Rainbow Digest February 2025
New era of coordinated attacks on foundations of fundamental rights
New era of coordinated attacks on foundations of fundamental rights, our new report finds
Released on 18 February, 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.
“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.”
Chaber, ILGA-Europe’s Executive Director
ILGA-Europe news
How to start a social entrepreneurship?
Is your organisation considering starting up a social enterprise? Join our online session on March 13 to discover how to launch and manage social enterprises.
Register before 10 March.
New funding for racialised LGBTI communities
Our new program will support groups working for and with racialised LGBTI communities in Europe.
Save the date for our Equality Fundraiser
Join us for an evening of support for LGBTI rights at the 2025 ILGA-Europe Equality Fundraiser, on Thursday 26 June in Brussels.
Latest news
ASYLUM
The realities faced by racialised LGBTI asylum seekers
In the first of a new series of blogs, highlighting the work of LGBT organisations tackling injustice, racism, and discrimination, we explore how The Break Isolation Group in Germany supports racialised LGBTI asylum seekers.
BIAS-MOTIVATED VIOLENCE
Black trans woman on trial needs support and solidarity
Cleo, a black trans woman, has been in custody in Germany since May last year, only under general suspicion and without any solid evidence. Her friends started a petition calling for the immediate release of Cleo and demanding more humane conditions for her.
DATA COLLECTION
New research on bi+ movement in Europe
The survey, conducted by Bi+ Equal, shows glaring gaps and points the way forward for a movement that’s often sidelined in the broader LGBTI movement.
Take part in the research on non-binary people and the law
ILGA-Europe, TGEU and OII Europe are calling non-binary people living in Europe and Central Asia to fill out an online survey about their experiences of the law.
EQUALITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION
European Commission unilaterally gives up on anti-discrimination law
On 12 February, the European Commission publicly announced its intention to withdraw the proposal for the Equal Treatment Directive, which aims to close legal gaps in EU anti-discrimination law.
Stop EU’s equality betrayal and defend anti-discrimination now!
Together with other equality networks, we launched a petition calling for European leaders to reaffirm their commitment to a Union of Equality.
New judgement on Russia’s failure to protect the privacy of personal data
The European Court of Human Rights made a judgment in the case of Bazhenov and Others v. Russia, which found a violation of the right to private life. The ruling highlights the failure of Russian authorities to respond adequately to the non-consensual sharing of the applicants’ private data—including their sexual orientation—by private individuals on social networks.
RULE OF LAW
New report highlights threats to democracy and the instrumentalisation of LGBTI people
ILGA-Europe submitted our annual contribution to the European Commission’s consultation ahead of this year’s Rule of Law report. Violence and restrictive legislation against LGBTI individuals are increasing, undermining the rule of law.
Notice board
- Rainbow Mind UK is organising an online workshop on radical self-care on 26 March for LGBTQIA+ BAPOC (Black, Asian, Person of Colour) and racialised activists based in Europe. Register now.
- Registrations are open for Ex Aequo’s LGBTIQ+ health conference, taking place in Brussels between 21-23 May. Apply for scholarships by 20 February.
- IGLYO is calling for presentations and expressions of interest for their upcoming LGBTQI Inclusive Education Conference, which will take place 25-27 June 2025 in Barcelona. Find out more.
- The EGLSF – European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation is inviting LBTI+ women from Europe to take part in their research about the needs of LBTI+ women in sport, barriers and challenges. Complete the survey now.
- PICUM – Platform for Undocumented Migrants is looking for a Finance and Human Resources Officer. Read more and apply by 12 March.
- GiveOut is looking for a Head of Philanthropy to join their team in London. Apply here before 24 March.
- Social Platform is hiring a Policy and Projects Officer and a Communications Assistant for their secretariat in Brussels. Read more and apply by 13 March.
- Lawyers for Lawyers opened the applications for the Access to Justice Training 2025 —a fully funded, one-week training course designed exclusively for young lawyers dedicated to defending LGBTQIA+ rights. Apply before 9 April.
