On December 31, 2024, it will be 1 year, 2 months, and 24 days since Israel’s genocide began. In solidarity with lesbian sisters around the world, EL*C must once again raise its voice for the Palestinians who survive and resist in Gaza. We are not witnessing just a conflict: we are facing an ongoing genocide —a systematic attempt to erase their existence, their history, and their future. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants against Israel leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity [1] and a UN special committee report states that “The policies and practices of Israel (…) are consistent with the characteristics of genocide.” [2]

In light of this evidence, it is imperative for justice to prevail, and for the global community to speak out firmly and unequivocally. Otherwise, silence becomes complicity, contributing to countless deaths, millions of displaced people stripped of their roots, and lives irreparably shattered by such barbarity.

Amid this relentless occupation, people in Gaza are forced to rebuild their lives repeatedly, striving to protect themselves and their loved ones. Lesbians, especially vulnerable in contexts of authoritarianism, violence, and extreme conservatism, endure multiple forms of oppression: for being women, for defying heteronormative standards, and for being Palestinian in a territory subjected to continuous extermination.

In this scenario, the work of ASWAT—the first organization for Palestinian lesbians, also known as the Palestinian Feminist Center for Gender and Sexual Freedoms—is remarkable. Rauda Morcos, the human rights lawyer and activist who helped establish ASWAT, expressed it with clarity to LGBTQ Nation: “I said to myself if I were to die achieving my goal and putting the word out that we are equal within our Palestinian community as women, as lesbians, and as queer, then it’s worth it.” [3]

Today, our Palestinian lesbian sisters continue to survive and resist. We refuse to let their battles, and their stories fade into silence. As this year comes to a close, we remember their names and their voices, not as a mere symbolic act, but as a reaffirmation of their humanity. We honor those who are no longer with us, and we embrace—both with rage and tenderness—those who still stand, who dare to love in the face of horror, those who do not surrender to terror, and, above all, those who cannot withstand the annihilation.

This remembrance is not simply lamentation; it is a call to resilience and resistance. It affirms that, despite the violence, the Palestinian people—and particularly lesbians—continue to exist, create, and persist. Let it be heard loud and clear: standing with them is standing for justice. It means committing ourselves to denouncing genocide and demanding accountability before international bodies. It means insisting on an end to the occupation, fully recognizing the humanity of the Palestinian nation, and unwavering support for their right to life, memory, freedom, identity, and love.

By honoring their struggles, naming the injustices they endure, and resisting the forces that seek to erase them, we celebrate the unyielding courage of lesbians in Gaza. To remember is to reject oblivion. To name is to confront silence. To resist is to reclaim dignity and hope. Because as long as even one lesbian sister in the world is not free, none of us will be.

Notes:

[1] International Criminal Court. (2024, November 21). Situation in the State of Palestine: ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I rejects the State of Israel’s challenges to jurisdiction and issues warrants of arrest for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant [Press release]. https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/situation-state-palestine-icc-pre-trial-chamber-i-rejects-state-israels-challenges

[2] MEE staff. (2024, November 14). UN committee says Israel’s actions ‘consistent with characteristics of genocide’.Middle East Eye. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/un-report-says-israels-actions-consistent-characteristics-genocide

[3] Toesland, F. (2024, May 6). The Palestinian activists fighting for LGBTQ+ rights against a neverending backdrop of war. LGBTQ Nation. https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2024/05/the-palestinian-activists-fighting-for-lgbtq-rights-against-a-neverending-backdrop-of-war/

Disclaimer: EL*C uses the term “lesbian” as a broad inclusive term, that includes all lesbian, bisexual and queer women (both cisgender and trans) and non-binary and intersex persons who feel connected to the lesbian identity and lesbian activism. This includes all LBTI women and non binary persons that identify or are perceived as lesbians, bisexual and queer women.

The “Resourcing Lesbian Movements” grant-making program, funded by EL*C in collaboration with the EU, is set to make a significant impact on human rights across Europe. This initiative aims to resource 31 lesbian projects through financial support and capacity development. These grants directly address the chronic underfunding and lack of resources that have historically hindered the lesbian movement.   

