After two years of not being able to be together in person, our friends and allies joined us for an evening of solidarity this year, with all funds raised going directly to organisations helping LGBTI people affected by the war in Ukraine. Here’s why we need support more than ever.

Did you know that the entirety of the budget in the whole world going to LGBTI work from government institutions and foundations is less than what one anti-LGBTI organisation in the United States spends in a year? Often this money is spent to exert influence in Europe and Central Asia.

Hard to believe, right? As our Executive Director, Evelyne Paradis said in her welcome speech at the ILGA-Europe Equality Fundraiser on June 28 in Brussels: “Those who want to see LGBTI rights, gender equality, reproductive rights wiped out are being funded beyond the scope of our imagination.”

While ILGA-Europe works tirelessly in collaboration with and on behalf of organisations across 54 countries in Europe and Central Asia to combat those forces, this year our annual fundraising event was dedicated to fundraising to support the work we are doing with and for LGBTI people impacted by the war in Ukraine. All ticket and bar sales and other funds raised on the evening, will go to directly support organisations in the frontlines.

If you have any experience of living in Brussels, you’ll know that sunny weather can never be guaranteed, even at the height of summer. Luckily, for the evening of our fundraiser, the first in-person event we’ve been able to hold in two years, the sun was well and truly out. Usually known as the European Equality Gala, this year we reinvented the event a little, mindful that while the war continues in Ukraine, it is not a time for huge celebrations. With a comfortable and cool new venue, the dress code was casual, the atmosphere was relaxed and with the support from our sponsors DIAGEO, visit.brussels and Google, we had a proper night of solidarity, complete with entertainment from DJ Melissa Juice and the fabulous queer choir, Sing Out Brussels!. 

At the beginning of the war in Ukraine, there was a mass mobilisation of fundraising as well as a great focus from the media. At ILGA-Europe we recognised from the beginning, that the response needed was going to be a marathon, not a sprint. However, media are not so interested in marathons. As news cycles have moved on, so has the focus on the needs of those caught up in the conflict, and the donations aren’t being made in such abundance anymore.

We have continued to work hard ever since to directly support LGBTI people caught up in the conflict, and the organisations that are helping them, while keeping up with our usual work across Europe and Central Asia. We stepped up our support of working for the betterment of LGBTI people in Ukraine and beyond.

Much of this work takes place behind the scenes, for instance:

• We have given 240K in grants to support organisations that are providing shelters, access to basic necessities and medication, psychological support to people in Ukraine and those who have left the country.
• We’ve been working with colleagues in other LGBTI organisations to organise shipments of medications and hormones to trans people in Ukraine.
• We’ve been bringing the needs of LGBTI organisations to the attention of larger funders, mobilise foundations and connecting LGBTI groups to funding opportunities
• We’ve been advocating with EU institutions and governments for the safety, health and wellbeing of LGBTI people caught up in the conflict and those fleeing Ukraine
• We’ve been breaking new ground by working directly with UN agencies on the ground to develop some of the first LGBTI specific guidelines for humanitarian agencies
• We’ve been connecting groups working to support refugees to exchange information and expertise to make sure as many people as possible are taken care of

That’s why moments like the ILGA-Europe Equality Fundraiser are needed. Sadly, recent events like the hate-motivated killing of two people and injury of several others outside a gay bar in Oslo, the mass arrests of participants at Istanbul Pride, and the turn-back on abortion rights in the US, have reminded us that the work for equality is never done.

But, as our Executive Director reminded us on the evening: “Our movement has great power, great resilience, and the ability to stand up for and care for our fellow human beings.”

Let’s continue to do that work together, on behalf of our fellow human beings. A heartfelt thank-you to all people who were at our fundraiser, helping us to continue our vital work, and even if you couldn’t join us, remember you can support our work all year long through our donations page.

Here are some of our favourite moments from the ILGA-Europe Equality Fundraiser 2022:

Because we couldn’t gather in Brussels this year for ILGA-Europe’s annual Gala celebration, we decided to hold a virtual event instead. The boost that right-wing forces have been given by the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the enormous impact of the crisis on individuals the LGBTI community, makes the work ILGA-Europe does for profound change through inclusive activism more important than ever. Here’s what happened at our first ever European Equality Gala Online…

As an alternative to our popular annual gathering in Brussels, ILGA-Europe hosted its first Equality Gala Online on June 25. The decision to adapt our yearly fundraising event was not easy, but it also brought a creative opportunity our way. Guests attending from home joined activists in Romania and Poland, European institution representatives Helena Dalli, EU Commissioner for Equality, and Dunja Mijatovi?, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, a fabulous activist and drag queen from Berlin, and our two elegant hosts live from ILGA-Europe’s office.

