Rights and Equality for Queer Unity, Empowerment and Social Transformation
REQUEST works to advance LGBTQIA+ human rights in Kazakhstan.
We support LGBTQIA+ people and communities through advocacy, legal support, monitoring, education, strategic litigation, and coalition-based action. Our work focuses on dignity, equality, safety, and access to justice.
Established on 8 August 2024 by three human rights organizations from Kazakhstan, REQUEST serves as a joint initiative focused on long-term protection, empowerment, and equal participation for LGBTQIA+ people.
Mission
Creating conditions for a safe, dignified, and equal life free from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity through education, monitoring, and advocacy in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
Vision
Kazakhstan and Central Asia in which every person, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity, is able to exercise their rights and freedoms in conditions of safety, dignity, and equal
Uniqueness
REQUEST applies a human rights–based approach as the foundation of all its activities. This means that we view LGBTQIA+ people not as a vulnerable group, but as full rights-holders whose freedoms must be protected on an equal basis with others.
Values
Human Rights
We affirm that human rights are universal, indivisible, and belong to every person regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics (SOGIESC). In our work, we rely on international human rights standards as the foundation for our strategies, advocacy, and internal policies. REQUEST exists to protect, advance, and realize these rights in contexts where they are systematically ignored or violated.
Inclusivity
We strive to create a space where differences are respected, intersecting forms of oppression are recognized, and accessibility is ensured for all. Inclusivity is an active commitment rather than a formality. We intentionally include the voices of transgender, non-binary, and intersex people, persons with disabilities, representatives of ethnic and religious minorities, and people with lived experiences of poverty and marginalization. Within REQUEST, there is no hierarchy of whose lives matter. Every person is equally important.
Independence
Our initiative is independent from governmental, political, religious, civil society and commercial structures. This is a principled position that allows us to maintain integrity, critical perspective, and freedom of action. We make decisions guided by the interests of the community rather than external pressure. Independence does not mean isolation. It means the ability to remain resilient, open to cooperation, and free to choose the forms of engagement that best support our mission.
Professionalism
We are committed to maintaining a high standard of work, accountability, and strategic thinking in every aspect of our activities. For us, professionalism includes not only skills and knowledge but also ethics, reliability, respect for partnerships, and the willingness to learn. We continuously develop internal standards, engage in learning, and reflect on our practices to remain effective, responsible, and impactful even in challenging environments.
LGBTQIA+ human rights in Kazakhstan
LGBTQIA+ people in Kazakhstan continue to face stigma, discrimination, legal uncertainty, and limited access to protection. Many people cannot get effective remedies when they face violence, hate speech, exclusion, or pressure from institutions.
At the same time, Kazakhstan still lacks comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation. This creates serious gaps in protection. As a result, LGBTQIA+ people often remain invisible in law, policy, and public discussion.
REQUEST works to make LGBTQIA+ human rights in Kazakhstan visible as part of the broader human rights agenda.
Annual Report 2024-2025
Coming soon
