Across Europe, racialised LGBTI activists are redefining solidarity, not as a token gesture, but as a lifeline, a political act, and a practice of care. From fighting deportations to challenging power structures, their work offers a vision for a more just and transformative LGBTI movement.

“Solidarity is a technology of tenderness. It’s love. It’s protection. It’s grace. First to ourselves. Because we, as human beings, we always share what we are filled with.” (Faris Cuchi Gezahegn, Afro Rainbow Austria and House of Guramayle)

“To be radical, [solidarity as politics of affinity] has to be structural. That means dismantling colonisation, racism, LGBTI-phobia. It’s about redistributing discourse, resources, power.”(Pancho Godoy Vega, Colectivo Migrantes Transgresorxs)

With this new blog series, we’re sharing insights from the work of LGBTI organisations tackling injustice, racism, and the unique challenges faced by racialised LGBTI communities in Europe. We hope their stories and practices will inspire and resonate. We believe that solutions and approaches that include a few will pave the way and point to the solutions for many. You can read the previous blog in the series here.

For this blog, we’re shifting our focus to solidarity. What does it mean to racialised LGBTI communities? How is it understood, lived, and practised? And what would it mean for the broader LGBTI movement to engage in solidarity in a truly radical and transformative way?

To explore this, we spoke with three queer racialised groups: Queerstion Media (Sweden), Afro Rainbow Austria, and Migrantes Transgresorxs (Spain). Their stories are both deeply personal yet undeniably political.

Solidarity as a Lifeline

“I am a product of solidarity,” says Purity K Tumukwasibwe, Executive Director of Queerstion Media. “I became an activist by default. I was advocating for myself because otherwise my rights were just completely taken away from me.” From surviving police violence in Uganda and Kenya to being supported by a network of queer activists and allies in Europe, Purity’s journey is an example of how solidarity can be a lifeline, a practice that literally saves lives.

She shared a recent story of advocating for a fellow trans refugee in Sweden who was facing deportation to Uganda. “Everybody said that if the migration services decided on that, then it was over. But we said, ‘Let’s try’. I was so impressed by how everybody came on board.” Through a petition, media outreach, and institutional pressure, united in solidarity, they changed the outcome. The woman was granted residence in Sweden and permitted to stay. “When I see these members we support, who we come together for, I feel like I have contributed to a better world,” says Purity.

A Technology of Tenderness

For Faris Cuchi Gezahegn, member of Afro Rainbow Austria and co-founder of House of Guramayle, solidarity is both a political act and a spiritual practice. “To exist in this world as the person that I am, I am the manifestation of solidarity,” they say. Faris speaks of the collective effort that ensured their survival as a queer Ethiopian activist forced to flee, and how those acts of support were never transactional, but rooted in mutual care.

For Faris, solidarity isn’t about identity politics or rigid definitions. “It’s a technology of tenderness,” they explain. “It’s love. It’s protection. It’s grace. First to ourselves. Because we, as human beings. We always share what we are filled with.”

Yet, Faris also sees an urgent need for transformation within the LGBTI movement itself. “We harm one another. We are often encircled by the violence projected onto us, and we replicate it – in our accountability practices, in our scarcity mindsets, in how we treat one another.” Their call is for radical healing: to resist punitive impulses and lead with softness, honesty, and vulnerability.

Beyond Solidarity Towards Structural Change

The collective Migrantes Transgresorxs challenge the word ‘solidarity’. “We prefer to talk about the politics of affinity,” says Alex Aguirre Sánchez. “Solidarity carries a violent historical weight. It comes from religious charity, and religion has been violent for us.”

Instead, they emphasise ancestral bonds and community-to-community alliances. “We stay together, and together we are stronger,” says Kimy/Leticia Rojas. “It’s about sharing food, music, lived experience, and ancestral knowledge.”

Pancho Godoy Vega adds: “To be radical, it has to be structural. That means dismantling colonisation, racism, LGBTI-phobia. It’s about redistributing discourse, resources, power.” The group, formed in Madrid in 2009, has always intertwined the personal and political – fighting for trans migrants, critiquing whiteness in LGBTI spaces, building alliances from the bottom up.

All the activists featured in today’s blog share this in common: they call for a solidarity that is not superficial or symbolic, but material, embodied and rooted in justice. It means funding grassroots work. Sharing platforms. Redistributing power. Above all, it means healing.

As Purity puts it: “There is always going to be two sides of that coin, those with resources, and those at the margins shouting that we are struggling. Bridging that gap means planning together. It means putting grassroots like ours on the agenda.”

In a move that has raised significant concerns among human rights organisations, the European Commission has announced it plans to withdraw the proposed Horizontal Equal Treatment Directive, a legislative measure aimed at strengthening anti-discrimination protections across the European Union.

How the Directive should protect your rights

This directive represents a commitment to combat discrimination in various sectors of public life, including access to healthcare, education, housing, and social benefits. It is particularly vital for protection against discrimination based on religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, and is a baseline to further expand comprehensive protection to all groups at risk of marginalisation across all areas of life.

This decision comes at a time when far-right forces are gaining momentum in the EU and beyond, posing a significant threat to democracy, equality, and human rights across the continent. Instead of taking decisive action to protect groups at risk of marginalisation—including LGBTI people, older and younger people, persons with disabilities, religious minorities and those at the intersections of discrimination, including racialised people—the European Commission has chosen inaction, sending a dangerous message that equality is negotiable.

Background on the Directive

In 2008, the Commission proposed a Council directive aimed at extending equal treatment protections beyond the workplace. However, the proposal has been stalled for years due to a lack of unanimous agreement among EU member states, with only a few countries such as Czechia, Germany, and Italy blocking it before the Commission ultimately announced it would withdraw the proposal. As a result, millions of people remain vulnerable to systemic discrimination, and a hierarchy of protection has emerged, where some forms of discrimination are addressed more comprehensively than others.

The European Commission’s planned withdrawal of the Horizontal Equal Treatment Directive represents a pivotal moment for anti-discrimination efforts within the EU. At a time when human rights protections should be strengthened, the EU cannot afford to retreat.

Sign the petition

By signing this petition, you join the call for European leaders to reaffirm their commitment to a Union of Equality. Demand that they reject any regression in anti-discrimination laws and work towards strengthening protections for all people.

The petition is available in Italian, French, German, and Portuguese.

At the launch of our 2025 Annual Review, ILGA-Europe’s Advocacy Director, Katrin Hugendubel delivered a stark warning about the growing wave of anti-LGBTI hate, misinformation, and legislative attacks across the region. As governments weaponise discrimination to undermine democracy, she called for urgent political action to protect fundamental rights and freedoms. In today’s blog we share the full text of her speech.

Our Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of LGBTI People in Europe and Central Asia, released this week, strives to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the realities on the ground. The findings are based on individual cases, notable events, and legislative, political, and social developments, as well as data gathered from our own work and insights from LGBTI activists across the 54 countries covered in the report.

In recent years, LGBTI activists and organisations across Europe and Central Asia have repeatedly highlighted the worrying rise and normalisation of hate and violence in our region, including numerous attacks on LGBTI rights that systematically undermine fundamental freedoms.

The 2025 Annual Review once again evidences a clear increase in hate and violence. Furthermore, it illustrates how ongoing LGBTI-phobic hate and misinformation campaigns have laid the groundwork for legislation such as anti-propaganda and foreign agent laws. These laws, which ostensibly target LGBTI rights, actually extend much further—introducing censorship, stigmatisation, and persecution of human rights defenders and opposition voices; anti-democratic interference in elections through disinformation campaigns; and, ultimately, laws that erode fundamental freedoms and the principles of democracy. LGBTI rights are being used as an entry point for broader repressive measures.

LGBTI-phobic hate speech, sexism, and misogyny are increasingly normalised, often fuelled by public figures, including political and religious leaders and state institutions. Politicians in several countries, including Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Czechia, Moldova, and Romania, have weaponised discriminatory narratives against LGBTI people during election periods.

To cite just a few examples: in Austria, the far-right FPÖ spoke of “transgender brainwashing” and sought to cut taxpayer funding for what it termed “queer experiments”. In Belgium, Vlaams Belang repeatedly invoked the notion of “gender madness”. The President of Republika Srpska in Bosnia & Herzegovina was fined for hate speech during the election campaign.

The Georgian Elections Observatory (GEO), which focuses on fact-checking pre-election narratives, analysed statements made by senior members of the ruling Georgian Dream party, revealing that ‘LGBT propaganda’ was framed as a Western imposition and linked to a perceived threat to national survival. A similar misinformation campaign in Moldova suggested the country would be overrun by the Western LGBTI agenda ahead of the October elections. In Romania, Călin Georgescu’s electoral campaign during the first presidential election round intensified hate speech against the LGBTI community, even advocating for the re-criminalisation of homosexuality in the Penal Code.

