The challenge
In Bulgaria, LGBTQ+ young people continue to face significant barriers to mental health, belonging, and opportunity. Many grow up in environments shaped by stigma, discrimination, or a lack of understanding—leaving them isolated just as they begin to navigate adulthood.
Emerging adults between 18 and 30 often struggle with mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and low self-worth, yet face limited access to affirming care. National mental health services remain under-resourced, and few offer safe or inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. Meanwhile, public attitudes toward LGBTQ+ communities remain among the most conservative in the EU, creating additional hurdles in education, employment, and everyday life.
For many, this combination of social pressure, limited support, and a lack of safe community spaces can make the transition into adulthood especially difficult.
Turning challenge into opportunity
Single Step Foundation exists to change this reality. Founded in 2016, it is the only organization in Bulgaria providing comprehensive, structured support for LGBTQ+ emerging adults. Their work spans mental health, career empowerment, health services, and community building—grounded in the belief that no young person should face rejection, discrimination, or despair alone.
Through free, confidential services—including crisis chat, one-on-one psychological counseling, and peer support groups in over 10 cities—Single Step creates immediate lifelines for youth in need. As part of its broader mission to foster inclusion, Single Step also operates The Steps—a community space in Sofia where LGBTQ+ youth can connect, express themselves, and feel supported. It offers a welcoming environment that helps reduce social isolation and encourages authentic connection in a context where such spaces remain limited.
Single Step’s programs are supported by trained professionals and informed by ongoing national research and community feedback. From health education and parent support groups to public events and policy advocacy, they work both on the ground and upstream—addressing urgent needs while laying the foundation for broader social change.
Founder
Ivan Dimov
Geography
Bulgaria
Organizational type
Thematic area
Time of investment
2025
Co-investors
Tangible impact
4,600+
individuals reached with mental health, career, and health support
2,250+
users of the crisis chat across 200+ cities in Bulgaria
92%
mental health service users report reduced anxiety after 3–5 sessions
450+
community events held at The Steps with over 10,000 attendees
“We are truly grateful to The Inner Foundation for their deep appreciation, trust and belief in our mission to be a leader in providing comprehensive support to LGBTI youth in Bulgaria. The Inner Foundation’s investment is a true recognition of our work and the dedication of our staff and volunteers to providing essential support resources to young LGBTI people in the country.
Partnering with The Inner Foundation marks an exciting new chapter for our organization, opening doors to invaluable resources, opportunities for collaboration and significant impact.”
– Ivan Dimov, Founder & Chairman
