Elena Petrovska is a dedicated human rights defender focusing on the human rights of LGBTI people, lesbian feminism, digital rights and women’s rights. Since 2013, she has been active in LGBTI activism, starting with the lesbian-feminist group “LezFem” in Skopje. In 2016, she became the manager of the “Safe House” shelter for LGBTI victims of violence at the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights – LGBTI Support Center.
Elena has extensive experience in project coordination, campaigning and advocacy, working with politicians, Parliament, Ministries, public servants, and Municipalities. She has also volunteered for various networks and causes. Her work in LezFem includes securing funds for lesbian camps, social media campaigns, anti-discrimination lectures, and events for lesbian socialization and visibility.
She has researched LGBTIQ+ issues and the impact of anti-gender movements on LGBTI lives. Elena has advocated for comprehensive sexual education in schools and supported the formation of an inter-party parliamentary group for LGBTI rights in North Macedonia. Locally, she promoted anti-discrimination mechanisms across several cities.
Elena served as the Coordinator and General Secretary of the National Network against Homophobia and Transphobia, leading legislative changes and increasing the visibility of marginalized communities’ issues in Macedonia. She was part of the Skopje Pride organizing board, mobilizing the queer community for participation, particularly focusing on lesbians and queer women.
Elena is attending the prestigious Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme 2025 as a scholar, awarded by the International Human Rights Service.
Currently, Elena is the project and advocacy coordinator at ERA LGBTI Association for the Western Balkans.