We thank all donors who contributed before and on the night fo the Gala itself. Remember you can still contribute to the Gala fundraiser until July 9, helping ILGA-Europe to do our vital work for positive change through inclusive activism at a time when it was never more needed. In the meantime, here are the best moments of the first ever European Equality Gala Online.

At 7pm, LGA-Europe’s Executive Director, Evelyne Paradis kicked off the proceedings. “Many of you have been coming to the Gala since the very first year, and over the years have grown into a family of supporters for the LGBTI movement,” she said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has hit marginalised communities disproportionately hard, and we’re witnessing halted progress, and a rollback of rights and scapegoating of LGBTI people. This is why we feel it is imperative to go ahead with our Equality Gala in this, no less vital format.”

By Evelyne’s side, Robbie Stakelum, coach and policy officer at FEANTSA, and longtime friend and supporter of ILGA-Europe, co-hosted the event. “I know from first hand experience how important the work you do is, and how important tonight is to be able to fundraise for those campaigns,” he said. “I’m delighted to be here.”

Helena Dalli, EU Commissioner for Equality, officially opened the European Equality Gala Online 2020.

“One-in-four European citizens still do not support equality, regardless of a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics,” she said. “I know the difficulties the LGBTI community are facing are as diverse as the community itself.”

Commissioner Dalli continued with a powerful message: “I want to pay tribute to organisations like you, ILGA-Europe… It is crucial that civil society organisations like yours have a voice in shaping the measures that support you and improve the lives of LGBTI people in Europe.

Commissioner Dalli’s speech was followed by a conversation with Polish activist Miroslawa Makuchwoska of Campaign Against Homophobia (KPH).

On the evening of the Gala, Poland was a few days away from a presidential election, with incumbent Andrzej Duda of the PiS party scapegoating LGBTI people in his campaign. “People are scared and there is more violence,” Miroslawa said of the fallout from Duda’s campaign . “It is not possible to say, ‘I respect people and at the same time I don’t think you are a human being.’ You just make people more vulnerable to violence.” Miroslawa also talked about the rising of people on the streets with rainbow flags, and about how you can support the LGBTI community in Poland. The election run-off, between Duda and his more liberal rival, Warsaw mayor Rafa? Trzaskowski, takes place next Sunday.

Members of the European Parliament spoke out.

“I believe that if we stand together as a community, if we fight together for our rights, then we can really create societies that are based on equality, freedom and diversity.” said MEP Terry Reintke, President of the European Parliament’s LGBTI Intergroup and no stranger to ILGA-Europe’s Equality Gala. Sophie in ‘t Veld, Vice-president, is a regular guest at the Gala also. “I’m very happy that finally the European Commission is ready to work with the European Parliament on an overall strategy for LGBTI rights,” she said, “because that is necessary, because there are homophobic forces on the rise, and that is why we speak out loudly.”

Dunja Mijatovi?, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, praised the work of grassroots organisations amid the COVID-19 crisis.

“We will need to be organised and resolute to defend human rights… LGBTI NGO’s can help give a voice to victims, you collect data, denounce violations, you speak truth to power and push for progress, and when it comes to this, my voice will always be joining your voice.”

Commissioner Mijatovi?, who also joined us at ILGA-Europe’s Annual Conference last year in Prague, spoke to Evelyne Paradis at the Gala, assessing the impact of the current crisis on minorities. “LGBTI people are among the most vulnerable in this pandemic, because of the discrimination and exclusion they face in general in our societies,” Mijatovi? stated.

A conversation with Romanian activist Teodora Ion-Rotaru of ACCEPT.

ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map showed that we are living a critical time for LGBTI equality in Europe, the regression is most visible where civil and political rights are eroded. Romanian activist Teodora Ion Rotaru joined us for a remarkable interview. “The extreme right is taking advantage of the [COVID-19] pandemic to take aim at human rights and trying to dismantle the weak protections that are already there. We just last week saw a bill pass in parliament that is prohibiting discussion about gender, gender equality and trans people across educational environments,” Ion-Rotaru said. She also talked about how organisations like ACCEPT have adapted during the pandemic crisis to help individuals in our communities who are suffering.

Drag artist and YouTuber, Candy Crash talked about the struggles of young LGBTI people in Europe.

Last but not least, drag diva Candy Crash joined us from Germany. “Organisations like ILGA-Europe are working tirelessly on visibility and representation,” she said. “Without these organisations, many queer kids would not have a safe space where they could connect with others outside the Internet…. They would not be seen, they would not feel seen, they would not be heard.

After an hour and a half of eye-opening and important discussion and messages, the Equality Gala Online came to an end. ILGA-Europe would oike to thank all guests for their virtual presence and contributions. You can help us to continue our vital work strengthening and supporting LGBTI activists across Europe and Central Asia at this crucial time by contributing to the Gala fundraiser by July 9. A toast to you!

As we gear up to bring our annual fundraising event online, ILGA-Europe’s Partnerships Manager, Anna Shepherd gives her top tips for organising online events and bringing supporters on board.

The team at ILGA-Europe started planning our annual fundraising event, the European Equality Gala, way back last autumn. We came up with an exciting new theme, signed a contract with the venue and confirmed sponsors and entertainers. Then COVID-19 hit, and everything changed.

We entered lockdown and it became clear that the situation would last a while, so we needed to take a decision on whether to cancel, postpone or adapt the event. We carried out a thorough risk assessment weighing up different scenarios, financial impact, and our responsibility towards our community of supporters. In the end, we took what now seems like the only right decision to cancel the physical event and organise a virtual event instead. But how to do it?

Our Gala will go ahead on June 25 as planned, but it will be an online event. We’ll be providing our supporters a virtual space to come together, enjoy some entertainment and inspiring speakers, and contribute to strengthening the European LGBTI movement. There won’t be a cocktail bar or dance floor, but we aim to keep as much as the spirit of the Gala as possible.

Now that we’re in full swing planning the ILGA-Europe European Equality Gala Online, we want to share some tips to help your organisation, whether you’re moving a physical fundraising event online or trying out a new online fundraising concept.

Six tips for success

1. Get Your Creative Juices Flowing

Your imagination is the limit when it comes to online fundraising events: you could hold a virtual auction, raffle, quiz, drag show, concert, tutorial etc. Actual fundraising can take the form of tickets sold in advance, a suggested donation to enter, raffle and auction, or asking for donations in the run-up and during the event.

Here are a few inspiring examples of lockdown fundraising from LGBTI groups: German author Saša Staniši? gave an online reading collecting donations for Queerbase, an LGBTI refugee support group in Vienna. Drag artist Deliberately Steve did an interactive show via Zoom asking for donations to international LGBTI fund GiveOut. The Terrence Higgins Trust, a sexual health charity, are holding an online pub quiz to raise money to support people living with HIV. #EurovisionAgain is synchronised viewing of old Eurovision Song Contests every Saturday night, raising money for LGBTI charities in the UK. Diversionary, an LGBT community theatre in San Diego, held a virtual silent auction and raffle.

2. Do Some Savvy Platform Research

There’s no shortage of streaming platforms available, so do your research and choose one that best fits your idea. There’s Facebook and Instagram live; GoToMeetings, Zoom and other webinar platforms; gaming platform Twitch (yes, gaming fundraisers are a thing); and tools specifically designed for fundraising such as Givergy, GoFundMe Charity, jumblebee, GivePenny, Virtual Quiz Events.

Some are free and others come at varying fees, but price shouldn’t be your only criterion: a platform that offers a great user experience and allows easy donations directly on the platform can be worth investing some money in if it can allow you to raise more.

3. Frame The Right Message

When framing how you are going to communicate about your event, make sure you have a clear ask. Tell people exactly what donations will help achieve. You will need to let supporters know how you are supporting your communities during the pandemic crisis and what the urgent needs are.

