Rainbow Digest June 2024
LGBTI people are persisting in asserting their right to assemble and freely express themselves
Remarkable and resilient Prides across Europe
Today, on the eve of EuroPride in Thessaloniki, we are highlighting a number of significant Pride events on the continent, and one clear message shines through: LGBTI people are persisting in asserting their right to assemble and freely express themselves, thereby firmly establishing their presence in society.
Kyiv Pride, on June 16, took place amidst challenging circumstances, reflecting the determination of Ukraine’s LGBTI community. 500 people marched through the streets of the capital to advocate for partnership recognition and protections against hate crimes.
La Pride des Banlieues happened in La Courneuve on June 22, representing LGBTI people from French working-class areas, many of whom are racialised. The group has been organising the Pride for several years in Saint-Denis. This year, however, the municipalities denied permission to march in Saint-Denis because of preparations for the Olympic Games in the city.
Trans Pride Istanbul on Sunday June 23 was marked by decentralised actions across the city. Under the theme “Perpetrator State,” participants asserted trans visibility and existence, refusing to be silenced despite bans and oppression. The event unfolded amidst stringent security measures, including metro station closures and a heavy police presence. Two people were detained and released later.
What will the EU election results mean for the human rights of LGBTI people?
Millions of people went to the ballot boxes between 6 and 9 June across the EU. The results show a worrying trend: the significant gains made by far-right parties. This shift is not only visible at the EU level but is also permeating national politics. Such a trend poses direct threats to the advancement of human rights, particularly for the LGBTI community. Despite the challenges, the resilience and determination of activists and supportive politicians offer some hope, with five percent of elected candidates in the European elections having signed the Come Out 4 Europe pledge to protect and advance LGBTI human rights. LGBTI stress the need for continued support from European institutions and the importance of framing LGBTI rights in terms that resonate with broader values like safety, love, and freedom.
ILGA-Europe news
6 ways ILGA-Europe practises intersectionality
Over the past decade, ILGA-Europe has embarked on a learning journey to become an organisation that genuinely adopts an intersectional approach in all its work. We published a number of resources on the ILGA-Europe Hub about our learnings around intersectionality.
Let’s strengthen security for your activism
We’re offering a series of webinars this July, designed to empower LGBTI activists in effectively navigating security challenges, enhancing security knowledge and reducing concerns.
Are you coming to the best after-work summer party in Brussels on July 4?
Cocktails, DJ, drag diva antics, and more, and all to support our vital work for LGBTI equality at this difficult time for so many.
Last year tickets sold out, so make sure you get yours now.
Join our team as our new Finance Officer
We’re looking for a Finance Officer to join our team to provide financial and administrative clerical services to the organisation.
Latest news
EQUALITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION
Germany urgently needs to allow EU to close gaps on anti-discrimination
Germany urgently needs to lift general reservation to finally allow the EU to continue closing gaps on anti-discrimination at a time when racism, xenophobia, LGBTI-phobia and sexism are on the rise across the EU. We shared this message in a joint open letter to the German government with European Disability Forum, European Network Against Racism, AGE Platform Europe.
“We need a renewed Disability and LGBTIQ Equality strategy that work hand-in-hand”
To celebrate Pride Month, The European Disability Forum conducted an interview with ILGA-Europe. We share our advocacy for LGBTI persons with disabilities, delve into the impact of our initiatives, and discuss the future of policy.
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
Anti-LGBTI petition aims to restrict rights in Kazakhstan
A petition calling upon Kazakhstan to ban so-called “gay propaganda” gained over fifty thousand signatures in early June requiring the government to take actions in response to it. Reportedly the petition gained popularity due to administrative resources exercised by the Government, which allegedly had forced state employees and students in public schools to sign it. The Ministry of Culture and Information established a working group, which convened on June 21 to carry out public hearings about the anti-LGBTI petition. This is one of numerous attempts in Kazakhstan that were initiated in the first half of 2024 to restrict human rights of LGBTI people.
Georgia introduces an anti-LGBTI law proposal
On 4 June, the Georgian Parliament brought forward a package of legislation targeting so-called “LGBT propaganda.” If adopted, the law would ban marriage or adoption by same-sex couples, legal gender recognition and education on LGBTI issues. The legislative package is an affront to the human rights of everyone in the country, a clear rejection of accession to the EU by Georgia’s Russian influenced government, and should be wholly rejected by lawmakers.
LEGAL GENDER RECOGNITION
European court hears landmark case on trans rights in Hungary
On 3 June, the Court of Justice of the European Union held a hearing for a case which involves a trans refugee in Hungary who has been denied legal gender recognition since 2021. This case raises crucial questions for the CJEU: whether GDPR mandates the rectification of personal data, including gender marker, upon request; what evidence is necessary to support such requests; and whether medical or surgical interventions must be proven.
Notice board
- OII Europe is organising their Online Community Event and Public Conference from 27-29 September. Register here before 30 August.
- IGLYO is celebrating their 40th anniversary at their next Annual Conference, taking place in Ljubljana from 24-28 October. Register here before 30 August.
- TGEU is organising a three-day training on creating fundraising and sustainability. Register here by 30 June.
- The Human Rights Programme, organised by the Columbia University in New York, is accepting applications from human rights activists. Read more and apply by 12 July.
