LGBT rights in Kyrgyzstan

There are multiple LGBT groups in Kyrgyzstan, including Kyrgyz Indigo (Kyrgyz: Кыргыз Индиго) and Labrys (Лабрис), founded in 2004. Labrys staff also conduct training for doctors and psychiatrists on sexual orientation and gender identity.

On 8 March 2019, a peaceful march of about 400 people occurred in the capital Bishkek. Although the march was meant to commemorate the International Women's Day, it saw a heavy bent towards LGBT issues, which the media then dubbed Kyrgyzstan's "first gay pride march". The event, however, drew notable controversy, especially from members of parliament who expressed murderous threats to the participants. MP Jyldyz Musabekova wrote on Facebook that "the men who do not want to have children and the girls who do not want to pour tea...must not only be cursed, they must be beaten". She was quickly condemned by other deputies.

Human rights groups and the organisers defended the march and the presence of LGBT rainbow flags. Bektour Iskender, founder of the popular Kloop news website and a participant in the march, said, "I think it's very cool that the LGBT community came on the march, because this is also related to the rights of women if we are talking about lesbians and transgender girls who face tremendous violence in Kyrgyzstan".[6][7] LGBT activists described the event as "a turning point".[8]

In 2014, a bill was introduced to the Parliament to criminalise expression which creates "a positive attitude toward non-traditional sexual relations, using the media or information and telecommunications networks."[9] On 15 October, the bill passed its first reading, in a 79-7 vote. It has received wide international opposition, and has been delayed multiple times. In 2016, it passed its second reading. It now awaits a third final reading.[5]