LGBTI+ persons in North Macedonia continue to face widespread discrimination, violence, and social exclusion, with systemic barriers limiting their rights and safety. According to the EU LGBTIQ survey III of the Fundamental Rights Agency of the European Union (FRA), in North Macedonia only 21% feel comfortable being open about their identity—well below the European average of 51%— while 74% actively avoid public displays of affection due to fear of harassment. Safety concerns are further highlighted by the fact that 43% avoid certain areas to reduce the risk of assault. Discrimination extends to the workplace, where 27% report experiencing bias in employment, compared to the European average of 19%. Violence remains a pressing issue, with 17% of LGBTI+ persons reporting physical or sexual assault in the past five years, a higher rate than in many other European countries. Harassment is also prevalent, with 63% reporting such incidents in the past year, exceeding the regional average. However, only 14% of victims report violent attacks to the police, reflecting a widespread lack of trust in law enforcement. Bullying and discrimination in schools further marginalise LGBTI+ persons, with 68% having faced ridicule, insults, or threats due to their identity. Educational institutions often fail to provide an inclusive environment, as 63% of students conceal their identity at school, while 61% state that LGBTI+ issues are never addressed in the curriculum. The situation is exacerbated by the high prevalence of so-called ‘conversion practices’, with 32% of respondents having been subjected to attempts to change their sexual orientation or gender identity—significantly above the European average of 24%. Mental health concerns are also alarming, as 18% report frequently contemplating suicide, highlighting the severe psychological toll of discrimination and exclusion. Despite these challenges, perceptions of rising intolerance are slightly lower than in other European countries, with 37% believing violence against LGBTI+ persons has increased, compared to the EU-27 average of 59%. However, public trust in government efforts remains exceptionally low, as only 14% believe authorities are effectively addressing prejudice and discrimination. Meanwhile, legal protections remain inadequate, as same-sex partnerships are not recognised, leaving many without fundamental rights in areas such as family law, inheritance, and healthcare. Furthermore, bias-motivated crimes are neither systematically registered nor thoroughly investigated by law enforcement or prosecutors, further limiting access to justice.