Hate crimes and violent incidents have been reported in the vast majority of countries covered in this report. In Albania, these include stoning attacks against lesbian activists and physical assaults on trans women, with no accountability measures taken. A migrant trans woman was murdered in a hotel room in Copenhagen. Just one day after the Georgian Parliament passed its anti-LGBTI law, celebrity trans woman Kesaria Abramidze was found brutally murdered in her apartment.

In Armenia, while the successful prosecution of the country’s first hate crime against a gay man marks progress, violence against trans people remains unaddressed, and draft anti-discrimination legislation continues to stall. In Germany, during Pride season (June–September 2024), the Centre for Monitoring, Analysis and Strategy documented a surge in extremist mobilisation against Pride events across 27 cities, involving violence and intimidation. The Federal Ministry of the Interior reported 22 protests in this period.

The French Ministry of the Interior released a report showing a 13% increase in anti-LGBTI offences in 2023, with assaults, threats, and harassment rising by 19%, totalling 2,870 cases. The country chapter for France this year lists numerous homo- and transphobic attacks, including two transfemicides. Similarly, Italy recorded a troubling increase in bias-motivated violence in 2024.

Governments are actively fuelling anti-LGBTI sentiment, often followed by legislative proposals restricting freedom of expression, association, and fair elections. In seven countries across the region, so-called ‘LGBT propaganda’ laws, which seek to criminalise LGBTI visibility, ban content, silence activists, and restrict freedom of assembly, were either discussed, proposed, or adopted.

In Kazakhstan, parliamentarians proposed including “LGBT propaganda” in the list of extremist crimes under the Criminal Code, with penalties of up to seven years’ imprisonment. In Romania, a draft law was introduced to censor LGBTI issues in schools, the media, and public spaces, also seeking to ban Pride marches and related public assemblies.

The most far-reaching of such laws came into force in Georgia last December. The “Protection of Family Values and Minors” law prohibits non-heterosexual people from adopting children, prevents

trans and intersex people from changing their gender markers on documents, outlaws public gatherings that promote same-sex relationships, and bans educational institutions from presenting what the government terms “LGBTI propaganda”. It also prohibits legal gender recognition, criminalises medical procedures related to transitioning, equates same-sex relationships with incest, and designates 17 May as a “Day of Family Purity and Respect for Parents”.

Other countries have focused on targeting the education sector, restricting or outright banning LGBTI topics from curricula and awareness-raising initiatives. In Hungary, teachers fear mentioning SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics) topics in classrooms due to the anti-LGBTI law—a fear that has now spread across the region.

Similarly, access to trans-specific healthcare, particularly for minors, has been a major target in 2024. Politicians and governments have exploited trans healthcare as a campaign issue. For instance, Austria’s Chancellor and ÖVP leader proposed banning hormone treatments for under-18s without medical justification and included this in the party’s election manifesto. In Germany, the CDU pledged in its election manifesto to repeal the newly enacted legal gender recognition law. Following the UK Cass Review, barriers to trans healthcare have intensified in France, Italy, Ireland, Poland, the UK, Andorra, Georgia, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, and Russia, placing trans lives at further risk.

Governments are increasingly adopting Russian-style tactics, forcing human rights NGOs to register as ‘foreign agents’ to undermine their legitimacy, restrict funding, and stifle human rights activism. In 2024, Bulgaria, Georgia, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, and Montenegro proposed or adopted foreign agent laws, posing a direct threat to civil society. In Russia and Turkey, human rights defenders are already labelled as foreign agents or state threats.

As an increasing number of governments crack down on fundamental rights, LGBTI people are being forced to flee persecution, even within Europe and Central Asia. Yet, many European countries are denying asylum claims based on inadequate assessments of country situations or arbitrary credibility judgements. In Germany and Ireland, for example, several LGBTI asylum seekers from Ghana were denied asylum despite facing significant threats to their lives.

Despite these challenges, LGBTI activists remain resilient. They continue to organise Prides, provide support for the most vulnerable, and fill gaps in essential services, such as homelessness support and humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Progress is still being made: Germany has adopted legal gender recognition based on self-determination, workplace protections have been strengthened, and sexual orientation and gender identity have been included in educational curricula in Czechia, Serbia, Slovenia, and Switzerland.

While governments scapegoat LGBTI people and introduce restrictive laws, courts across Europe are upholding LGBTI human rights, issuing key rulings on asylum procedures, hate speech, freedom of expression and association, legal gender recognition, and sexual and reproductive rights. However, political leaders must not rely solely on courts to protect human rights.

This report underscores a global trend: the normalisation of anti-LGBTI rhetoric is a direct assault on the democratic principles that underpin our societies. Political leaders at both the European and national levels must act decisively to counter these growing attacks on democracy.

Click here to download the 2025 Annual Review, see our trends analysis, or search by country, theme, or institution.

A major report published today identifies how LGBTI people are being weaponized to erode the foundations of freedom and democracy across Europe.

Released today, February 18, 2025, ILGA-Europe’s ‘Annual Review of the Human Right Situation of LGBTI People in Europe and Central Asia’ warns of a new era in which rising anti-LGBTI legislation threatens fundamental rights. Governments are fueling anti-LGBTI sentiment to push laws that restrict freedom of expression, association, and fair elections. 

Governments are increasingly adopting tactics similar to Russia’s, forcing NGOs to register as ‘foreign funded’ to undermine their legitimacy, restrict funding, and stifle human rights activism. Known as ‘foreign agent’ laws, these measures are framed as protecting families and traditional values while often specifically targeting LGBTI NGOs. Last year in Bulgaria, Georgia, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, and Montenegro, proposed foreign agent laws posed a direct threat to civil society. 

Such legislation is enacted with or in the wake of so-called ‘LGBT propaganda’ laws that seek to criminalise visibility of LGBTI people, ban content, silence activists and restrict freedom of assembly, which have been either discussed, proposed or adopted in seven countries (Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Romania, and Slovakia). These laws have been increasingly leveraged in education sectors, restricting or entirely preventing the inclusion of LGBTI issues in curricula and awareness-raising initiatives. In addition, attempts to introduce legislation excluding LGBTI topics from sex education were recorded in Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Norway, Romania, Russia and Slovakia.

In this context, LGBTI-phobic hate speech, sexism and misogyny are increasingly normalised, often fuelled by public figures, including political and religious leaders and state institutions. This is in turn driving an unprecedented surge in violence as hate crimes have reached record levels across the region.

The normalisation of hate is also providing justification for the blocking of healthcare for trans people. Andorra, Georgia, Hungary, Ireland, Moldova, Romania, Russia, and the UK have all put in place new barriers to care. Following the UK Cass Review, efforts to restrict trans healthcare for minors have emerged in Austria, France, Italy, Ireland, Poland, and the UK, putting trans lives further at risk.

As an increasing number of governments crack down, LGBTI people are being forced to flee—but Europe is closing its doors. Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey are intensifying persecution, and Turkmenistan is entrapping and torturing LGBTI individuals. Yet, many European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Ireland and the UK, are denying asylum claims based on outdated, arbitrary assessments, with some officials rejecting applicants for not ‘seeming LGBTI enough.’

According to ILGA-Europe’s Executive Director, Chaber: “This report confirms what many of us have feared—we are entering a new era where LGBTI people have become the testing ground for laws that erode democracy itself. Across Europe and Central Asia, governments are using anti-LGBTI rhetoric to justify restrictions on free speech, civil society, and fair elections. What begins as an attack on LGBTI rights rapidly grows into a wider assault on the rights and freedoms of all individuals in society. This is not just an LGBTI issue; it is a crisis for human rights and democracy as a whole.”

ILGA-Europe’s Advocacy Director, Katrin Hugendubel added: “While governments are increasingly scapegoating LGBTI people to push restrictive laws, the courts both in the EU and across Europe are in turn upholding LGBTI human rights, with key judgements on procedures for LGBTI asylum seekers, anti-LGBTI hate speech, freedom of association and expression, legal gender recognition, and sexual and reproductive rights. But at this critical time, our leaders cannot simply leave the protection of human rights to the courts. Politicians at both the European and national levels must act decisively to counter the growing attacks on the cornerstones of democracy we are seeing. The normalisation of anti-LGBTI rhetoric is not just a threat to one community—it is now a proven direct assault on the democratic principles that underpin our societies.”

Further Information

Download a full analysis of the trends here

Read the ILGA-Europe’s Annual Review here

See up-to-date legislative developments in each country with ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map

European Civil Society condemns the European Commission’s announcement to withdraw the proposed Directive on anti-discrimination as a betrayal of fundamental rights at a critical moment for democracy and equality in the EU.

