queernissage is to foster a marketplace where craftspeople, artisans, the community, and the greater public can gather, exchange, and celebrate the richness of our intersecting cultures.

FEATURED OFFERING

Scholarship Program

Annual scholarships for leadership development

For nearly all of the organization's history, GALAS has offered academic scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students. These have served as a critical resource for the LGBTQ+ Armenian community.