“Follow the Rainbow” aims to be an inclusive youth exchange focused on LGBTQ+ youth and their allies. One of the underrepresented groups in European youth projects is the LGBTQ+ youth community and those questioning their sexual orientation. Even though LGBTQ+ people constitute an estimated 10% of society, most program countries do not reach this percentage of youth projects that aim to include or target LGBTQ+ youth. Young people with a sexual orientation differing from the majority could unquestionably benefit from international projects. Youth struggling with their sexual orientation often face isolation in a hetero-dominated environment. In some countries, religions, homophobia and intolerance puts a strain on young people’s identity-building. Youth projects organized together with other LGBTQ+ young people could break this isolation and show them they are not alone. A youth project that is organized in a safe environment can help young people come to terms with their sexual orientation and identity. In the light of recent negative publicity in certain European countries, international youth projects can help spread a positive image of the LGBTQ+ community, which in turn could contribute to the eradication of discrimination and intolerance. Positive contact with young LGBTQ+ people can change society’s stereotypes and prejudices. International partnership and co-operation between different organizations can stimulate and enrich their members and advocacy work in their respective contexts. We would like to raise awareness and promote social inclusion, acceptance and diversity of LGBTQ+ people and their rights; to stimulate organizations and youngsters to actively take part in the change-making process in order to tackle discrimination, stereotypes and homophobia. It requires courage for a person to understand and accept that he or she has a different sexual orientation than what it is considered by society to be ‚normal’. In addition, it takes a lot of determination for the ones who already know their sexual preferences to keep being true to themselves in their personal and professional environment. Taking into consideration their needs, we decided to create a project focused on ways to reach liberation and sexual emancipation, disregard gender. So that they can express themselves freely to the rest of the world, without fear of being judged and discriminated. Young people who belong to the LGBTQ+ community or are in the process of exploring themselves and their sexual orientation, don’t always feel comfortable in every-day “hetero-normative” situations. Coming-out, confidentiality, sexual health, the situation for the community in different countries, their relation between different groups, and so on, are all issues that young LGBTQ+ people face on a day-to-day basis, and are difficult to comprehend and deal with without the appropriate skills, approach and training. We aim to create a safe space where young people can feel comfortable enough to open up about their sexuality, and explore, discover and learn more about gender issues and the situation on the LGBTQ+ community in other countries. Openness and active participation will be encouraged for participants to reach pure freedom during those 9 days of project. Our vision is that it will serve us as a fruitful asset to continue our state of being free from social restrictions and contribute more in the field of gender and sexuality. Aims & Objectives: - Providing a safe environment to build meaningful personal and interorganizational connections, stimulating personal development and future international cooperation among the LGBTQ+ community; - Facilitating intercultural learning among the participants from different European nations and partner countries, sharing different realities and exchanging information on LGBTQ+ situation in different countries; - Promoting social inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Queer persons) and fighting discrimination and violence; - Encouraging young people to actively participate in society in the debate on human rights and acceptance of differences, contributing to the development of a sense of European citizenship, based on gender and sexual equality.