SOS Homophobie is an LGBT support organization based in France that deals with homophobia. The organization currently consists of a 900 volunteer members[1] as well as 17 regional offices, all of which are based in France.[2] The group is frequently mentioned on various media such as social media sites, television, and print.[3] SOS Homophobie provides national support programs including an anonymous hotline, testimonials on websites and support offered through postal mail.[3] The main objectives of the organization are to support those who have fallen victim to homophobia and to run homophobia prevention events. Moreover, the organization aims to ultimately achieve equality between homosexual and heterosexual couples, and equal treatment for people despite sexual orientation.[4]
SOS Homophobie was initially established on 11 April 1994 as a solely volunteer-only based initiative.[5] The goal was to develop a helpline for LGBT individuals of France.[5] In 1997 yearly reports were written and continue to be made each year.[5] A webpage has been made in order for youth to clarify their understanding of LGBT.[5]
Between 2010 and 2011, SOS Homophobie took part in various events aiming to protect and raise public awareness of the rights of LGBT people. The following are examples of such:
SOS Homophobie continues to be actively involved regarding issues related to the LGBT community. In 2012, counsel, Caroline Mecary, represented the association and responded to France’s Constitutional Council deferral decision on gay marriage. She claims that "it is probably necessary to wait for an alternative policy in 2012, so that the parties of the Left, which are favorable to the opening of marriage and adoption for same-sex couples, initiate a reform."[7]
From 2006 and beyond, SOS Homophobie has met with representatives of several influential LGBT organizations – MANEO (Germany), Lambda Warsaw (Poland), and KPH Kampania Przewic Homofobie (Poland).[8] The groups have held conferences in which they discussed relevant issues. Together they have joined to achieve a common purpose - to fight against homophobia and support the creation of a world with increased equality. They signed a joint declaration, the “Tolerancja Declaration”, to achieve these goals.[8] The objectives of the “Tolerancja Declaration” are as such:
In 2008, four groups agreed to cooperate with the Spanish gay-Lesbian organizations TRIANGULO and COGAM in the “Berliner Bündnis gegen Homophobie und Hassgewalt(Berlin Alliance Against Homophobia and Hate Violence)” in order to increase networks and strengthen their initiatives.[8]
