Can we truly speak of equality when some people still hesitate to hold their partner’s hand in the street for fear of being insulted, threatened or attacked?
Across Europe, important progress has been made in recent years. LGBTIQA+ people are more visible, legal protections have improved in many countries, and public support for equality has grown. Yet discrimination, harassment and violence remain part of everyday life for too many people.
According to the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, more than half of LGBTIQ people surveyed in Europe reported having experienced hate-motivated harassment, while more than one third reported discrimination because of being LGBTIQ. These experiences also vary significantly from one Member State to another, showing that equality in law does not always mean equality in practice.
LGBTIQA+ rights do not concern only a minority. They reflect whether a society is able to guarantee the same dignity, safety, opportunities and freedoms to everyone. The European Union is founded on democracy, equality, freedom and respect for fundamental rights. Promoting LGBTIQA+ equality is therefore not only a social issue: it is a democratic one.
Understanding LGBTIQA+ Equality
LGBTIQA+ equality means that every person, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics, can enjoy the same rights, protection and opportunities under the law and in everyday life.
At European level, non-discrimination is a core principle. The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union prohibits discrimination on several grounds, including sexual orientation. The European Commission has also adopted the LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026–2030, which aims to strengthen protection, safety and inclusion for LGBTIQ+ people across the European Union.
However, national legislation remains uneven. Some countries recognise same-sex marriage, protect rainbow families and provide legal gender recognition, while others still offer limited safeguards. In some places, trans, intersex and non-binary people face particular legal and social barriers. This shows that European progress does not automatically translate into equal protection everywhere.
Progress and Persistent Challenges
Over recent decades, Europe has made significant progress in recognising LGBTIQA+ rights. Anti-discrimination policies have expanded, LGBTIQA+ communities have become more visible, and public support has increased in many countries, including Spain, Belgium and Iceland.
However, these advances do not mean that discrimination has disappeared.
Many LGBTIQA+ people still avoid being open about their identity in certain contexts, particularly at work, at school, in public spaces or with family members, because they fear negative reactions. Harassment, hate speech and violence continue to affect people’s mental health, safety and ability to participate fully in society.
Young people are particularly affected. The feeling of not being accepted can have serious consequences for mental health, self-confidence, education and social participation. When young people do not feel safe to be themselves, their ability to learn, grow, lead and contribute to society is limited.
Why LGBTIQA+ Equality Matters for Democracy
Democracy is not measured only by free elections. It also depends on whether every person can participate in public life without fear, exclusion or discrimination.
A recent Nature Human Behaviour study, based on more than 82,000 sexual and gender diverse participants across 153 countries, found that homophobia and economic precarity are strongly linked to lower well-being. This confirms what civil society has long witnessed: discrimination does not remain private. It affects people’s health, opportunities, civic participation and sense of belonging.
Promoting LGBTIQA+ equality therefore helps build more inclusive and resilient democracies. Non-discrimination policies, inclusive education, awareness-raising initiatives and community-led action all play an essential role in challenging prejudice and strengthening social cohesion.
When people feel respected and safe, trust grows. Participation grows. Communities become stronger. Conversely, when discrimination is tolerated, fundamental rights are weakened and affected individuals may be pushed out of public, social and democratic life.
The Role of Youth and Civil Society
Building a more inclusive society is not only the responsibility of governments. Schools, universities, youth organisations, associations, institutions and citizens all have a role to play.
Young people are often at the heart of new forms of engagement for equality, diversity and human rights. They mobilise, organise, educate, challenge stereotypes and create spaces where everyone can feel seen and valued.
This is precisely the perspective that guides Eduxo.eu’s work. Through youth participation, civic education, inclusion and advocacy, Eduxo.eu contributes to building a society where everyone can take part in shaping the future.
As Audre Lorde reminds us: “It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”
LGBTIQA+ equality is about ensuring that every person can live with the same dignity, opportunities and protection. Europe has made significant progress, but many challenges remain before these rights become a reality for everyone.
Building inclusive societies requires effective policies, education based on human rights, and active civic participation, particularly among young people.
Creating a world where LGBTIQA+ people feel seen, valued and safe requires collective action.
At Eduxo.eu, we believe that by standing together, we can make a difference.
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Article By Alix-Ann Dumetz