ILGA-Europe’s Post

ILGA-Europe's #RainbowMap 2024 is out! The map shows that #hatecrime and #hatespeech on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics are prohibited in #Belgium, #Denmark, #Iceland, #Malta and some regions in #Spain and the #UK. Which countries need to follow? Find out below ⬇

Nine years ago, on this very same map, the UK was one of the highest scoring countries in Europe (86%). Today that score is just 51% and things are getting worse for the LGBTI community. This decline is not by chance, but rather from consistent and targeted attacks on queer people by the government, its "minister for equalities”, and MPs.    Unfortunately, this does not look set to change with the next government. And, with too frequent headlines showing the impact of anti-trans rhetoric leading to violence and abuse, something needs to give.      Outside of the UK, there are some bright spots where governments aren't giving in to staple right-wing attacks on minority groups. Spain, Belgium, and Iceland are front runners for the protection, promotion, and support of the LGBTI community. For the upcoming EU, Belgian, and (eventually) UK elections, we need to champion candidates who will champion us. Voting is not the main solution, but a way to build a foundation through which we can create change. 

Another (expected yet) disturbing year for #LGBTI people across 49 countries in #Europe. #Italy maintains its 36th position, scoring 25.4% against a #EU average of 46.8%. 6️⃣ countries recognize trans #parenthood 6️⃣ - the countries in which LGBTI people have zero/null/inexistent legal protection from #discrimination 🔟 countries have banned #conversion therapy 🔟 countries don't have any legal or administrative procedure in place for legal #gender recognition 1️⃣ 8️⃣ - countries without any legal protection for same-sex partnerships 2️⃣ 7️⃣ countries that recognize gender identity and sexual orientation as qualifying criteria for #asylum seeking. Only 6 offer protection to #intersex asylum seekers.

ILGA Europe published its much-awaited Rainbow Index and Rainbow Map of Europe. While maintaining its 14th position, the Netherlands has shown a modest improvement in its score, marking a step forward in LGBTQI+ rights. These results, in line with the latest FRA LGBTQI+ monitor report, which highlighted a concerning rise in violence and harassment, are crucial for us to understand the current state of affairs. I remain hopeful that the European Union and the Dutch government will not only prioritise but also actively work towards LGBTQI+ inclusion. Despite recent conservative victories, I believe in the potential for progress and change and that we continue advocating for a more inclusive society. #LGBTQIstatistics #FRA #LGBTQI #EU #NL

We can do much better than 15th on the #RainbowMap 🏳️🌈🇪🇺🇮🇪 Passing the Hate Crime Bill (our poorest performing category) and enacting a full ban on ‘conversion practices’ are two areas that are crucial for improving our 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ record. #ILGA #Europe #LGBT #RainbowEurope #HateCrime #StopHate #BanConversionPractices #BanConversionTherapy #Advocacy #Policy #EDI

🌈 ILGA-Europe's 2024 #RainbowMap is an important reminder of the ongoing struggle to secure LGBTQI+ rights across our continent. This aligns with the results of our latest survey (https://lnkd.in/eNGVCMn6), which gathered the responses of more than 1,000 children identifying as members of the LGBTQI+ community, showing that: ⚠Concern about the future is particularly common among minority groups, with 67% of LGBTQI+ children expressing such concerns. Social challenges, such as loneliness, bullying, or discrimination, are significant contributors to mental health challenges. Children from minority groups mention these challenges more often than others, particularly LGBTQI+ children. ⚠36% of LGBTQI+ children do not feel that they can be themselves at home most of the time, while only a third of them think that they can be themselves at school. ⚠LGBTQI+ children face discrimination because of their sexual orientation (71%) and gender identity (51%). In a year when millions of EU citizens will be asked to vote, let's strive to build a society that respects, protects, and empowers all its citizens. A society where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics, can be who they are, love who they want, and live without fear of violence or discrimination. #UseYourVote → elections.europa.eu #LGBTQI #HumanRights #IDAHOT2024 #ChildRights #EUelections #EuropeanElections

Happy #PrideMonth 🌈 These are 4 easy and concrete actions that I think professionals and companies could implement to improve LGBTQIA+ people's working experiences and create safe spaces for everyone: 1. Start putting 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐬 in the email signature and when introducing yourself to a new stakeholder, and, where possible, use 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 for internal/external communications. This has two upsides: on one side, non-binary, transgender and gender non-conforming people will feel safer in sharing their gender identity in the work context; on the other, it will help normalize the discourse about pronouns 🖊️ 2. Facilitate 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 through workshops, virtual coffees, dedicated teams and initiatives etc. to talk and clarify topics about the LGBTQIA+ community - it doesn't always have to be a frontal lesson, it can also be a roundtable where everyone is invited to share their experiences, questions and/or doubts 🗣️ 3. Promote social change through 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 and 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 to organizations that make of advocacy and campaigning for LGBTQIA+ rights their core activity 📢 4. Last but not least, keep working on 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 towards LGBTQIA+ people - the map below is proof that we have come a long way, but that there is still much we must do ✨

Today is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). The 2024 #RainbowMap published by ILGA-Europe shows that while authoritarian leaders across Europe continue to use the scapegoating of LGBTI people to divide and mobilise their electorates, others are conversly showing robust political will to honour commitments to advancing and protecting the human rights of LGBTI people.  The #RainbowMap shows only 1% positive change for LGBTI people in Macedonia from 2023, this year ranking 32nd with 30.5%, which is 20% less that the EU average and one of the lowest in the WB region.

🌈 It's with a heavy heart and deep disappointment that I address the recent findings on the ILGA Rainbow Map, which once again places Poland at the bottom among EU countries in terms of safety and rights for the LGBTQI+ community. Year after year, witnessing this lack of progress is disheartening. It's a stark reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals in Poland and the urgent need for change. As an LGBTQI+ activist and educator, I am proud to be part of a community that tirelessly advocates for equality and acceptance. Our work is more crucial than ever in the face of such adversity. Yet, despite the setbacks, I remain hopeful for the future. I believe in the power of education, advocacy, and activism to enact positive change. Together, we can create a Poland where every individual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can live freely and without fear of discrimination. Let's continue to raise our voices, educate, and stand in solidarity with one another. 🏳️🌈 #LGBTQI+ #Equality #Activism #Poland #ILGARainbowMap

With the Edo and Ondo governorship elections approaching, there's a renewed call for INEC to prioritise people with disabilities. Our explainer focuses on PWDs and how disinformation can affect less prominent parties in the 2024 off-cycle election. You can read more on this here: https://lnkd.in/gKrWc4Xp #offcycleelection #Edo #Ondo