On 12 February, the Commission publicly announced its intention to withdraw the proposal for the Equal Treatment Directive. This legislative measure aims to close legal gaps in EU anti-discrimination law. The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and EU Treaties prohibit discrimination based on gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, and sexual orientation. However, existing EU anti-discrimination legislation results in a hierarchy of protection where some forms of discrimination are more comprehensively addressed than others. The Equal Treatment Directive sought to harmonise these protections, ensuring a horizontal approach to equality.

This week’s decision severely undermines the EU’s commitment to building a Union of Equality at a time when marginalised communities require greater protection than ever. The withdrawal of the proposed Directive leaves a glaring gap in EU law, failing to protect young people, older persons, LGBTIQ+ persons, persons with disabilities or those facing discrimination based on religion or belief when accessing goods and services, housing, healthcare, social protection or education. It also does not sufficiently protect individuals who experience discrimination on the basis of race or ethnic origin and sex/gender in combination with these grounds.

The Commission’s intention to withdraw it, without consulting with civil society and without presenting any alternative plan on how to better ensure comprehensive protection against discrimination outside the labour market in the EU, sends the wrong political message.

Furthermore, this withdrawal goes against EU’s fundamental values enshrined in its treaties and disregards the support of the European Parliament, civil society, Equality Bodies and international organisations. It is also at odds with the European Commission’s repeated commitment to building a “Union of Equality” and undermines the Polish Presidency’s priorities.

Scrapping this directive without introducing a stronger and more comprehensive alternative at such a critical time when discrimination and rights violations are on the rise undermines the EU’s credibility as a global leader in human rights. It sends a clear message that those living in the EU will not be shielded from the worldwide backlash against equality, democracy and fundamental rights. It is not enough for the Commission to reverse its course. Member States must also step up and finally agree on an ambitious law that fights discrimination.

It is especially concerning that while the far-right is on the rise everywhere in Europe, the Commission chooses to sacrifice the human rights of citizens in what appears as a dangerous political gamble. In times of hatred and fear-mongering, we need more human rights protection, not less.

For this reason, we urge the European Commission to:

• Reconsider its intention to withdraw the Equal Treatment Directive;
• If the withdrawal proceeds, immediately propose a more robust and comprehensive legislative proposal that takes an intersectional approach, along with a clear timeline;
• Immediately engage in meaningful consultation with the European Parliament, civil society, Equality Bodies and EU citizens to determine the necessary action to achieve true equality;
• Make an unequivocal commitment to making the Union of Equality a reality for all of us.

We also call on:

• The Polish Presidency to hold an urgent and public Council meeting for the Commission to explain this decision
• The European Parliament to hold a public hearing with the European Commission on the decision and future steps to ensure protection against discrimination for all people living in the EU

Signatories:

Eurocentralasian Lesbian* Community (EL*C)

European Roma Grassroots Organisations Network (ERGO Network)

Organisation Intersex International Europe e.V. (OII Europe)

The International LGBTQI Youth & Student Organisation (IGLYO)

European Network against Racism (ENAR)

ILGA-Europe

European Disability Forum (EDF)

AGE Platform Europe (AGE)

Trans Europe and Central Asia (TGEU)

A far-reaching new survey into bi+ groups in Europe and their work, shows glaring gaps and points the way forward for a movement that’s often sidelined in the broader LGBTI movement.

Bi+ activism in Europe has been evolving, but until recently, there was no structured way to understand the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing bi+ groups. New research  offers the most comprehensive look yet at the bi+ movement across the continent.

The survey, conducted by Bi+ Equal, gathered input from 39 bi+ groups and 44 individual activists from nearly every EU country. It reveals a dynamic but underfunded and underrepresented movement. The findings show that despite bi+ people being the largest group under the LGBTI umbrella, they remain largely invisible, often sidelined in broader LGBTI spaces and political advocacy.

The research report highlights that bi+ groups and activists prioritise three main goals:

• Promoting bi+ visibility and inclusion in LGBTI communities (83%)
• Challenging bi+ erasure and negativity (79%)
• Creating positive, healthy, and safe communities for bi+ people (67%)

A significant takeaway is that bi+ people still struggle for recognition, even within the LGBTI movement. Many organisations fail to acknowledge the specific needs of bi+ people, contributing to a sense of isolation. The findings recommend that LGBTI organisations take active steps to educate themselves on bi+ experiences, address bi+ erasure, and ensure their work is inclusive of bi+ people.

Stark Disparity

The survey also confirms a stark financial disparity between bi+ groups and other LGBTI organisations. While 76% of bi+ groups operate on less than €5,000 annually, LGBTI organisations generally have much larger budgets, making it difficult for bi+ activists to sustain their work. Many groups rely entirely on volunteers, leading to burnout and stagnation. “About half of the active bi+ groups do not have any budget. And the difference with LGBTI organisations in Europe is huge,” Dr Jantine van Lisdonk said during a panel where Bi+ Equal research team discussed the outcomes of the survey.

This financial struggle means that while bi+ groups excel in community-building like organising meetups, support groups, and social events, few have the resources to engage in formal advocacy. “There is a growing need for political advocacy for bi+ issues, but the financial resources are limiting this” shared Aida Marukyan during the panel. Despite widespread recognition that bi+ people need targeted policies and representation, only a handful of bi+ groups engage directly with policymakers or push for systemic change.

Striking finding

One of the most striking findings is the strong support for a formal European bi+ entity. The survey found that bi+ activists envision such an organisation as a platform for networking, advocacy, and capacity-building. It could help address the lack of funding, provide political representation, and foster cross-border collaboration. The Bi+ Equal survey has provided insight into the state of bi+ activism in Europe. It confirms what bi+ activists have long argued: that their visibility and advocacy need to be strengthened, that funding disparities must be addressed, and that the movement requires an organised European voice. Bi+ Equal is committed to taking the next steps, working with activists to co-create a structure that meets their needs. The research is a first step in ensuring that bi+ voices are no longer ignored but instead positioned at the centre of LGBTI equality work in Europe.

ILGA-Europe’s Executive Director Chaber shares insights into the movement’s direction, priorities, and how we can collectively move forward.

Q: Where do you see the LGBTI movement heading in 2025?

A: The past few years have shown how challenging these times are for the LGBTI movement, yet they’ve also revealed our community’s remarkable ability to adapt and persevere. We’re facing increased opposition, attacks on rights, and instrumentalisation in politics. However, there is hope in how the movement builds alliances—both within and beyond—and its capacity to engage underrepresented communities.

Many organisations are working tirelessly to shift societal attitudes and foster meaningful connections. These efforts to unite and inspire, after years of disconnection caused by the pandemic and conflicts, are the triumphs we can expect this year.

Q: What do you think the movement needs to focus on in 2025?

A: From the vantage point of an organisation that serves the movement across 54 countries, the diversity of needs and priorities is vast, so we cannot list or prescribe what groups and organisations should focus on. The issues that are prioritised locally are prioritised because organisations on the ground know best how to reflect the needs of their communities. And each of them, regardless of whether they’re organising prides, supporting communities with services, advocating with their governments or doing any other thing, plays a crucial role in the ecosystem. But an interesting question is on the broader themes that many organisations wish they had more capacity to address. These include fostering intersectional approaches, engaging underrepresented communities, combating disinformation, and building alliances across movements.

This shows it’s vital to have dedicated, flexible funding to enable organisations to meet these challenges effectively. Unfortunately, resource cuts across the region make these goals harder to achieve, so increasing organisations’ abilities to adapt and deliver in these circumstances will be a key point for the year and beyond.

Q: What is ILGA-Europe’s role in achieving these goals?

A: ILGA-Europe plays three key roles:

• Resource mobilisation: With funding cuts from governments and private philanthropy, we must advocate for sustained investment in LGBTI movements.
• Agenda-setting: It’s crucial to influence institutions and governments to ensure policies address the needs of LGBTI communities and empower civil society.
• Thought leadership: We’re prioritising developing strategies and capacities in areas that have not had enough attention paid to them but will be core to enacting change in the future, such as social acceptance, socio-economic justice, and emerging fields like AI. Our role is to explore and provide tools for organisations to engage with these issues.

Q: What challenges does the movement face, and how can they be tackled?

A: Insufficient political will remains a significant barrier. Many governments believe they’ve already achieved enough in terms of LGBTI rights, while others are actively rolling back protections. Anti-rights initiatives, such as anti-LGBTI propaganda laws and restrictions on foreign-funded organisations, are spreading.

To counter these, we must galvanise political will and mobilise governments and institutions to stand against such measures. It’s equally vital to educate and engage the public, building comprehensive advocacy and alliance strategies.

Q: What policy trends concern you most for 2025?

A: We’re deeply concerned about continued rollbacks on trans and non-binary rights and the spread of anti-LGBTI propaganda laws. These measures often coincide with anti-democratic initiatives, such as targeting foreign-funded organisations under the guise of transparency.

