 
Hot August of 2019.
While citizens are complaining of heat
local non-governmental organizations gathered for a great brainstorming
To look for ideas of how to change the image of Zaporizhzhia
from a “Cossack city” or industrial center
to lively and modern city
The decision to create
an association of local organizations
appeared quite spontaneously.
We have worked with various local organizations before.
But our relationships 
were never formal.
We decided to apply
to participate in the “Alley of Organizations”
at the “Khortytsia Freedom” festival.
But we didn't want to just stand in a big white tent.
It seemed sad and very lonely.
So we decided to call our fellow activists
for breakfast, coffee and discuss our plans in general
concerning activist life in Zaporizhzhia
that is how an idea to unite our efforts was born and to exhibit all together
under one flag of the associations of local organizations
Truthfully, we were very nervous. It was,
in fact, our first public appearance
That's why we discussed and debated 
for a very long time
at our office, whether we should participate.
Because there is an element of security. When you tell in Zaporizhzhia for the general public about LGBT people, it can be a little dangerous.
And we're so glad we took the risk,
went to such a great audience in Zaporizhzhia
because for two days at the festival we did not have homophobic claims. People were approaching, they were showing interest.
And it indicates that our world is changing. Not only in the capital,
but also, in cities such Zaporizhzhia.
And here it is, the day of the festival. Every organization presents itself at the huge location of the festival.
Among them was Gender Z. The main surprise for visitors is an audio tour “City of the Future”.
Everyone can get into a time machine
and see what Zaporizhzhia will be like in 2030.
These are completed bridges across the Dnipro River, solved environmental problems. And LGBT prides which in 10 years aren't something unusual
There were presented installations of various organizations, including ours. We, at ZpSpace, installed
“Mr. Package” character.
It was such a symbol of pollution with disposable plastic.
It was about a careless attitude towards the environment. Also there was a beautiful installation from Gender Z
about human rights, about
how they can be violated. There was a border
of the police officers who are forced to surround some
human rights rallies, which, of course, is abnormal.
People were encouraged to see
how it can be and how it is. They could see this contrast
and could join us
at the exit of the tour.
And there were instructions, and contacts of our organizations, and a description of what we do.
It was interesting for people, because they paid
their time and attention for our location.
There were literally a few people who were surprised:
“Are they talking about LGBT people here?”
But they were not negative. Most likely, they stated it.
Most people showed great interest.
In a couple of months Gender Z
participates in a new project.
This was participation in a “Forum of Public Opinion's Leaders”. Gender Z was braver this time
they had a separate location where they presented
their “Friendly Pills”.
This is a candy, which was presented
as a cure of homophobia using information
Hundreds of people visited this Gender Z’s location,
activists did not expect that.
During the forum we presented
our “Friendly pills”
We talked about them,
shared them with visitors
as well as with  invited opinion leaders,
Yanina Sokolova and Oleksiy Durnev.
As part of the Forum, we as organization
performed from the stage and told about our activities
and how businesses can be LGBT friendly. For us it was 
for the first time when Gender Z presented its work
so largely, at a city-scale event, in public.
And therefore we discussed how we want
our city to be moved. In order in 2030, in 10 years,
it will be cool, modern, attractive to tourists,
and comfortable. And we, as activists,
can do it and, talking about 
and sharing our values.
this is the first step to unite
communities of Zaporizhzhia
to solve problems together
and make our city even better
And this is the winter of 2019.
Zaporizhzhia Youth Center
held the annual competition “Volunteer of the Year”.
In one of the nominations, “Activist of the Year”
Gender Zed employee 
Kostya Andreev was nominated.
He admits he did not expect
that can win.
But he received this valuable award.
The nomination is about a person
which gives its own time and efforts
and creates something to improve this civil society.
So this year our expert commission
decided that the greatest contribution 
to the development of civil society,
youth development and volunteer movement among young people
were made by Gender Z and Kostya Andreev
For me as an organizer
the victory of such organization like Gender Z,
which works with sensitive topics
and integration into society of some communities,
is very important. This shows that the city is ready
talk about these topics and we started the process together
But the story does not end there.
Some organizations
joined the organizing committee 
ZaporizhzhiaPride. This is one of the first cases
when the Pride in Ukraine is organized
not only by LGBT activists but also allies.
And while the quarantine continues,
organizations went online
shooting human rights videos for Facebook and Instagram.
And plans to keep continuing to change the city.
