Rainbow Digest May 2026
What does Spain’s rise to No.1 on the Rainbow Map really signal for Europe?
Spain breaks Malta’s decade-long hold on the Rainbow Map top ranking
Published on 12 May, ILGA-Europe’s 18th Rainbow Map, ranking 49 European countries on laws and policies impacting LGBTI people, ends Malta’s ten year reign with Spain taking the top position.
Spain’s No’1 ranking is more than a measure of policy progress. At a moment when authoritarian forces are pressing in on European democracy from east and west, and when LGBTI rights are being heavily weaponised as a political tool, Spain’s forward momentum is a strong example of what democratic leadership can look like.
Yet a top ranking on the Rainbow Map measures laws and policies, not lived reality. In Spain, as elsewhere, the gap between legal progress and daily experience remains stark.
“This year’s Rainbow Map tells two stories at once. One of genuine courage, in Spain, in courtrooms, and in leaders who are choosing to stand with their communities rather than scapegoat them. And one of real and growing danger that cannot be underestimated. The question every government in Europe must now answer is which story they want to be part of.” – Katrin Hugendubel, Deputy Director of ILGA-Europe
Visit the interactive Rainbow Map website
ILGA-Europe news
New report on LGBTI socio-economic inequalities
We launched our new report on socio-economic inequalities experienced by LGBTI people in Europe last month, based on the data from the European Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) 2025 LGBTIQ III survey, identifying key patterns and disparities.
New learning resource: How to Speak so People Listen
Everything changed for Transakcija in Slovenia, when they completely redefined their tone of voice across advocacy and community work. Find out how they did it with the new addition to our free learning resource Hub. This case study gives real insight for anyone working in advocacy, communications, or community organising, especially in LGBTI and civil society spaces.
Join our 30th year celebration
On Wednesday 3 June, we are celebrating three decades of changemakers, and calling on a new generation to meet this moment. Join us at the ILGA-Europe Equality Fundraiser for an evening of solidarity, celebration, and impact.
Latest news
CONVERSION PRACTICES
European Commission commits to a Recommendation on ending conversion practices
The European Commission will issue a Recommendation to Member States to ban conversion practices on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. The EC calls on national legislative bans in every Member State, proper training for professionals, and survivor-centred support systems that recognise the scale of the harm.
EQUALITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION
UK publishes a draft Code of Conduct that calls on exclusion of trans people
On 21 May, The United Kingdom government published updated the Code of Practice for services, public functions, and associations, following the decision of the UK Supreme Court on the definition of ‘women’ and ‘sex’. The new draft Code tells service providers to exclude trans people from using services according to their gender identity.
FAMILY
Poland recognises same-sex marriage conducted abroad
On 14 May, the civil registry in Warsaw issued the first transcription of a marriage certificate for a same-sex couple, following the Court of Justice of the European Union’s ruling in November requiring Poland to recognise marriages conducted in another state.
FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY
Odesa Pride in Ukraine took the streets for the first time since beginning of the full-scale war
The LGBTI community in Odesa, Ukraine organised Pride events from 11 May to 17 May, ending the week with a Pride March. “For us, this was not just a Pride march,” the organisers said. “It was a return — to Odesa, to our streets, to visibility, and to the right to be present in the public space of our own city.”
HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS
Russia labels LGBTI journalist an “extremist” as crackdown expands beyond organisations
As of May this year, nine LGBTI organisations have now been designated “extremist” in Russia, including Coming Out, LGBT Resource Centre in Yekaterinburg, Parni+, Moscow Community Centre, Irida, Russian LGBT Network, Kallisto, T9 NSK and Centre-T. Several others are expecting court hearings in the coming months. The crackdown is also expanding beyond organisations to individuals. In late April, queer journalist Vadim Vaganov was labelled an “extremist” by the Russian authorities, reportedly the first publicly identified individual linked to the so-called “International LGBT Movement” under Russia’s extremist designation framework.
“The status of an “extremist organisation” is not simply a label. It is a tool of isolation. It is meant to frighten readers, cut off the authors, intimidate donors, complicate the team’s work, deepen our fears for our relatives, and create a void around us.” – Evgeny Pisemskiy, founder and editor of Parni+, an online LGBTQ media outlet.
Trans activist Defne Güzel is acquitted from charges
The first hearing in the case against Defne Güzel, Chair of the Board of the May 17 Association in Turkey, was held on 17 May. The prosecutor requested Güzel’s acquittal due to lack of sufficient evidence, and the court ruled in favour. Defne Güzel was charged under the Law on Associations over publications addressing intersex experiences and LGBTI rights, which Turkish authorities claim violated “public morality.”
Sign the petition to implement anti-SLAPP protections
SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) silence journalists, activists, and anyone who dares to hold power to account and they are a direct threat to democracy. Civil society organisations call on European governments to urgently and fully transpose the EU Anti-SLAPP Directive into strong national laws that actually protect people.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC JUSTICE
EU publishes the first-ever Anti-Poverty Strategy
The Strategy’s recognition of discrimination and stigma as barriers to employment, education, housing, and services is significant and long overdue, and mentions LGBTI people as a vulnerable group.
Have your say on the future of housing in the EU
The European Commission is conducting a study on equal treatment in housing in the European Union. Civil society organisations are invited to fill out an online survey until 26 June. Your insights will be key in shaping a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape and informing future actions on housing.
Notice board
- TGEU launched their 2026 Trans Rights Index and Map. Check out on the interactive website.
- IGLYO published a new report on LGBTQI youth mental health. Download your own copy.
- OII Europe published their Annual Good Practice Map on intersex rights in Europe. Check it out.
- PILnet, in collaboration with EY Law and Pro Publico, is organising a webinar on 9 June about operating a Belgian nonprofit organisation. Register here.
- The Council of Europe has a new call for grants for youth projects and organises an event on disinformation between 9-10 November. Read more and apply.
- EL*C – EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community launched a new call for proposals to support lesbian organisations in Europe and Central Asia. Apply before 8 June.
- The European Disability Forum launched a grant programme to support projects on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Apply by 5 July.
- IPPF is looking for a Senior Advisor on SOGIESC and an Events and Administration Intern. Apply here.
