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The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Intersex (LGBTQI) Youth Student Organisation

IGLYO

Founded in 1984 and based in Brussels, IGLYO is the largest member-based network in the world dedicated to LGBTQI children and young people, and their rights.

Lobbying Activity

Response to The new Action Plan on the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights

10 Sept 2025

This brief outlines critical priorities for LGBTQI youth under the forthcoming European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) Action Plan. The brief presents clear, evidence-based insights into the systemic inequalities faced by LGBTQI young people across Europe and offers concrete, actionable recommendations that align closely with the EUs vision of a Union of Equality. // Key Contributions of the Brief IGLYO's brief effectively demonstrates that LGBTQI youth continue to face widespread discrimination in key areas of lifeeducation, employment, housing, healthcare, and civic participationdespite the EU's progressive legal frameworks. The inclusion of up-to-date data, such as the 2023 FRA LGBTIQ Survey, adds urgency and credibility to the briefs claims. Notably, the disproportionate rates of homelessness, mental health distress, and school-based exclusion among LGBTQI youth, particularly trans and intersex individuals, underscore the inadequacy of current social protection systems in addressing their needs. // Alignment with EPSR Principles The brief highlights clear gaps between EPSR principles and the lived experiences of LGBTQI youth: Principle 1 (Education and training) and Principle 3 (Equal opportunities) are undermined by persistent bullying, exclusion, and lack of inclusive curricula. Principle 5 (Secure and adaptable employment) is not met for many LGBTQI youth due to discrimination in hiring and the lack of protections in informal or precarious work. Principle 11 (Childcare and support to children) and Principle 19 (Housing and assistance for the homeless) fail to adequately reach LGBTQI youth, especially those rejected by families or facing intersecting vulnerabilities. Principle 16 (Healthcare) remains out of reach for many due to stigma, inaccessibility of affirming services, and mental health crises exacerbated by social exclusion. The brief rightly emphasizes the need for an intersectional approach, reflecting how multiple layers of marginalization (based on race, disability, migration status, etc.) compound exclusion for many LGBTQI youth. // Key Recommendations Establishing EU minimum standards on inclusive education and teacher training. Prioritizing LGBTQI youth in the EU Anti-Poverty Strategy and Housing Action Plan, with specific allocation of ESF+ and other structural funds. Incorporating LGBTQI-specific needs into the Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health and improving access to transition-related and affirming healthcare. Developing youth-focused employment schemes that counter workplace discrimination. Ring-fencing long-term, simplified EU funding for youth-led LGBTQI organisations and ensuring their participation in EPSR monitoring processes.
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Response to EU Civil Society Strategy

27 Aug 2025

Civil society organisations (CSOs) are a cornerstone of democracy, the rule of law, human rights, transparency and social cohesion. They act as watchdogs, service providers, advocates, and community-builders. For marginalised communities such as LGBTQI youth, grassroots CSOs serve as essential lifelines for LGBTQI young people, providing safe spaces, advocacy, peer support, and visibility in societies where discrimination, violence, and exclusion remain prevalent. Yet across the European Union, civil society organisations (CSOs), especially those defending the rights of LGBTQI people, are facing a dangerous and accelerating trend: the shrinking of civic space. In recent years, we have witnessed a growing number of EU Member States introducing laws or policies that restrict freedom of assembly and association, limit access to funding, and vilify LGBTQI communities in political and media discourseframing those defending the rights of marginalised groups as foreign agents or threats to morality or national values, leading to the erosion of public trust in civil society, the proliferation of violence and the polarisation of our communities. While these challenges do affect civil society as a whole, youth-led LGBTQI organisations face unique vulnerabilities and are at higher risk. They are often small, volunteer-run, and work with limited resources. They represent young voices challenging the status quo, and they defend rights that are politically contested in some Member States. IGLYO, as the largest international LGBTQI youth and student network in the world, with over 120 member organisations in more than 40 countries, is witnessing these trends in real time. Our members report: 1. Increasing legal restrictions on freedom of association, assembly, and expression. 2. Police bans on Pride marches and youth gatherings under the pretext of protecting minors. 3. Governments are imposing foreign agent laws to stigmatise NGOs with international funding. 4. Administrative and bureaucratic obstacles designed to exhaust smaller LGBTQI organisations, such as complex registration processes, sudden and unexplained deregistration of organisations, disproportionate reporting obligations, and opaque funding decisions. 5. Escalating attacks from both state and non-state actors, with minimal or no protection from authorities. Online harassment campaigns, amplified by political figures, target young activists personally. 6. Political marginalisation, where consultations are tokenistic, inaccessible, or completely absent. These conditions are part of a broader trend of democratic backsliding affecting the EU as a whole. As such, the EU has both a moral duty and a legal obligation, under the Treaties, the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and international human rights law to safeguard the rights of all people, including LGBTQI youth, to organise, speak, and participate freely. This brief outlines the key challenges facing youth-led LGBTQI organisations in the EU and proposes concrete, structural measures the European Commission and other EU institutions should take to ensure protection, participation, and sustainable funding for civil society.
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Meeting with Ana Carla Pereira (Director Justice and Consumers) and

27 Feb 2025 · Exchange of views on the implementation of the LGBTIQ equality strategy 2020-2025 and the new LGBTIQ equality strategy post-2025

Meeting with Kim Van Sparrentak (Member of the European Parliament)

4 Dec 2024 · LGBTQIA+ rights

Meeting with Kim Van Sparrentak (Member of the European Parliament) and The European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association and EL*C - EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community

11 Sept 2024 · LGBTIQ+ rights and the future of the LGBTIQ+ intergroup

Meeting with Marc Angel (Member of the European Parliament)

9 Oct 2023 · LGBTI Rights

Meeting with Frances Fitzgerald (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur) and EUROPEAN TRADE UNION CONFEDERATION and

27 Oct 2022 · Proposal for a Directive on combatting violence against women and domestic violence

Meeting with Věra Jourová (Commissioner) and Amnesty International Limited and

16 Feb 2015 · Equal Treatment Directive