4. Spread The Word Wisely

Think about who you want to target — as always with fundraising you want to target those who are already supportive of your cause, so think past donors and event attendees, social media followers and community members. And of course with virtual events you don’t have to limit yourself to audiences in your city or region. Then make the most of your digital communications tools — email, social media and website — to promote your event. Consider using paid promotion on social media and asking influential community members and supporters to spread the word on your behalf.

5. Plan Ahead For Smooth Running

Just like with a physical event, create a detailed running order and make sure everyone knows their role and responsibilities. Rehearse and double and triple check your tech. What’s your Plan B in case your performer’s WiFi goes down?

6. Don’t Forget Your Supporters, Post-event

Don’t forget to follow up with guests of your digital event to thank them and let them know how their support will help. Evaluate your event, get feedback and make a note of what could be improved in future events.

Further resources!

• Fundraising Chat is a Facebook group for people working in fundraising to share experiences and good practice. Not surprisingly, at the moment there’s lots of chat about virtual fundraising events and tools and tech to support them.
• Givergy, fundraising tech company offering a range of solutions such as silent auction technology, started a podcast on fundraising during COVID-19.
• Upaya, a US-based charitable organisation, held their traditional black-tie gala dinner virtually, with a twist of fun. Read their blog about their experience for some useful tips.
• GoFundMe Charity have collected advice on how to handle cancellation of a physical event and host a virtual event when plans change.
• SOGI Campaigns hosted the webinar Let’s FUNdraise For Solidarity! on May 7 and invited ILGA-Europe to take part. You can watch the recording here, in case you missed it:

Next Thursday 27 June 2019 marks the European Equality Gala’s fifth birthday

The biggest fundraising party for the LGBTI movement in Europe and Central Asia will be held in a new venue at  AREA 42 in Brussels, with all proceeds going directly towards ILGA-Europe’s work defending LGBTI rights across the region.

Gala guests can expect tunes spinning from DJ Azo, Syrian buffet from culinary NGO We Exist and free bubbly to kick off the evening.

The European Equality Raffle also see lucky winners claim prizes including:

• tickets to Cher’s Here We Go Again world tour, generously provided by Live Nation Belgium
• an original painting by New York City-based artist Andres Palacios
• an Amsterdam Pride weekend hotel package for two, generously provided by Meininger Hotels
• a package of coaching sessions to help you unlock and maximise your potential and performance, generously provided by Colloquium Coaching 

“Across Europe and Central Asia, LGBTI activists are making change happen – from influencing policy-makers to providing services to the community from organising Prides to responding to crises,” says Executive Director Evelyne Paradis. “This is your chance to fuel the movement, to help us continue our crucial work and to meet just some of the many activists, advocators and political leaders shaping the future of LGBTI equality.”

The European Equality Gala has also received a number of flattering and inspiring comments from notable returning guests:

“My favourite EU event of the year, with everyone smiling for a good cause – what’s not to love?”

– Ryan Heath, Political Editor at POLITICO Europe

“For me, it’s an opportunity to connect with fellow supporters of equality.”

Catherine Naughton, Director of the European Disability Forum

“We continue to face backlash on LGBTI rights despite efforts for equality being made in Europe and across the world. This is why strong, well-resourced civil society is key to making equality, social justice and an inclusive Europe a reality for all.”

Piotr Sadowski, President of Social Platform

“Supporting human rights, freedom and diversity in the most glittery and excited night of the year in Brussels. What could be better?”

Terry Reintke, Member of the European Parliament

Fourth European Equality Gala moves to a new exciting venue in Brussels and introduces a special silent auction. 

On 27 June ILGA-Europe will hold the fourth European Equality Gala, the biggest fundraising party for LGBTI movement in Europe and Central Asia. This year the event will be held in a new venue, the Centre for Fine Arts BOZAR in Brussels, and will once again feature entertainment, inspiring speeches and of course champagne. Profit from the gala event goes directly towards supporting the work of ILGA-Europe. 

Tickets are no longer on sale.

Okeanide, the bearded queen from #Lithuwhateverania will be the host for the evening. And model and activist, Munroe Bergdorf (pictured above) will be will be performing a special guest DJ set. 

The European Equality Auction is a brand new feature of the event. The silent auction is open to supporters of LGBTI equality everywhere, not just limited to gala guests. All profits of the auction go directly towards supporting the important work of ILGA-Europe and the LGBTI movement in Europe and Central Asia.