“An often neglected aspect of the discussion on LGBTQ+ rights in Kosovo is economic marginalization and exclusion from the labor market,” said Arbër Nuhiu.

While Morina’s victory remains a significant achievement for the trans community and the broader LGBTQ+ movement in Kosovo, it does not compensate for the existing legal vacuum and procedural uncertainty. Clear legal guidelines are still lacking on how to proceed in cases involving requests to change one’s name and sex marker.

For Arti and Ben, the entire debate and handling of the draft Civil Code has sent a clear message: the state has no intention of recognizing their existence as a couple.

According to Human Rights Watch, the return of the Trump administration has emboldened a global far-right movement, supported by authoritarian leaders, conservative religious groups and large networks that spread disinformation targeting the LGBTQ+ community.