Kostas Gavrielides, a central figure in the advancement of equality and human rights in Cyprus, has passed away. He was a co-founder and first elected president of Accept LGBTI Cyprus and later served as an adviser to the President of the Republic on issues of diversity and inclusion.
Public role in equality and human rights
Kostas Gavrielides was widely associated with the promotion of equality, acceptance and respect for diversity in Cyprus. From May 2018, he served as Adviser to the President of the Republic of Cyprus on the Promotion of Multiculturalism, Acceptance and Respect for Diversity.
Founding and leadership of Accept LGBTI Cyprus
He was a co-founder of Accept LGBTI Cyprus, the first officially recognised LGBTI organisation in the Republic of Cyprus. He served as the organisation’s first elected President from May 2012 until December 2017.
Με βαθιά οδύνη και θλίψη η ηγεσία, οι Βουλευτές και τα στελέχη του Δημοκρατικού Συναγερμού πληροφορηθήκαμε τον αδόκητο θάνατο του Κώστα Γαβριηλίδη.
— ΔΗΣΥ (@DISY1976) February 1, 2026
Ο Κώστας Γαβριηλίδης υπήρξε ένας νέος άνθρωπος με ενεργή και ουσιαστική παρουσία στα κοινά και ως μέλος του Πολιτικού Γραφείου της…
During his presidency, he played a leading role in organising the first Cyprus Pride Festival in 2014, which attracted more than 4,500 participants.
European and bicommunal engagement
Between 2014 and 2018, he was a member of the Board of Directors of ILGA-Europe, based in Brussels, which brings together more than 600 member organisations from 54 countries across Europe and Central Asia.
He also served as a member of the Bicommunal Technical Committee on Humanitarian Issues, which operates in support of the Cyprus peace process and aims to facilitate contact between citizens of both communities on humanitarian matters.
Legislative advocacy and public policy
As President of Accept, he participated in advocacy efforts supporting the Civil Partnership Law adopted in Cyprus in 2015. He was also involved in initiatives related to the legislation criminalising homophobic and transphobic speech and violence, which was passed in the same year.
Education and professional background
Kostas Gavrielides was a graduate of The English School Nicosia. He held a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Information Technology and a master’s degree in Electronic Commerce from the University of Westminster in London.
He lived and worked in London as a software developer before returning to Cyprus in 2009, where he was employed in the private sector.
Statement by the President of the Republic
The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, expressed his condolences in a written statement, noting that he was saddened by the loss of Kostas Gavrielides, co-founder of Accept Cyprus.
The President stated that Gavrielides, through his public presence and actions, made a substantive contribution to dialogue on human rights, respect for diversity and social inclusion in the Republic of Cyprus. He added that Gavrielides’ path and contribution were characterised by consistency, courage and commitment to principles that strengthened the democratic quality of society and promoted a culture of acceptance and mutual respect.
According to the statement, his work opened channels for discussion and understanding on issues related to human dignity.
Source: Politis News