Such trends stem from the manipulation of public opinion and polarisation. They require advocacy and public engagement to counter false narratives and safeguard democracy and human rights.

Q: Which partnerships are most critical for ILGA-Europe in 2025?

A: Attacks on LGBTI rights are not only about silencing LGBTI people, they are often part of broader efforts to undermine democracy and target other marginalised groups, such as women and migrants. Our partnerships must reflect that all of us are at risk, and continue extending beyond the LGBTI movement to include organisations representing the interests of other groups. What is at stake is democracy and the rule of law, and through that the freedoms of people.

Q: What is your personal goal as Executive Director for 2025?

A: My priority is to ensure ILGA-Europe becomes more agile and adaptable. With the funding cuts across the region we will not double our resources, but the needs will increase, and we must find ways to offer faster and more tailored support to diverse groups and organisations. It’s about staying ahead of the curve and continuing to serve the movement effectively.

Q: What is your message to the LGBTI community as we start the year?

A: In these challenging times, we need to redefine success and celebrate even the smallest wins. Every act of visibility, every partnership, and every step forward is a victory. Together, we’re part of a larger ecosystem of change.

• Apply with a Statement of Interest by: 3 February 2025, 10:00 CET/ Brussels time
• Please note that partner selection and funding commitments are currently on hold until the end of April due to the global suspension of U.S. foreign assistance, operationalised as a “stop work” order.
• Programme and selection process will be resumed if, and as soon as, the funding is released.
• All organisations that decide to submit Statements of Interest will receive updates about the status of the programme as new information comes in.
• The programme and funding period are expected to last 24 months from the launch of the partner grants.
• Partner profile: LGBTI organisations in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia

Purpose and scope

The FutureLab is a transformative programme aimed at fostering social acceptance and inclusion for LGBTI people and at building knowledge and skills in our movement to be strategic and impactful in this work.

The programme is grounded in the idea that LGBTI equality is not just about changes in laws and state policies – it is about reshaping how communities, sectors, institutions, and overall societies perceive, embrace and embed diversity into their systems and practices. We only create lasting societal change by changing the underlying societal attitudes, practices and structures that perpetuate exclusion and polarisation.

At the heart of the programme will be a two-year partnership with 22 LGBTI organisations across 14 countries in Central Europe and the Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

Through funding, convenings, and learning and capacity strengthening opportunities, the programme will resource, strengthen and amplify diverse local strategies of LGBTI organisations to create deeply rooted social acceptance and inclusion.

Building on our collective learning and implementation journey with partners in the programme, we will consolidate and offer to the wider movement the knowledge and skills in support of strong and impactful strategies for social acceptance and inclusion.

Programme highlights

The FutureLab is designed as a partnership that combines funding, learning, strategizing and networking activities and relies on partners’ interest in and commitment to the collective.

As a partner, you will get:

• Funding for your vision: Up to 60,000 euro over two years towards a focused strategy on a relevant aspect of social acceptance and inclusion, rooted in your socio-political reality; funds are awarded in two consecutive annual grants of up to 30,000 euro each;
• A learning community: You will be part of a group of 22 partner organisations working on diverse social acceptance and inclusion projects, and we will learn alongside each other at online and in-person learning and strategic events;
• Support to your strategy: Throughout the programme, you can work with consultants to refine specific aspects of your strategy and its implementation when necessary;
• Amplification and networking opportunities: Share your lessons and successes at the ILGA-Europe Annual Conference and other movement convenings and contribute to collective learning across the LGBTI movement. The programme will offer partner scholarships to support attendance.

The FutureLab seeks partners ready to drive impactful, localised work that advances social acceptance and inclusion for LGBTI people.

What we fund

The FutureLab will fund 16 organisations in Central Europe and 6 organisations in the Western Balkans that:

• Advance meaningful and lasting social acceptance and inclusion for LGBTI people;
• Focus on a specific aspect of acceptance and inclusion that addresses critical needs and opportunities within their national context;
• Propose concrete and well-defined initiatives aimed at achieving tangible and measurable change;
• Build on the organisation’s past and current work, leveraging existing expertise, relationships, and insights.

This funding is intended to support initiatives that are both strategic and actionable, contributing to sustained progress within their local contexts.

Proposals can focus on one or both aspects of the programme:

• Strategic approaches to fostering social acceptance

Initiatives that aim to shift societal attitudes and behaviors by developing strong collaborations and relationships with relevant stakeholders. These initiatives should promote genuine understanding through, among others, direct outreach, dialogue, and partnership; and empowering and equipping public opinion leaders with the knowledge and tools to be active allies within their domains and beyond. Awareness-raising campaigns, general narrative development and similar work will not be prioritised in this programme.

• Social inclusion initiatives

Initiatives that embed inclusive practices and systems within specific public and private institutions and spaces, such as education, healthcare, employment, business, sports, and cultural sectors. These initiatives should build partnerships with key actors in the relevant sectors and may involve joint efforts between LGBTI organisations and other social justice organisations to create broad-based support for inclusion.

Who can apply

The FutureLab invites applications from LGBTI organisations that:

• Are rooted and actively working in one of the 14 target countries in Central Europe and the Western Balkans (see the list at the top);
• Propose focused, context-aware projects on social acceptance and inclusion: your project should define a clear and tangible goal that aligns with your organisation’s ongoing work, builds on past achievements or conclusions, and responds to the unique socio-political realities in your country;
• Are interested in and committed to learning alongside other partners and contributing to the movement with their experience: participation in programme activities is expected;
• Demonstrate capacity to manage funding: applicants should have recent experience handling grants of a similar size and scope, with established systems to manage a 2-year funding cycle effectively;
• Have other funding sources: organisations must show confirmed funding for 2025 that exceeds the annual grant amount provided by this programme (30,000 euros).

Joint applications of LGBTI organisations are welcome but do not automatically increase chances of your success. Organisations applying jointly can apply for up to 60,000 euro per year/ 120,000 for the duration of the programme.

How to apply

• To apply, submit a Statement of Interest using this template by 10:00 am CET/ Brussels time on 3 February 2025 to Seka Topal, Programmes Officer, seka@ilga-europe.org.
• All applicants will be notified of the receipt of their submission via email in the week of 3 February.
• Partner selection and funding commitments are currently on hold until the end of April due to the global suspension of U.S. foreign assistance, operationalised as a “stop work” order.
• Programme and selection process will be resumed if, and as soon as, the funding is released.
• All organisations that decide to submit Statements of Interest will receive updates about the status of the programme as new information comes in, throughout February-April.
• The programme and funding period are expected to last 24 months from the launch of the partner grants.
• If, and once the funding is released and the programme is resumed, successful applicants will be offered a month to submit a full proposal (narrative and budget).
• Projects are expected to last 24 months, with a renewal after the first year.

Questions?

• Reach out with questions to ILGA-Europe’s Programmes Officer, Seka Topal, at seka@ilga-europe.org.

Documents

On Human Rights Day we reflect on struggles and milestones for the European and Central Asian LGBTI movement in 2024.

Human Rights Day reminds us of the universality of human rights: freedoms that belong to all people, no matter their identity. This principle is at the heart of the LGBTI movement, as LGBTI rights are human rights. In 2024, these rights were both challenged and celebrated, often reflecting broader societal shifts.

Across Europe and beyond, anti-LGBTI measures highlighted the fragility of hard-won freedoms. Georgia adopted both a “foreign agent” law and an “anti-LGBTI propaganda” law, echoing a troubling global trend of restricting civil society and stifling dissent. On December 2nd, the restrictive law came into force, banning legal gender recognition and equating same-sex relationships with incest, further institutionalising discrimination against LGBTI communities. The law also declared May 17 a holiday opposing the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, amplifying the state’s anti-LGBTI stance. Bulgaria introduced laws targeting the discussion of LGBTI issues in schools, marking another attack on both education and freedom of expression. In Russia, the international LGBTI movement was branded as “extremist” in late 2023, but 2024 saw the first convictions under this extremist label, intensifying the risks for activists and organisations. Kyrgyzstan followed suit by enacting a Russian-style “foreign agents” law in April, subjecting non-profits to extensive state oversight and jeopardising the work of press freedom groups and civil society, including LGBTI organisations.

These developments show how attacks on LGBTI rights often signal deeper human rights violations. In Turkey, trans rights faced severe setbacks with new regulations restricting access to essential hormones, disproportionately affecting trans masculine people and those in poverty. Police repression of LGBTI demonstrations further highlighted the shrinking space for activism and public dissent. The suppression of freedom of speech, association, and democratic principles often accompanies discrimination against LGBTI communities. As such, defending LGBTI rights is part of defending the foundations of democracy and equality for all.

Progress, despite setbacks

Despite these setbacks, 2024 was also a year of hope and progress. Germany’s adoption of a self-determination law marked a major step forward for trans and non-binary people, simplifying legal gender recognition. Greece joined the growing list of European countries recognising equal marriage, while Malta’s introduction of non-binary markers on official documents underscored its commitment to inclusivity.

