Cyprus bids farewell to Kostas Gavrielidis, one of the most pivotal figures in the fight for equality, human rights, and respect for diversity. Kostas Gavrielidis passed away suddenly following a cardiac arrest, leaving behind a profound social impact and a significant legacy.

His funeral will take place on Tuesday, 3 February, at 14:00, at the Church of Agia Sofia in Strovolos. The family will receive condolences from 13:00, while the burial will take place at the Old Strovolos Cemetery. In lieu of wreaths, the family kindly requests donations to the Cyprus Red Cross.

Kostas Gavrielidis was the co-founder and first elected President of Accept – LGBTI Cyprus, the first officially registered LGBTI organization in the Republic of Cyprus. From this position, and through his public presence, he played a decisive role in shifting social discourse around LGBTI rights, at a time when visibility carried a high personal and social cost.

He stood on the front line with composure, arguments, and consistency, advocating for institutional changes that are now considered self-evident. Among other things, his work is directly linked to:

• The adoption of the Civil Partnership Law (2015)
• The criminalization of hate speech based on sexual orientation and gender identity
• The recognition of hate crimes
• The organization of the first Cyprus Pride in 2014

Kostas Gavrielidis had a long-standing presence in public policy and diplomacy. He served as Advisor to the President of the Republic of Cyprus for the Promotion of Multiculturalism, Acceptance, and Respect for Diversity (2018–2023), and represented Cyprus in European bodies such as the Council of Europe and the European LGBTI+ Governmental Focal Points Network (EFPN).

At the same time, he actively participated in bicommunal initiatives and international collaborations, firmly believing that human rights know no borders, ideologies, or party lines.

Statements from political parties, organizations, and institutions – from Accept to the political leadership and across the entire political spectrum – reflect the breadth of his contribution and the respect he commanded, even among those with different starting points.

Kostas Gavrielidis was the first openly LGBTI politician in Cyprus. For many, he was living proof that visibility, when paired with knowledge, composure, and faith in values, can change societies.

His absence leaves a void. His work, however, remains – in the laws, in institutions, and above all in the lives of people who today can live and love with greater freedom.

May his memory be eternal.

Source: Avant-Garde