Looking for more information on sex in Kosovo?
The landlocked, and disputed Baltic territory of Kosovo is a partially recognised state. It is a nation that is claimed by Serbia and is under the control of the UN Security Council. Self-declared as an independent country in 2008, there are still several EU members who do not recognise Kosovo’s independence. As well as being one of the youngest countries in the world, wWith more than 70% of the nation aged under 35 years old, Kosovo has the youngest population in Europe. So, what do all these millennials think about the subject of sex?
In this guide, we take a look at the culture of sex in Kosovo along with the current legislation relating to pornography, prostitution and LGBTQ rights.
Contents
Sex in Kosovo
Given the conflict in Kosovo there have been very few studies and national surveys that can give us any detailed information about the culture of sex in Kosovo but we can draw some conclusions from what is available.
Kosovo has been one of the least developed and poorest parts of the Balkans for the majority of its modern history. With long standing conflict in the region between Kosovo and Serbia including wars and military intervention, this has led to some dire economic and political conditions. The impact of this on the society here has meant high rates of unemployment, poverty and the development of a significant black market.
Around 90% of Kosovans are of Muslim faith and this is reflected in a traditional and conservative culture that is largely patriarchal. Similarly to Albania, feuds between families are a big deal and despite the larger conflicts of war, this practice continues in some parts of the country.
Sex education is very rarely taught in Kosovan schools and is largely considered a ‘taboo’ subject. However, UNICEF has been instrumental in introducing an evidence-based, factual app that secondary school aged children can access. Co-innovated with the very people that the app aims to educate, it has been viewed as a success in an age when digital penetration for adolescents is at an all-time high.
There is no data available on the teen birth rates or incidences of STI in this age group to see whether this is having a knock-on effect.
Adult Industry in Kosovo
The sale and possession of pornography is legal in Kosovo but there is no adult industry and very few amateurs broadcasting content.
There are no porn stars of note that hail from the country though there are several glamour models that were born in Kosovo, including Iris Shala and Vildane Zeneli. The British singer Rita Ora who has also appeared topless was born in Prishtina, Kosovo.
Prostitution Laws in Kosovo
Prostitution is illegal in Kosovo and carries a criminal sentence of up to 60 days in prison for minor infractions and up to 10 years for more serious offences (trafficking, pimping and running a brothel etc.). Despite this, organised sex work does take place in the country and the United Nations estimates that there are around 5,000 prostitutes in Kosovo.
This follows a grey period of legislation in the country following the 2008 Declaration of Independence and prior to the Kosovo War in which prostitution was tolerated. Whilst this was defended as a way to service the locals, there have been claims that the country had become the ‘world’s biggest brothel’ once the UN Peacekeepers arrived.
Kosovo: Porn Viewing Trends
There is no data available on the porn viewing trends in Kosovo.
Top Kosovan Porn
There are no porn sites that specialise in Kosovan porn and there is very little amateur content being posted online. However, you can find a handful of content on the larger tube hosting sites:
LGBTQ in Kosovo
With a largely Muslim community, it can be no surprise that homosexuality in Kosovo is widely regarded as a taboo subject and members of the LGBTQ community do face discrimination and harassment.
In general, the government is supportive of the LGBTQ community and MPs have even taken to the streets to show their solidarity at organised events to raise awareness. In 2014, the parliament buildings were covered by a huge LGBTQ flag. The first ever Pride event in Kosovo was held relatively peaceably in 2016 and was attended by the President.
Though the nation has adopted a constitution that bans discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, around four out of five gay Kosovans said they had faced some psychological abuse with 29% reporting physical violence.
The gay ‘scene’ of Kosovo is an ‘underground’ one and most homosexuals do not feel comfortable being ‘out’.
Transgenderism is not recognised in Kosovo and even after surgery trans men and women are not allowed to legally change their gender.
Top Classified/Personals Sites in Kosovo
Dating in Kosovo is largely done in a very traditional way with singles either meeting via friends and family or at social events, bars, cafes and (to a lesser extent) clubs. There are a couple of websites where some Kosovan singles are advertising for dates but these are very few and far between.
Featured image via Max Pixel.