Beyond Europe, global human rights institutions also made strides for LGBTI people. The UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution affirming the rights of intersex people, a relevant step in recognising and addressing the unique challenges they face. The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Poland must provide legal recognition for same-sex couples, and the Court of Justice of the European Union declared that Romania must respect gender recognition granted in other countries.

Ensuring no one is left behind

These moments of progress illustrate that advancing LGBTI rights benefits societies as a whole. Laws that affirm equality and dignity strengthen the social fabric, ensuring that no one is left behind. This year’s developments—both the setbacks and the victories—show that progress is possible, but it requires vigilance, solidarity, and collective action.

In February 2025, ILGA-Europe will publish its Annual Review, documenting these and other critical moments from the past year. Stay tuned!

This summer in Bulgaria, as two new anti-LGBTI laws were fast-tracked in advance of forthcoming elections, a cross movement effort came together to try and stop it.

With rising levels of backlash and political scapegoating, how do LGBTI organisations relate to the greater struggle for democracy, freedom and equality? How do we avoid playing into political division in our quest for success? And in a world where there are no easy wins, what does that success look like?

For our panel on finding the courage to seek new strategies in current political contexts, ILGA-Europe’s Advocacy Director, Katrin Hugendubel is joined by Irena Moozova, Deputy Director General responsible for the International Dimension of Justice Policies, Rule of Law, and Equality in the European Commission, Béatrice Fresko-Rolfo, General Rapporteur for LGBTI rights at PACE in the Council of Europe, Denitsa Lyubenova, lawyer from the LGBTI organisation Deystvie in Bulgaria, and Magda Rakita from Fundacja Interakcja in Poland.

At this year’s ILGA-Europe Annual Conference in Romania, we had three dedicated activist reporters attending sessions across the event, so they could reflect on what was happening right now for the LGBTI movement in Europe and Central Asia. Here is what they found.

The 26^th ILGA-Europe Conference, held in Bucharest this October, was a vital meeting ground for activists, leaders, and changemakers from across the LGBTI community, at this particular time in our world. Beyond its extensive sessions and networking opportunities under the theme, The Call to Courage, this year’s event featured the reintroduction of conference reporters—three dedicated activist voices tasked with connecting the threads of reflection, insight, and shared experience throughout the event. These reporters, Rina Rybalko from Ukraine’s Gender Stream, Sarah Arsane of Pride des Banlieues in France, and Andrea Ruggeri from Italy’s Gruppo Trans, shared their expectations, reflections, and key takeaways over the course of the packed three days.

Hope and expectation

Rina approached the conference with hope, acknowledging the uncertainties facing activists but focusing on the potential for solutions. “Since this is my second time at the conference, I know that we will talk about challenges a lot,” she shared. “And I hope that in these discussions we will find together decisions and solutions that we will bring back home to our communities.” This outlook was a testament to the resilience that Ukrainian activists have shown, especially amidst Russia’s ongoing full-scale invasion and its impact on LGBTI communities.

As the conference began, Sarah expressed excitement at the rare opportunity to connect with likeminded people. “I’m really looking forward to meeting LGBTQ+ activists from all over the world and hearing the unique stories and struggles,” she said. Her anticipation highlighted the conference’s role as a space for exchange, learning, and mutual empowerment.

Andrea, acknowledging both the gravity of their work and the community’s strength, spoke with poignant honesty. “Yesterday was not a good day for my country,” they remarked, referring to a newly passed law in Italy that criminalises seeking surrogacy abroad, a move that threatens LGBTI families and sets a concerning precedent. This difficult reality highlighted their hope to find emotional and political support while drawing strength from shared experiences.

Reflections during the conference

As the conference unfolded, each reporter shared insights into their evolving experiences. For Sarah, moments of connection stood out. Reflecting on the importance of unity and exploring vulnerabilities to promote growth, she said, “I particularly enjoyed the discussions on the various issues facing our communities. Being a Muslim woman, a racialised lesbian, and from working-class neighbourhoods, this particularly moved me.”

Rina was moved by the power of collective communication. “The highlight for me was communication—panel discussions, workshops, and networking, which was meaningful, fruitful, and sometimes challenging,” she noted. This understanding emphasised the importance of shared spaces where LGBTI voices can overcome barriers, address urgent needs, and build alliances.

Andrea’s reflections captured the diverse and layered nature of the Conference. “In one room, people are getting pragmatic by discussing how to tackle disinformation campaigns; in another, others are sharing how resilience keeps them grounded,” they observed. This collection of experiences showed how different strategies and discussions come together to strengthen our shared determination.

Courage as a takeaway

As the conference drew to a close, the atmosphere was charged with renewed determination. Rina spoke of courage as a verb: “It means to act, even when we are in a state of maximum uncertainty, for your own sake, for the sake of others.” She left the conference inspired by the dedication of fellow activists and motivated by the focus on meaningful change.

Sarah, in her closing words, summed up the spirit of solidarity at the Conference and within the movement. “What I take away is the strength of our community and the power of alliance… even in difficult times, we are stronger together,” she affirmed. Her speech served as a reminder that collective resilience, empathy, and unity are vital for progress.

Andrea concluded by highlighting a lesson learned year after year: “Queer people are taking care of themselves and teaching others how to take care of their communities.” This ongoing truth showed the depth of support and self-sustainability within the LGBTI movement, despite outside challenges.

A unified future

The conference reporters’ voices were a strong reminder that, while activists in our LGBTI movement may come from different contexts, the shared fight for dignity, safety, and rights binds them together. As they return to their home countries from this year’s Conference—whether grappling with legislative struggles, seeking innovative advocacy strategies, or rebuilding communities torn by war—they carry with them the shared knowledge, strength, and hope forged in Bucharest.

At the EU Commissioner confirmation hearings today, Commissioner-designate for Crisis Preparedness, Prevention and Equality, Hadja Lahbib voiced a strong commitment towards protecting and advancing the rights of vulnerable groups, including LGBTI people. Here is ILGA-Europe’s response.

ILGA-Europe have followed the hearing of the Commissioner-designate for Crisis Preparedness, Prevention and Equality Hadja Lahbib very closely, as her mission letter posed questions about the leadership, level of ambition and resources made available to ensure a strong EU Union of Equality and decisive EU action on the rights and equality of LGBTI people.  

We are glad to have heard a strong commitment to the implementation of existing legislation regarding gender equality, gender based violence and protecting the rights of vulnerable groups. Strong implementation is indeed needed, not only of EU directives, but also on key CJEU judgements that for the moment remain empty promises for LGBTI people and their families across the EU. We welcome Lahbib’s commitment to the strengthened use of infringement procedures and fundamental rights conditionality in the distribution of EU funds. Moving forward, we will need to see the European Commission continue to be strong in its opposition to the ongoing backlash against the fundamental rights of LGBTI people that is growing in many EU member states.

But the level of ambition cannot stop there. The Commission needs to continue to be the key guardian of the Treaties and show strong leadership, also in light of shifting majorities in the Council, and work with member states to close the legal gaps in protection against discrimination and bias-motivated hate, as well as to make freedom of movement a reality for all. The Commmission needs to continue to put fundamental rights violations, such as intersex genital mutilation and forced sterilisation, on the agenda of EU institutions and actively work with member states to ban them.

We welcome that the Commissioner-designate clearly set out that she will meet with LGBTI organisations representing the people on the ground to assess the first EU LGBTIQ strategy and discuss together what needs to be included in the follow-up strategy.

We have already shared our assessment of the next steps needed with the European Commission and are looking forward to meeting with the Commissioner, if and when she is confirmed, as soon as possible to discuss how to ensure real mainstreaming throughout all services in the European Commission, and what concrete actions and initiatives we need to see in the next EC LGBTIQ Equality strategy to ensure strong leadership as well as the necessary support and resources.

Next steps

The committees’ chairs and political group coordinators will meet without delay to assess the performance and qualification of the Commissioner-designate. Based on the committee recommendations, the Conference of Presidents (EP President Metsola and political group chairs) is set to conduct the final evaluation and declare the hearings closed on 21 November. Once the Conference of Presidents declares all hearings closed, the evaluation letters will be published.

The election by MEPs of the full college of Commissioners (by a majority of the votes cast, by roll-call) is currently scheduled to take place during the 25-28 November plenary session in Strasbourg.

For four days in Bucharest, our photographer was there to capture every memorable moment of this year’s Annual Conference. Here are the highlights!

