K-zona, in collaboration with MASMI, conducted a survey (October–November 2024) among members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Croatia, with the aim of better understanding attitudes towards trans people, perceptions of safety, and experiences of discrimination and violence. A total of 75 respondents participated through our and partners’ community networks.
The findings show that most respondents perceive societal attitudes towards trans people as largely negative, and assess the overall position of trans people in Croatia as poor. Many reported not feeling fully safe expressing their gender identity or sexual orientation in public or social settings.
Two-thirds of participants stated that they had experienced discrimination, yet only a small proportion chose to report it. Nearly half had experienced violence, with reporting rates similarly very low.
When asked about key priorities for improving the wellbeing and rights of trans people in Croatia, respondents highlighted easier legal gender recognition, equal access to adoption, improved access to hormone therapy and surgery through the public health system, and the need for free psychological and legal support services.
The findings underline the urgent need for more inclusive policies, accessible services and stronger protection mechanisms for trans and gender-diverse people in Croatia.
