Invisible in the Public Sphere: LGBTI+ Identities and Politics in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In a society where political power is often based on visibility, LGBTI+ people in Bosnia and Herzegovina remain invisible. Although they are part of society, communities, activism, and even political structures, almost no one who is publicly engaged in politics is openly out. This invisibility is not accidental but the result of deeply rooted fears, prejudices, and systemic barriers.

Between Law and Reality

Bosnia and Herzegovina has legal mechanisms intended to protect LGBTI+ people. The Law on Prohibition of Discrimination explicitly includes protection based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and from 2021 to 2024, an Action Plan for the Advancement of the Rights of LGBTI Persons was adopted. However, there remains a deep gap between legislation and practice. Institutions rarely respond to hate speech, and when they do, the reaction usually comes only under public or international pressure. In everyday life, LGBTI+ people face stigma, fear, family rejection, and threats. When this extends into the political sphere—where exposure is greater and pressures are harsher—it becomes clear why many choose to remain invisible.

They Exist, But They Are Not Visible

Do LGBTI+ people even exist in Bosnian politics? Yes, but mostly “behind the scenes.” They actively participate in party structures, work as advisors, team members, and councilors, yet almost no one is publicly out. The reason is not a lack of courage but a lack of safety. The political environment in BiH is highly polarized and often hostile toward anything that deviates from dominant social norms. In such a space, “outing” does not just mean acknowledging one’s identity—it means exposure to public shaming, risks to one’s career, and personal safety.

When the Private Becomes a Weapon

The case of Banja Luka politician Ivan Begić in 2021 showed how dangerous it is to be different in BiH’s political life. After his intimate video leaked online, he was subjected to media harassment, blackmail, and threats. Under pressure, Begić resigned. What should have remained a matter of privacy became a political weapon and a public execution. Instead of solidarity, most political actors remained silent. Reactions from the community and activist circles were different: expressions of support, calls for him not to give up politics, and a clear message that it is the system that must change—not the individual who dares to be authentic. This case best illustrates that visibility without protection is not freedom. That is why many LGBTI+ people in politics choose to remain unseen, knowing that any “wrong” image could be used against them.

The Silence of Political Parties

Political parties in BiH rarely, if ever, publicly express positions on LGBTI+ issues. Even those that nominally support human rights in their programs seldom mention sexual orientation or gender identity. The topic remains “too hot”—enough to lose votes in conservative areas while not bringing enough support in liberal ones. No party has a visible LGBTI+ section, body, or network, as exists in some European countries. This sends the message that LGBTI+ people are not recognized as part of the electorate or as equal members of political communities. Interestingly, even when politicians defend LGBTI+ rights, it often happens reactively—after incidents or attacks—rather than proactively through systematic policies. For example, when in 2018 politician Samra Ćosović Hajdarević wrote that “LGBTI people should be isolated from children and society,” the public reacted strongly, and the court later found her guilty of discrimination. This was an important precedent, but it says more about the resilience of civil society than about the willingness of political structures to confront homophobia within their own ranks.

Invisibility as a Survival Strategy

In a political space where identity and privacy are often tools of discreditation, invisibility becomes a survival strategy. For many LGBTI+ people engaged in politics, the decision not to be publicly out is not a sign of shame but a necessary protection. However, that strategy comes at a cost. Invisibility also means the absence of role models. It means that young LGBTI+ people who want to enter politics have no one to look up to. It means that the community lacks political representatives who could openly advocate for its interests from within. Without openly out politicians, the fight for LGBTI+ equality remains in the hands of civil society organizations and individuals working outside the system. But to achieve deep structural change, the LGBTI+ voice must also become an institutional voice—in councils, parliaments, and ministries.

What Needs to Change?

1. Security Network and Legal Protection – The state must ensure effective protection from threats, blackmail, and violence. – The legal framework exists, but its implementation must be consistent—especially when it comes to public figures and online violence.

2. Political Support Within Parties – Parties should develop internal mechanisms to support LGBTI+ members: education, advisory bodies, and informal support networks. – LGBTI+ candidates should not be seen as a “political risk” but as proof that a party understands social diversity.

3. Media Responsibility – The media play a crucial role: the way they report on LGBTI+ topics often sets the tone for public discourse. – Instead of sensationalism, a professional and empathetic approach is needed—one that focuses on people’s values and actions, not just their identities.

4. Culture of Allyship – Allies from the majority population, especially heterosexual politicians, can and should use their platforms to open doors for others. – Solidarity is not only a moral act but also a political tool for democratizing public space.

5. Building Confidence and Leadership – Platforms such as the Political Academy for Women and LGBTI+ People from Rural Areas of Tuzla Canton are essential, as they provide opportunities for education, networking, and leadership development. – Through such initiatives, new generations can gain the knowledge and skills needed to enter politics with a strong sense of self-worth and belonging.

Time for Courage and Support

Political visibility of LGBTI+ people is not a luxury—it is a measure of a society’s democratic health. Systems that suppress diversity are, at their core, afraid of freedom. And a society that does not dare to see its LGBTI+ citizens in politics is, in essence, admitting that the democratic space is still not equal for everyone. It is time for that to change. It is time for LGBTI+ people, who already take part in political processes, to have a safe environment to be who they truly are—publicly, freely, and with pride. But they cannot walk that path alone. Solidarity is needed from all of society: politicians, journalists, institutions, and every citizen who believes in equality. Because true democracy does not rest on silence, it rests on visibility and courage.

This activity was supported by the Government of Canada through the project “Building Political Power in the Margins: Strengthening Civic Participation of Rural Women and LGBTI+ People in Tuzla Canton through Education, Skills Training, and Community-Based Advocacy.” We are grateful to Canada for its contribution to this project through the Fund for Local Initiatives in Canada. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of Canada.