This October, we came together in Bucharest with over 400 LGBTI activists and allies from across Europe and Central Asia for ILGA-Europe’s Annual Conference. And what a journey it was! Four inspiring days filled with connection, sharing, strategising, and bolstering resilience for the challenges that lie ahead, all within an atmosphere of support and mutual empowerment. This year’s theme, The Call to Courage, rang through each panel, workshop, and conversation as we tackled pressing issues and explored new ways forward. And, of course, there were moments of celebration too, including a night Karaoke and a closing celebration with drag performances paired with local DJs.

Our heartfelt thanks go to our wonderful hosts, ACCEPT and MozaiQ, and to our talented photographer Larisa Balta, who captured the spirit of the conference. Here, we share a snapshot of those unforgettable days!

For a much larger selection of photos, be sure to check out our albums on Facebook.

On International Lesbian Day, we highlight the recent report by the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination, emphasising the need for targeted policies to protect lesbians from violence and discrimination across Europe

Lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women face profound challenges rooted in discrimination, violence, and systemic inequality. The recent resolution and report  adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 03 October highlights the urgent need for comprehensive policies that address these issues. Intersectional discrimination, where sexual orientation and gender intersect for LBQ women and the marginalisation that stems from that intersection, complicates the landscape of human rights that LBQ women should have access to, requiring specific actions to ensure their protection. 

The report outlines that LBQ women, including trans and intersex LBQ women, experience multiple forms of violence and harassment, which can manifest in both public and private spheres. Violence ranges from physical assaults and psychological abuse to online harassment, often targeting women who do not conform to traditional gender roles. For instance, a survey by the EU Fundamental Rights Agency highlighted that 33% of lesbian women in Europe have avoided public spaces out of fear of violence or harassment, demonstrating the pervasive atmosphere of insecurity they face.

This violence is intensified for racialised LBQ women, who navigate an additional layer of discrimination. The report notes that racial stereotypes can subject them to heightened prejudice, affecting their access to healthcare, housing, and employment. Many racialised LBQ women report feeling pressure to conform to heterosexual norms, further marginalising their identities and experiences.

The effect of anti-gender movements

The increasing influence of anti-gender movements across Europe worsens these issues, aiming to silence and delegitimise the rights of LGBTI people, particularly LBQ women. The report emphasises the need for legislative frameworks that protect human rights, asserting that all women should have equal access to the protection and support guaranteed by international conventions, such as the Istanbul Convention. The resolution calls for Member States to enact anti-discrimination laws that address not only sexual orientation but also gender identity and expression and sex characteristics, creating an inclusive environment for all.

Education challenges prejudice

Furthermore, the resolution highlights the importance of inclusive education programmes as a means of challenging prejudice. Educational institutions must serve as spaces for progress, promoting understanding of diverse identities while dismantling harmful stereotypes. By co-creating a culture of respect and inclusivity, we can work towards reducing the stigma and violence faced by LBQ women.

Comprehensive policies 

To move beyond mere visibility and call for actionable change, the resolution notes that governments must adopt comprehensive policies that protect the rights of LBQ women, ensuring that their voices are heard in legislative processes. This includes but is not limited to recognising the parental rights of same-sex couples, ensuring equitable access to healthcare, and supporting emergency shelters that cater specifically to the needs of LBQ women.

By adopting the recommendations presented in the resolution, we can create a safer and more inclusive Europe where every lesbian can live authentically and with less fear of violence or discrimination. It is crucial to transform visibility into meaningful action, ensuring that no one is overlooked in the continuous fight for equality.

Learn about the courage captured in our branding for this year’s ILGA-Europe conference

As we launch our new logo for the ILGA-Europe conference in Bucharest, we present to you a word used in everyday Romanian life: ‘curaj’. This term, which means ‘courage’, encapsulates our theme this year, ‘The Call to Courage’ and serves as a powerful reminder of the great bravery shown by our activist movement, often in the most challenging circumstances, and the collective courage we need to inspire in each other as we go forward.

Meet the designer

This year’s designer, Vadim Carazan, has been working in design for 12 years in Romania. After years of freelancing, he established his own studio with a team of employees, called wegrow. While he now delegates most of the projects, this was one he chose to undertake himself. When designing, he wanted to challenge himself, since using a word as a logo is considered quite “out of the box” in the designer world.

About the logo

Here is what Vadim had to say about the process of designing the logo:

“Language plays a crucial role in shaping our perceptions and emotions, and the Romanian language offers a unique perspective on courage. The word “curaj” (pronounced koo-rahzh) stands alone as a compelling call to action. In everyday Romanian life, it is commonly expressed in various situations, such as encouraging someone before they leap to the unknown or offering support to someone facing a difficult decision. This cultural resonance transforms “curaj” into more than just a word; it becomes a heartfelt nudge toward bravery and self-empowerment.”

“The design of our logo reflects the essence of ‘curaj’ in its simplicity and strength. Each letter varies in shape and style, symbolising the rich diversity within the LGBTI community – you can be a ‘C’, or a ‘U’, or any other shape and letter! The design celebrates quirkiness, individuality, and the spectrum of experiences that make our community unique. This playful yet meaningful approach represents the importance of embracing one’s identity and self-expression.”

“While ‘curaj’ is deeply rooted in Romanian culture, its message of courage resonates universally within the LGBTI movement. It embodies our shared experiences – standing up for our rights, embracing authenticity, and nurturing a culture of inclusivity. By centring this word in our branding, we not only honour the local context but also highlight our commitment to making connections and empowering activists. This choice serves as a reminder that we are all part of a broader movement, united in our quest for equality and justice.”

Curaj in Bucharest

We are big fans of what Vadim has done with the logo. It represents so clearly every element of the theme of our conference, while rooting it in Romania, where we look forward to being with over 400 activists from October 16-19, hosted by local organisations Accept and Mozaiq. It promises to be a pivotal moment for the LGBTI movement in Europe and Central Asia, as we come together in a vibrant, engaged and courageous space to connect, learn from each other, have great fun, and re-energise for the work ahead.

The Council of Europe (COE) is currently conducting its 3rd review of the implementation of the Committee of Ministers Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)5, which outlines measures to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In response to this process, ILGA-Europe has prepared a regional report in collaboration with IGLYO, along with input from 27 member organisations and other regional LGBTI networks, to reflect on the progress made since the adoption of the Recommendation in 2010. 

A mixed picture of progress

The report presents a complex reality. While some CoE member states have taken significant steps forward, others have stagnated or even regressed in their protections of LGBTI people. Key areas of concern include access to legal gender recognition, protection from violence, and equal treatment in education, healthcare, and employment.

However, there are also positive developments. In the 14 years since the adoption of the Recommendation, progress has been made across the region, demonstrating that equality is achievable when governments work closely with civil society. The report calls on the Council of Europe to fully incorporate civil society perspectives into its upcoming 2025 regional report, alongside self-assessments made by member states, ensuring that the voices of LGBTI people are heard and acted upon.

About the report

This review draws on the input of civil society organisations from 27 Council of Europe member states. Organisations completed a detailed questionnaire, which aligns with the thematic areas of the original 2010 Recommendation. The questionnaire gathered both quantitative and qualitative data on key areas such as:

• Right to life, security, and protection from violence
• Legal gender recognition
• Freedom of association and expression
• Non-discrimination in health, education, employment, and housing
• Protection of LGBTI children and young people

To provide a thorough analysis, this data was supplemented with consultations with national authorities, desk research, and ILGA-Europe’s own monitoring efforts. The report also benefited from contributions by other European networks, including TGEU, OII-Europe, and EL*C, ensuring a comprehensive look at the progress and setbacks in LGBTI rights across the region.

Contributing organisations

This report would not have been possible without the contributions of the following civil society organisations:

• Albania: Alliance Against Discrimination of LGBTI (Aleanca LGBTI)
• Bosnia & Herzegovina: Sarajevo Open Center
• Bulgaria: Youth LGBT organization Deystvie (Deystvie), Single Step
• Croatia: Za Pravo; Proces – udruga za promicanje queer kulture i LGBTIQ+ prava
• Cyprus: Accept LGBTI+ CYPRUS, Queer Cyprus Association, Queer Collective CY
• Czechia: Transparent, Jsme fér, In-Iustitia
• Finland: SETA – LGBTI rights in Finland
• France: Human Development Research Initiative
• Georgia: Equality Movement, Tbilisi Pride, Georgian Young Lawyers Association, Georgian Democratic Initiative
• Greece: Colour Youth – Athens LGBTQ Youth Community
• Hungary: Háttér Society, Transvanilla Transgender Association
• Ireland: LGBT Ireland
• Italy: Rete Lenford – Avvocatura per i Diritti LGBTI+
• Lithuania: National LGBTI Rights Organization LGL (Lithuanian Gay League, LGL)
• Montenegro: Association Spectra, LGBT Forum Progress, Montenegrin LGBTIQ+ Association Queer Montenegro
• North Macedonia: TransFormA, Coalition Margins
• Poland: Lambda Warsaw Association, Love Does Not Exclude Association, Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, Interaction Foundation, Transprzyjaźń, tranzycja.pl (with input from independent scholar Kornel Sobczak)
• Portugal: Associação ILGA Portugal, Rede ex aequo 
• Republic of Moldova: GENDERDOC-M Information Centre 
• Romania: Asociația Pride
• Serbia: Labris, Kolektiv Talas TIRV/Collective wave TIGV
• Slovak Republic: Saplinq, o.z.
• Slovenia: Association Cultural, Informational and Counseling Center Legebitra
• Spain: Federación Estatal de Lesbianas, Gais, Trans, Bisexuales, Intersexuales y más (FELGTBI+)
• Türkiye: SPoD, ÜniKuir
• Ukraine: Gender Stream
• United Kingdom: Mermaids

Additionally, contributions to the final report were made by the Eurocentralasian Lesbian* Community (EL*C), Organisation Intersex International Europe (OII Europe), and Trans Europe and Central Asia (TGEU).

