This month, the Vilnius-based non-profit Friendly City launched the latest print version of their Friendly City Maps, two guides dedicated to helping locals and tourists in Vilnius and Kaunas find the best and friendliest places to eat, drink, dance, sleep, get their hair cut, and much more.
Launched in 2012 by renowned Lithuanian filmmaker Romas Zabarauskas, the Friendly City initiative aimed to increase LGBT+ visibility and inclusion in Lithuania’s two biggest city’s by creating a network of LGBT+ friendly businesses. Since it’s inception, the initiative has grown to include other ‘friendly’ categories, like disability friendly, vegan/vegetarian friendly, child friendly, pet friendly, and others.
The latest Friendly City Map features a total of 65 businesses, 47 of which are located in Lithuania’s capital. 20,000 copies of the printed Friendly City Map are now available across Vilnius, and an interactive version of the map can be found online.
During the Friendly City Map launch ceremony, Vilnius Mayor Remigijus Šimašius pointed out that Vilnius has a long history of tolerance and openness towards diverse groups of people, dating back to the Grand Duke Gediminas’ letters inviting people from across Europe to settle here. “This project reflects that particular tradition of inclusion,” the mayor pointed out, adding, “We are grateful to all of those working to ensure that people feel welcome in businesses across our city. I thank all of you for spreading love, setting a great example and creating a free and open Vilnius.”
In addition to the Friendly City Map release, the non-profit also launched the Friendly City Photobook, a compilation of ten spotlight interviews conducted by Romas Zabarauskas with photographs by Arcana Femina. The interviews profile members of Lithuania’s LGBT+ community and other minorities and serve to increase acceptance and diversity in the country while continuing to promote Vilnius city that is open to all.
Learn more about the Friendly City Map and initiative at www.friendlycity.info
