Thursday, June 19th 2025 | Institut Paměti národa Brno

On Thursday evening, we gathered at the Institut paměti národa for a powerful and thought-provoking discussion on the media and political framing of queer identities in both the Czech Republic and the United States. The debate, moderated by Lucie Čejková, brought together three brilliant experts – Iveta Jansová, Michal Pitoňák, and Charles M. Elavsky – who shared deep insights, lived realities, and strategies for resistance.

Together, we unpacked:

• how the rhetoric of “protecting children” is weaponized to legitimize anti-queer laws,
• the role of the media in shaping public attitudes toward queer and trans communities,
• the psychological toll of stigmatization – and the urgent need for visibility and solidarity.

The conversation moved between Czech and U.S. contexts, drawing attention to the global nature of conservative backlash, the rise of anti-trans legislation, and how political narratives impact not just policies, but daily queer lives.

Despite the weight of the topics, the event also offered hope – through shared experiences, humor, and a sense of community. We spoke about the power of storytelling, advocacy, and collective resilience in resisting hate and reclaiming dignity.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and a special thanks to the IPN for hosting this timely conversation in such a meaningful space.

Photo: @vikivahoo, @photokathy.jpg