By enhancing lesbian visibility, promoting intersectional inclusion, and enriching cultural diversity, each grant empowers LBTIQ+ organizations to bolster lesbian activists and movements in their national context, thereby promoting and protecting human rights throughout the region.    

This article spotlights five projects in Poland, Hungary and three different regions in Italy. EL*C’s grant has created new centers and hotlines to address violence against lesbians, to support refugees and asylum seekers, provide self-defence and morale-boosting workshops, and trainings to reorganise and bolster established lesbian institutions. Each organisation is therefore ensuring their activists are adequately resourced, trained and skilled, and their communities are supported and able to access necessary services. Together, they are ensuring the lesbian movement is directing its efforts toward co-creating a European United that is free from discrimination and violence based on gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, age, disability or any other factor. 

1. Fundacja Autonomia, Poland 

Since 2007, Fundacja Autonomia have been committed to community-building, educating and empowering Poland’s LGBTIQ+ community, while simultaneously working with the media, legal and civil society institutions to sculpt a polish society that is rooted in the inclusion, freedom and dignity of all citizens. Their perspective is always intersectional, their projects are local and nationwide, and they also implement projects in Belarus and Ukraine.

Fundacja Autonomia dedicated EL*C’s grant to offering WenDo Self-Defense and Assertiveness trainings for LBTIQ+ women and non-binary people. Through this they are strengthening community members as individuals, while also building a sense of solidarity with other lesbians of different ages and backgrounds. They also used the grant to fund another important service for individual health and well-being through the Feminist Queer Football Academy. By reclaiming a space in football for those who are excluded from the game for various reasons – especially by nature of their gender and belonging to discriminated groups – Fundacja Autonomia have formed intergenerational, strong and supportive lesbian communities on and off the pitch.

2. qLit, Hungary 

The heart of qLit has been commited to building community for LBTIQ+ women in Hungary. Foremostly a magazine, first published six years ago, they now also work to activate community and tackle social isolation through activities and events (namely hiking, table tennis and pub quizzes, amongst others). Their extensive efforts to weave community have been primarily self-financed and challenging considering the Hungarian government’s consistent clampdowns on LGBTIQ+ rights and identities. The qLit team greatly benefited from EL*C’s grant as it was placed into necessary team-building and well-being activities, addressing their burn-out and improving their future capacity and resilience. They also sought organizational realignment by introducing more structured workflows and routines.

Due to the spaciousness the grant provided qLit team, they were able to launch new initiatives for the community, such as successfully organizing bike tours and a football tournament for Hungary’s lesbian community. The organization also used the grant to expand their visibility by attending other Pride events in Europe, spreading the word about qLit and the situation for LGBTQ+ people in Hungary, while also forging new international solidarity and opportunities for collaboration.

3. Associazione Lìberas, Italy

The youngest organisation to receive vital financial support from EL*C’s grant, Associazione Lìberas was officially established in 2023, when 22 professionals from various fields collaborated to form a cohesive feminist response to address the troubling phenomenon of gender violence in Cagliari, Sardinia.  

Their main objective is to prevent and combat discrimination and violence of all kinds against women, lesbians, trans and non-binary people and their children. Their approach is intersectional, and they ensure to consider the different aspects that intertwine in lesbian lives, concerning gender identity, sexual orientation, physical characteristics, age, ethnicity, geographical origin, religion, socio-economic conditions, disability and neurodivergence.

Liberas used EL*C’s grant to build the first Feminist and Trans-Feminist Anti-Violence Center in Cagliari for women, lesbians and their children. It provides support in situations of violence within LBTIQ+ and non-binary relationships, in situations of lesbian violence, as well as for women survivors of male violence. With EL*C’s contribution they were able to rent an office and initiate online and offline communications for Cagliari’s Anti-Violence Center. They are also engaging in information and awareness-raising campaigns, and in training new workers and volunteers.

