Non-governmental organizations and the sexual and gender minority community in North Macedonia: narratives about community practice and building

Abstract

ABSTRACT Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) community practice efforts vary globally. In North Macedonia, we conducted a needs assessment with 71 SGM community members and 11 non-governmental organization (NGO) staff. We used narrative and thematic analysis to assess how participants described SGM social movements, community building, and community practice in the country. Findings showed that community engagement, capacity, and organizing could be strengthened. SGM and NGO narratives varied about ways to include the community in activism and social action and their relationship to one another. Theoretically informed community-engagement and practice can help build power, accountability, and trust.