As we celebrate 25 years of Bi+ Visibility Day, today’s blog is all about a newly organised initiative that’s gaining momentum in Europe.

For today’s blog, Barbara Oud, Soudeh Rad, and Jantine van Lisdonk from Bi+ Equal, an emerging bi+ umbrella organisation working to reshape how bi+ people and bi+ equality are understood and supported across Europe, talk about the group’s mission, commitment and future plans. Bi+ Equal is an initiative created by and for bi+ people, aiming to fill the gaps in representation and advocacy that have often left bi+ voices unheard in broader LGBTI spaces.

Bi+ equality

At the heart of Bi+ Equal’s mission is the commitment to advocate for equality and inclusion for all bi+ people across Europe. Bi+ is an inclusive umbrella term that encompasses anyone with a sexual orientation focused on more than one gender. This includes those who identify as bisexual, pansexual, queer, or may choose not to use any specific label for their sexual orientation. The aim is to challenge the monosexual norm, also known as monosexism, which all bi+ people face, regardless of how they identify. Bi+ Equal envisions a pan-European movement that advocates for bi+ equality, ensuring the rights and visibility of all non-monosexual people.

A useful framework for understanding the complexity of being bi+ is the AIB model, which breaks down sexuality into three components: attraction, identity, and behaviour. Unlike monosexuality (attraction to only one gender), where these elements tend to align, in bi+ people, these circles don’t always overlap, reflecting the unique and varied experiences within the bi+ community.

Why we need a bi+ movement in Europe

A bi+ movement is crucial because it addresses the specific needs and challenges faced by bi+ people. The pervasive monosexual norm — the assumption that people are exclusively attracted to one gender — makes it difficult for bi+ people to be recognised fully in both LGBTI and wider societal contexts. Many bi+ people face unique forms of erasure, discrimination and misunderstanding, even within the LGBTI community, highlighting the importance of a bi+ movement dedicated to addressing these issues. As Barbara puts it, ‘We are the biggest group under the LGBTI umbrella, but we remain largely invisible. We need to work on visibility and equality for bi+ people.”

A bi+ entity can ensure advocacy for bi+ rights and provide dedicated spokespeople who can represent bi+ voices and priorities in policy-making and public discourse.

Co-creating the future of a Bi+ umbrella entity

Bi+ Equal’s work is by and for the bi+ community. A key component in order to create this entity and decide whether it should be an organisation, a network, a collective or community, or any other type of grouping, is Bi+ Equal’s newly launched survey. Designed to assess the state of bi+ activism across Europe and capture the lived experiences and needs of bi+ people, this survey not only reflects the diversity within the bi+ community but also aims to guide the co-creation of future priorities for the movement.

By centering bi+ voices and experiences, Bi+ Equal is helping to shape the future of bi+ activism in Europe. Bi+ people are encouraged to participate in the survey and join the movement, as our insights and involvement are vital for creating a vibrant, inclusive bi+ community that advocates for our shared needs and rights. If you wish to participate in the survey, send an email to research@biplusequal.org, and you will receive a personalised (and anonymous) link.

In the ever-evolving landscape of LGBTI activism, staying ahead with the right tools and strategies is essential. At ILGA-Europe we offer free training from experts in the field of strategic communications and it’s easily accessible from wherever you are. Find out more in today’s blog.

Are you taking advantage of the opportunity to access free, practical resources to enhance your communications and campaigning skills as an LGBTI activist or organisation? Our Skills Boost sessions bridge the gap between broad online resources and in-depth, hands-on coaching, offering activists practical training on topics that matter most. These sessions are designed to be engaging, relevant, and most importantly, actionable.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to upgrade your approach, our Skills Boost sessions offer expert guidance and personalised feedback, making it easier for you to implement what you learn. On top of that, there is space for peer learning, because you can give and receive feedback from other activists who are doing the same or similar work in their contexts.

Check out a few past Skills Boost sessions below, and take the opportunity to sharpen your skills and join a growing community of activists committed to making a real impact!

Skills Boost on Data Visualisation for LGBTI Communication

Communicating with visuals is more important than ever. This session focused on how LGBTI activists can transform complex data into compelling visual stories. Using data from our Rainbow Map, participants were guided through the process of creating powerful visualisations—no design experience required.

Skills Boost on Effective Fundraising Campaigns for LGBTI Activists

This session focused on creating successful fundraising campaigns targeting individual donors. The workshop provided insights into best practices and real-world examples to inspire effective fundraising efforts.

Skills Boost for LGBTI Activists: Media Interview Practice

Getting your message across in TV interviews can be daunting. This session offered practical guidance on how to prepare for media appearances, particularly in TV interviews. Participants learned about crafting messaging, handling technical aspects of interviews, and navigating difficult questions—all with a focus on personal wellbeing.

Skills Boost on Digital Ads for LGBTI Groups

Led by digital consultant Jean O’Brien, this session explored how to maximise the impact of digital ads with little or no budget. From choosing the right platform to getting the most out of Meta ads (Facebook and Instagram), the workshop provided practical strategies for effective digital campaigns, even when resources are limited.

Skills Boost: Useful Communications Strategies for LGBTI Activists

This session demystified communications strategies for LGBTI organisations. Participants explored what makes a strong communications strategy and heard from organisations that have successfully implemented their own strategies.

Are you interested in joining our next Skills Boost?

Upcoming: Skills Boost on Useful Communications Strategies for LGBTI Groups – Take It to the Next Level

Join us on Wednesday, 25 September at 12:00 CEST for a 60-minute session where Ljubljana Pride will share how they developed multiple communications strategies for different areas of their work. Learn how to update your own strategy and decide if you need more than one. Register now to take your comms skills to the next level!

This statement was drafted by IGLYO with input from UK inclusive education experts and Members, and was endorsed by ILGA-Europe and Transgender Europe (TGEU).

We condemn the UK Statutory Guidance for Schools & Colleges and their failure to include trans and non-binary students in an affirming, supportive way.

Returning to school in September should be an exciting time for young people, catching up with friends, and new adventures ahead. Yet, trans children and young people in England continue to be targeted by exclusionary policies in education. On 2 September, the UK government published its updated legally-binding guidance for schools and colleges in England, with a section on LGBT persons that remains under review, titled “Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024”. 

While we recognise the importance of providing clear guidance to schools and colleges in relation to safeguarding young people, we are concerned about the harmful and untrue narratives underlying this guidance in relation to young people’s identity. If kept in its current state, this guidance could provide a pathway to strip young trans people of their rights and agency, while perpetuating harmful stereotypes.  

We are particularly concerned by the following:

