PKI Participates in Sociological-Queer Conference

The PKI LGBTQ Project participated in the annual Sociological-Queer Conference, a leading professional forum examining sexuality, gender, and intimacy within Israel’s social and political landscape. Hosted this year by Ben-Gurion University, the conference addressed growing challenges to gender equality and sexual freedoms, and emphasized the responsibility of researchers to defend human rights and marginalized communities.

PKI was represented by Eli Kleiner, Southern Region LGBTQ Coordinator, clinical psychologist, and new immigrant to Israel. In his presentation, Eli highlighted the integration challenges faced by Russian-speaking LGBTQ+ immigrants, their lack of visibility, and the resulting psychological and systemic consequences. He also shared how the PKI LGBTQ Project is developing culturally sensitive, community-based responses.

Eli referenced findings from a needs-assessment study conducted by Asia Istoshina at the Sigma Applied Research Center, commissioned by the project, underscoring the urgency and relevance of this work.