On November 20, the Forum of Allies BAM! will take place in Kyiv

On November 20, the Forum of Allies “BAM!” (Business / Activism / Media) will be held in Kyiv — an event dedicated to the role of allyship and joint action in driving social change.

The Forum brings together representatives of business, media, activism, culture, parliamentary institutions, and the academic community to discuss how inclusion becomes a prerequisite for development and a part of Ukraine’s European choice.

The event will feature the presentation of the Ukrainian Corporate Equality Index by OLX. This research shows how Ukrainian companies implement equality policies, support diversity within teams, and create safe conditions for employees. Among the Forum’s topics is also how business helps people develop during wartime — from retraining to working with veterans, people with disabilities, and internally displaced persons.

A separate segment will focus on critical thinking and stereotypes. Scientists and psychologists will explain how these form, why we often trust “magical” explanations, and how to distinguish facts from manipulation.

The Forum will also highlight regional LGBTQ+ activism: how local communities are driving real change on the ground and working where government solutions are still lacking.

A discussion on registered partnerships will explore how this issue relates to Ukraine’s European integration. Representatives of the Ukrainian government, the EU, and legal experts will explain why partnerships are not “a niche topic for a particular community” but an element of modern democracy and predictable legislation.

The Forum will conclude with a conversation on cultural activism: how cinema, music, festivals, and media help society reinterpret experiences of war and discrimination, and support conversations on difficult topics.

During the Forum, the BAM! Award ceremony will also take place — recognizing allies who contribute to the development of an equal and tolerant society in four categories:

• Business — companies and leaders implementing equality and inclusion policies.
• Politics — officials and members of parliament supporting human rights in their legislative work.
• Media — journalists and editorial teams who address diversity, equality, and tolerance.
• Public Figure — those who use their voice and example to support the LGBTQ+ community.

The Forum will take place offline in Kyiv and will also be available via live stream.
Registration: https://forms.gle/bmo37T7e2C6UddET9
The venue address will be shared with registered guests.

The Forum is organized by NGO Tochka Opory UA. The event is supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the United Nations Democracy Fund, the Representation of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in Ukraine, and RFSL.