1. The updated guidance refers to children and young people being LGB in affirming ways but has removed parallel references for trans children and young people. We strongly condemn the government’s decision to remove trans identities from this list and its previous guidance and stress the need to reintroduce language that protects young trans people. To keep trans children safe in education, we call upon the UK government to recognise the harms of transphobia and bullying ever present in UK schools and colleges and to provide a clear framework in relation to safeguarding trans children’s well-being and identity.  
2. We also note with concern that the UK government continuously refuses to recognise trans identities in young people as real, conflating such terminology with ‘gender questioning’ throughout its guidance. This rejects the idea that young people can be trans. We recall that this linguistic shift was observed in other recent government guidance, including the draft schools and colleges guidance “Gender questioning children” and the “Draft Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education” statutory guidance. 
3. The UK government cross-references guidance that is in draft form and in consultation to reinforce its harmful messaging. There has been no response by the government to the consultation, including to concerns expressed through inputs by educators, policy experts, human rights groups, and young people themselves during the consultation. 
4. The “Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024” guidance uses the Cass Review as an evidentiary basis for this policy change, despite its poor and inconsistent use of evidence, pathologising approaches, and exclusion of service users and trans healthcare experts.  As stated by healthcare activist and feminist researcher Dr Ruth Pearce in an article titled “What’s wrong with the Cass Review? A round-up of commentary and evidence” (2024), the Cass Review “has been extensively criticised by trans community organisations, medical practitioners, plus scholars working in fields including transgender medicine, epidemiology, neuroscience, psychology, women’s studies, feminist theory, and gender studies”. 
5. The “Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024” guidance recommends that families are involved in social transition in schools, despite the potential safeguarding risks of outing students to their caregivers. Research by Galop (2022), UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, noted that 2 in 5 trans or non-binary people had experienced abuse at the hands of family members, with the majority experiencing this before they turned 18 and often in relation to their gender identity. We reiterate that all young people, including trans young people, have the right to privacy, which must be respected. Trans children and young people should be supported in choosing for themselves when and how to share information about themselves with their parents or guardians. We are also concerned that the government refers to ‘exceptionally rare’ situations in which there could be a safeguarding reason to not inform parents but provides no evidence for this being exceptionally rare and no guidance for how schools decide when this risk threshold is met.
6. We also stress that the guidance as it stands now recommends that schools encourage parents to seek “clinical help and guidance”, which is not only dehumanising and pathologising, it is also virtually impossible due to the UK government’s restrictions on gender-affirming care to young trans people. Parents and guardians should listen to trans children and young people and respect their identity and wishes. Not rush them off to a doctor’s office.
7. We further condemn the guidance’s conflation of being trans with mental illness and autism. While some trans young people may experience mental health difficulties both as a result of transphobia and unrelated reasons, neither mental illness nor autism is intrinsic to their gender identity. We urge the government to stop scapegoating trans young people and creating further divides across communities. This is extremely dangerous and harmful to not only trans youth, but also neurodivergent and autistic youth, including those that are both trans and autistic. 

On the guidance, Alex Feis-Bryce (He/him), Executive Director of our UK Member Diversity Role Models noted: “I am very concerned about the lack of clarity this update provides teachers and school leaders on their return to school and the impact it could have on trans young people. The proposed changes, that remain under review, could strip young trans people of their agency. To keep children safe in education and ensure that their right to privacy is protected, any education policy should recognise the challenges young trans people currently face in education, including bullying on the basis of their real or perceived difference, not introduce additional barriers.”

The “Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024” guidance is just another step in the deeply worrying march toward the attack against trans people in the UK. We urge our members across the Council of Europe region to take note and prepare for similar attacks in their home nations. 

IGLYO, the world’s largest network for LGBTQI young people and students, and signatories of this statement ILGA-Europe and Transgender Europe (TGEU) call on the UK government and policymakers to stop fueling this moral panic against trans young people and discard dangerous changes proposed to the aforementioned pieces of guidance. Trans children are at increasing risk of isolation, alienation and violence. It’s time to get on the right side of history and protect trans children, and their human rights.

As Pride season 2024 comes to a close, we highlight some of the most innovative and impactful initiatives by our allies that have stepped up to support the LGBTI community

Brevo: Celebrating diversity across borders

Brevo, a CRM company, has made a significant impact with its Rainbow Alliance, an internal group formed to foster inclusivity and celebrate diversity. Throughout June, Brevo raised awareness about LGBTI topics across its global offices, culminating in a memorable event featuring Minima Gesté, the iconic French drag queen and Olympic torchbearer.

Minima Gesté hosted a lively drag bingo at the Paris office, showcasing the fun and empowering side of LGBTI culture. This event not only entertained but also educated team members about the struggles faced by LGBTI people. Brevo complemented this with Pride quizzes and decorated its offices in vibrant rainbow colours, reinforcing their message of acceptance and celebration. Furthermore, the company donated to ILGA-Europe, showing its commitment to social justice.

CMS: Ice cream for equality

The law firm CMS also got into the spirit of Pride with an innovative after-work ice creams event. Employees enjoyed delicious treats while contributing to a worthy cause—raising funds for ILGA-Europe. The firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion was evident as they celebrated the richness of their workforce, welcoming everyone regardless of gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Special thanks were given to the team members who organised this delightful initiative, demonstrating how simple acts can have a profound impact.

Qonto: Amplifying impact through donation matching

Qonto, a fintech company, took a strategic approach by matching donations made by its employees. This initiative aimed to amplify the impact of their contributions to the LGBTI community. Qonto’s leadership highlighted the importance of supporting organisations like ILGA-Europe, which operates at a pan-European level. By fostering a culture of inclusivity year-round, Qonto is setting a standard for corporate responsibility in the LGBTI advocacy space.

Eurail: Lunch & learn for awareness

Eurail hosted a “Lunch & Learn” session in Utrecht, providing an opportunity for their team to educate themselves about the current LGBTI rights situation in Europe through the Rainbow Map. The company made a generous donation to ILGA-Europe, aligning with its values of connection and inclusivity. This initiative not only informed employees but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration for a greater cause.

VIA Outlets: Art for awareness

VIA Outlets celebrated Pride Month with its ‘BE PROUD. BE YOU.’ exhibitions, showcasing the work of local artists connected to the LGBTI community. These unique exhibitions, displayed across 11 outlet centres, promoted the stories and experiences of queer individuals. Guests could engage with art and learn about the history of Pride while contributing to ILGA-Europe through donations. The commitment of VIA Outlets to create inclusive spaces for everyone was powerfully articulated by its CEO, Otto Ambagtsheer.

Get Involved!

These initiatives illustrate just a fraction of the many ways organisations, staff teams, and community groups can support ILGA-Europe and the broader LGBTI movement. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps advance equality and acceptance for all.

If you’re inspired by these stories and want to make a difference, we encourage you to explore how you can get involved with ILGA-Europe whether with an initiative with your work team, a community event or a charity livestream. Together, we can create a more inclusive world for the LGBTI community.

In 2024, Greece and Finland have found themselves sharing the same spot—sixth place—on ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map, and that tells us a lot about the diverse ways in which LGBTI rights are changing across Europe.

In an unusual turn of events, Greece and Finland have both secured sixth place on the 2024 ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map. While their scores are identical, the details behind their rankings reveal key differences in their legislative approaches.

What changed from last year?

Finland has retained its sixth-place position from last year, reflecting steady progress in certain areas. A significant development was the lifting of blood donation restrictions for men who have sex with men (MSM) in December 2023. Over 1,700 people have applied for LGR based on self-determination under the new legislation that entered into force in April 2023. However, Finland still lacks a comprehensive LGBTI action plan following the expiration of the Government Action Plan for Gender Equality 2020–2023.

Greece has seen a significant rise from 13th to sixth place, driven by substantial legislative reforms. The introduction of marriage equality, joint adoption, and second parent adoption for same-sex couples marked a major advance. This law also extended non-discrimination principles across various sectors, providing a more comprehensive legal protection for LGBTI people. Despite these gains, Greece faces ongoing issues. Public events in 2023 were reportedly not adequately protected by public authorities, and there has been concern over rising hate speech and hate crimes.

Similarities and differences

Despite their shared score of 70.78% on the Rainbow Map, the legislative landscapes of Greece and Finland are marked by both convergence and divergence. Both countries excel in areas such as employment, education, and health protections for sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics. They also have comprehensive hate crime and hate speech laws, and have ensured the protection of LGBTI civil society.

However, differences in their legal frameworks reveal contrasting approaches to LGBTI rights.

• Finland’s constitution explicitly includes protections for sexual orientation and sex characteristics, a provision that’s absent in Greece.
• Conversely, Greece has enacted bans on conversion practices for both sexual orientation and gender identity, which Finland has yet to adopt.
• Greece also bans unnecessary medical interventions on intersex children.
• Greece has also developed equality action plans covering sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics, which Finland now lacks.
• Finland allows trans people to access legal gender recognition based on self-determination, while in Greece trans activists are still fighting for a fair, transparent legal framework for legal gender recognition based on a process of self-determination and free from abusive requirements.
• Finally, Finland allows medically assisted insemination for couples and recognises trans parenthood, while Greece does not.

Although they are joint sixth place on the Rainbow Map, both countries have long way to go to achieve full equality and human rights for LGBTI people. This is why, with the consultation of LGBTI organisations, we prepared a list of recommendations to improve the legal and policy situation of LGBTI people in both countries.

For Finland, we recommend removing the age restriction in the existing legal gender recognition framework, banning conversion practices, and prohibiting medical intervention on intersex minors. For Greece, our recommendations include introducing a legal framework for legal gender recognition based on a process of self-determination, recognising trans parenthood, and strengthening police protection for LGBTI public events.

The shared ranking of Greece and Finland on the 2024 Rainbow Map is a fascinating case study in the diverse approaches to LGBTI rights within Europe. The Rainbow Map not only tracks these advancements but also serves as a vital tool for identifying areas in need of improvement. For those interested in delving deeper, there is a feature to compare countries, explore individual categories, download datasets and graphics, and gain insights into the current state of LGBTI rights across Europe.