Embark on a digital journey with Article 216, a unique blend of film, music, and visual art that uncovers the narrative of Bulgaria's LGBTQ+ community.
Driven by a deep connection to his homeland and a snippet from the 1896 Penal Law, Borislav, the project's creator, invites viewers into a modern website where imagery dances to bespoke music. Traditional 19th-century motifs, usually seen in black and white, are reimagined in vibrant colors, offering a fresh perspective on queer Bulgarians of the past.
Article 216 challenges misconceptions about sexual orientation, showing through local examples that diversity has always been part of Bulgarian society. It's a celebration of inclusivity and a reminder of the rich heritage shared by all Bulgarians.
Borislav's project also aims to empower those who feel marginalized because of their love. By reimagining the stories of gay ancestors, he offers a vision of acceptance and belonging.
With collaborators like Kosta Karakashyan, Boris Urumov, Dobromir Kisyov, C-Mo, Sirma Kuncheva, Rostislav Schipochky, Antonia Kundakova, and Ahmet Ismail, Article 216 delves into history's hidden corners, unearthing forgotten stories and lost treasures.
In an exclusive interview, Borislav shares his inspiration and hopes for this important project.
PICKLE: Why this project? Why now?
BORISLAV: Borislav: I feel most comfortable expressing myself through art, so this is also the direction the project took. It is a personal endeavor because my younger self needed to hear this years ago. Perhaps there is a young Borislav, struggling with his sexuality, who will see the project and feel a bit better.
PICKLE: Did you find anything unexpected when discovering Bulgaria's LGBTQ+ history?
BORISLAV: Sadly, the available historical sources are extremely scarce, making it impossible to paint a complete picture of Bulgaria's LGBTQ+ history. What surprised me the most was Article 216 itself. I stumbled upon it online, and I was taken aback by the explicit acknowledgment that queer people have existed on these lands for a long time. This fact challenges the notion that non-heterosexual orientations are a product of modern times.
PICKLE: What is the attitude towards queer people in Bulgaria today, and how has this changed from historical perceptions?
BORISLAV: Like many other countries worldwide, Bulgaria too experiences a significant divide between those who embrace queer individuals and those who vehemently oppose them. Naturally, there are also those in the middle who hold no strong opinions. My project endeavors to engage with all three groups in distinct ways.
The journey toward full acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in Bulgarian society is not linear. Even last year, during the elections, some right-wing politicians sought to gain votes by exploiting fear of queer people. However, I believe the overall trend is positive. I hope.
PICKLE: There is a perception in Eastern European countries that queer people don't exist in their societies. And if there are some queer people, they are a minority. What would you say to this?
I don't believe Bulgarians are unaware of the existence of queer people in society. Even among those who harbor homophobic views, it's rare for them to outright deny this reality. Instead, their arguments often pivot around the belief that homosexuality is a byproduct of "The New World Order" or Western influence, suggesting it has been introduced to our country through media, entertainment, or non-governmental organizations. Some go as far as to claim that the European Union aims to dismantle our traditional culture.
BORISLAV: Unfortunately, these conspiracy theories hold sway over many individuals. My reflections on this matter are embedded within the project itself—the lyrics, scenes, and drawings convey a message. To encapsulate it for our readers: queer people have existed throughout history, globally, including in Bulgaria, and there is evidence to support this. My aspiration is for more sources to be unearthed, allowing us to piece together this obscured segment of history.
PICKLE: In Bulgaria, is there a desire for a European-style future?
BORISLAV: Absolutely. From my perspective, it appears that the majority is working towards achieving what some European countries have already accomplished: fostering a tolerant, modern society. However, this aspiration highlights yet another divide within our society. There exists a faction of individuals who romanticize Russia and its governmental approach.
PICKLE: Do you feel pressure from Russia in Bulgarian society?
BORISLAV: There is a common understanding that foreign governments attempt to influence public opinion through social media bots, paid commenters, and fake news. I’m not competent enough to say where this pressure is coming from, but many would say Russia is one of the main players.
PICKLE: What would you like to tell the world about Bulgarian queer history?
BORISLAV: The main takeaway is that Bulgarian queer history exists. That’s not something unique or special, but it’s important to remember because queer history is world history. Every country, tribe, and community has it because gay and trans people are born everywhere. Also, the apparent lack of queer history is history in and of itself, as it is most certainly a symptom of systematic erasure and oppression against queer people.
PICKLE: What message would you like to portray of queer people and the queer situation in Bulgaria today?
BORISLAV: I would like queer people in Bulgaria to feel inspired and continue the good fight. Hopefully, the project shows them that they too have ancestors of whom they can be proud.
PICKLE: What are your hopes for the future?
BORISLAV: We need to dream of a better tomorrow in which we are all free to live authentically and love freely. Half of the project, Article 216, is about that—recreating the image of our queer ancestors and portraying them in a positive light. Instead of being prosecuted, they are depicted as comfortable and free. We need to strive for liberty, for us and for those who were here before.
"Article 216" is also supported by Single Step Foundation, whose accelerator for digital projects on social topics Digital Indie Lab supported the first steps of the project.
Explore Article 216, here.
*Interview conducted in 2021.
Comments