Know Your Rights: LGBTQ+ Legal Workshop in Be’er Sheva

On February 23, the Be’er Sheva LGBTQ+ group hosted a lecture by Pavel Bitzer Filippov — an LGBTQ+ rights attorney and leading Russian-speaking editor of the Israeli rights portal Kol Zchut.

Pavel provided a clear and practical overview of LGBTQ+ rights and legal protections in Israel, including the legal status of couples, refugee status, and social and employment rights. Drawing on real cases from his practice, he made complex legal issues accessible and relevant.

Participants were especially engaged in a discussion about workplace discrimination and protections against homophobia. The conversation sparked thoughtful questions and honest dialogue about the challenges facing Russian-speaking LGBTQ+ immigrants in southern Israel.

Programs like this offer not only vital legal information, but also a stronger sense of empowerment, protection, and community to PKI’s LGBTQ+ group participants.