ILGA-Europe

Our newly branded and reloaded #RainbowMap 2024 is live, ranking from top to bottom European countries on their legal and policy situation for LGBTI people. As Europe heads towards multiple elections, including the EU elections next month, #LGBTI rights have become a marker for the protection of freedom and democracy amid the rise of far right forces, new Rainbow Map finds. Check it out now! https://lnkd.in/e_sSjDhV

Activists across Europe are working to end conversion practices, but the insidious and underground methods out there of trying to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity make for a battle against many odds. We sat down with some of these activists to discuss the complexities involved for working to end conversion practices. Read more in our blog at https://lnkd.in/e2H9pHQp #endconversionpractices #endconversiontherapy #banconversionpractices #banconversiontherapies

Yesterday the Constitutional Court of #Lithuania declared the anti-LGBTI provisions of the Law on the Protection of Minors from Negative Effects of Public Information unconstitutional. The provisions banned portrayal of #LGBTI families in the public sphere, including public events, since 2009. The Constitutional Court’s decision comes after the European Court of Human Rights found the law to violate Article 10 ECHR on the right to #freedomofexpression. ILGA-Europe supported this case along with Article 19 and the International Justice Clinic via a #thirdpartyintervention. We also supported our member organisation LGL, which worked tirelessly to repeal this law, in a Rule 9 submission, in association with the Lithuanian Centre for Human Rights and the Human Rights Monitoring Institute. It is now up to the government of Lithuania to ensure full and timely implementation of the Constitutional Court’s decision and repeal the discriminatory law.

Funding opportunities: 💸 The European Commission has a call for proposals for action grants to support transnational projects on training of #justice professionals covering civil law, criminal law or fundamental rights. You can send your proposals by 26 March: https://lnkd.in/gEsDxU8v 💸 Digital Freedom Fund is accepting applications for funding for strategic litigation to advance #digitalrights in Europe. Send your proposals by 17 February: https://lnkd.in/grB5bZT 💸 European AI & Society Fund launched two new funding opportunities: #AI Accountability Grants and AI Act Implementation Grants. Applications are open until 6 January: https://lnkd.in/eQ_fpUfb

The recent decision to indefinitely ban the private prescription of #pubertyblockers for trans youth in the #UK marks a profoundly troubling development in the ongoing struggle for the rights of #trans people and access to necessary, life-saving and evidence-based healthcare. It is a deeply political decision that overrides years of established medical guidance and expertise. ILGA-Europe, IPPF European Network, TGEU — Trans Europe and Central Asia, IGLYO — The International LGBTQI Youth & Student Organisation, and The Kite Trust call on the UK government to reconsider this harmful decision and to engage meaningfully with both the medical and scientific community and civil society groups representing the interests of #transyouth and trans adults.

📚Excited to share a new blog post I co-authored with my former ILGA-Europe colleague Arpi Avetisyan on the Strasbourg Observers in which we analyse the European Court of Human Rights judgments in the Y.T. v Bulgaria case concerning the lack of legal framework for legal gender recognition in Bulgaria.

Today on #InternationalMigrantsDay we call attention to hasty decisions made by governments to either return #Syrian refugees or pause asylum processes, in the wake of the toppling of the Assad regime. These political decisions will adversely affect many, including #LGBTI asylum seekers who are in specific danger, and are in danger of not have their applications processed accordingly. We call to ensure non-refoulement and proper assessment for all asylum claims, including for LGBTI #refugees and other persons in vulnerability.

We are at the #EqualRightsCoalition (ERC) Conference in Berlin, a global diplomatic forum where governments and civil society come together to advance LGBTI rights worldwide. This year, the focus is on tackling pushbacks against LGBTI rights and promoting sustainable progress. In her speech, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock underscored that attacks on gender, women’s rights and the rights of #LGBTI people are indicative of populist attacks on human rights and the rule of law. Diverse societies are strong societies as she put it and thus a threat to those who want to undermine democratic societies, urging governments to stand firm and act decisively. In his powerful address, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk emphasised that attacks on LGBTI rights are inseparable from broader human rights crises. He urged states to support unity and interconnectedness across the global human rights agenda. Governments must step up against the escalating attacks on LGBTI rights, both in Europe and globally. Resourcing #civilsociety is crucial in these efforts. Protecting LGBTI communities is not optional – it is a critical part of defending democracy and human dignity. LSVD⁺ – Verband Queere Vielfalt Fundación Arcoíris Katrin Hugendubel

On the International Day to End Violence Against #SexWorkers, we echo the new report by the ESWA highlighting criminalisation, stigmatisation and social marginalisation against sex workers. #Decriminalisation of sex work, combatting structural discrimination, and inclusion and engagement of sex workers are key steps to ensure respect of #humanrights of sex workers. Read report 'Exposed from All Sides' 👉 https://lnkd.in/dYVwZEYX #InternationalDaytoEndViolenceAgainstSexWorkers

Join ILGA-Europe as a #CommunicationsStrategy Consultant! Are you ready to help shape the future of communication for one of the leading voices advocating for LGBTI rights in Europe and Central Asia? ILGA-Europe is seeking a skilled communications #consultancy to develop a comprehensive three-year (2026–2029) Strategic Communications Plan. ILGA-Europe works with over 750 member organisations across 54 countries to advocate for equality, amplify diverse voices, and empower the #LGBTI movement. Your expertise will play a critical role in positioning ILGA-Europe as a dynamic leader in the movement, strengthening narratives, and amplifying voices across diverse audiences. In this role, you will assess ILGA-Europe's current communication strategies, enhance our digital and traditional media engagement, and create an adaptable framework for the future. The consultancy will focus on expanding movement visibility, shaping inclusive narratives, engaging new audiences, and ensuring LGBTI rights are positioned within broader social justice and human rights contexts. If you are passionate about creating impactful #communications and building solidarity within an evolving digital and political landscape, we invite you to apply to work with us on this exciting project. Join us in advancing equality, inclusion, and systemic change for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia! Read more and apply before 25 January at https://lnkd.in/eQAKwg7J The visual art that is used on our communications about this call is created by DARNStudio for Fine Acts x OBI. We made changes to the original artwork.