4. Lesbiche Bologna, Italy 

It was becoming increasingly clear to Lesbiche Bologna, that there was a dearth of academic research, literature and information on violence in LBTIQ+ relationships. The organization, founded in 1998 (then as Arcilesbica Bologna club), has been focused on ending discrimination and violence against lesbians and contributed to the increased recognition and visibility of LBTIQ+ women and non-binary people on the political and cultural levels in Italy. Most notably, they directly work to reduce violence within the lesbian community – especially in domestic settings – through their Anti-Violence Center and Hotline. Their confidential and anonymous support line is monitored by trained anti-violence workers, who listen and accompany callers – those who are either experiencing or concerned about experiencing violence in their intimate relationships. Lesbiche Bologna’s team provide a potentially life-saving point of contact (through a feminist and lesbian-informed lens), information, advice, direction and connection to the correct support and services.

EL*C’s grant was put to instant use in funding their academic research and data collection on lesbian domestic violence in Italy. It was also able to provide remuneration to their Anti-Violence Hotline workers for the first time, historically, they have offered their time and services voluntarily. This compensation enabled them to enhance the training of their operators and to regulate the service, and expand hours of availability. Lesbiche Bologna saw an immediate increase in the quality of their interventions, bolstering their capacity to protect and support the lesbian community in Bologna and across the country.

5. Lista Lesbica Italiana, Italy

Italy’s first online lesbian community was born in 1996 in Bologna, where it began as a mailing list to connect and address their social isolation. It soon formed into a tangible community, with events, demonstrations and Pride gatherings. Lista Lesbica became a lifeline for lesbians all over Italy; a place of connection, exploration and self-actualization for almost three decades.

This foundational organization have placed EL*C’s grant into providing reception services and on-going support to lesbian and other LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum seekers. To ensure better inclusion and integration of those seeking asylum, Lista Lesbica are supporting with language courses, legal services and vital psychological assistance. Their project has started in Milan, though the approach and methodology will be disseminated to three other cities in Italy.

EL*C’s grant has been necessary in launching these Trainings, Lesbian Services and Well-Being opportunities to promote and protect the rights and lives of the LBTIQ+ community. Notably, the grant has helped to support the community by expanding the skills and resources available to activists. The grant has therefore helped to create a more supportive environment for these defenders of LGBTIQ+ and women’s rights. With greater skill, dexterity and capacity, these activists and organisations can continue to bolster and support the LGBTIQ+ movement on the local, national, and Europe-wide levels.

The “ Resourcing Lesbian Movements” grant-making program, funded by EL*C in collaboration with the EU, is set to make a significant impact on human rights across Europe. This initiative aims to resource 31 lesbian projects through financial support. These grants directly address the chronic underfunding and lack of resources that have historically hindered the lesbian movement.  

This article spotlights five projects committed to developing diverse and cohesive lesbian communities nationally and internationally. These organisations – based in France, Finland, Germany and Italy – work to create lesbian communities that focus on LBTIQ+ refugees, elders, and those who live outside urban centres. With EL*C’s grant, they are expanding their capacity to create inclusive, intersectional and intergenerational lesbian communities. Through their efforts, the lesbian movement is contributing to Europe’s overall capacity to create societies rooted in equality, dignity and protection for all.

1. Front d’Habitat Lesbien (FHL), France

In the wake of the pandemic, Front d’Habitat Lesbien (FHL) formed as a platform of solidarity, support and community for lesbian refugees and asylum seekers in Paris. They offer a range of integral services, foundationally in the form of housing and accommodation for those who find themselves in precarious situations as they seek asylum in France. FHL also offers practical support to community members by connecting them to mental and physical health services, trainings and education programs, providing support with legal procedures, and creating events to address social exclusion. FHL also collaborate with the authorities and other NGO actors, to support LBTIQ+ women and intervene in cases of discrimination in accommodation or employment.

Through EL*C’s grant support, FHL’s social worker has provided critical assistance to undocumented or asylum-seeking lesbians, facilitating their navigation of the French legal system. One now has a full-time job and is looking for housing, another is preparing to move to her new home, while another was successfully supported with her asylum claim and now awaits her documents for international protection. All are starting to root into French society, finding dignity, freedom and autonomy as a direct result of the designated and specified support of Front d’Habitat Lesbien.

2. Mummolaakso, Finland

Since its foundation in 1994, Mummolaakso (Granny Valley), has sought to improve the quality of life for lesbian elders in Helsinki, and throughout Finland. The organization’s name is a nod to Muumilaakso (Moominvalley), the fantastical land created by Finnish author and lesbian literary legend, Tove Jansson. Through a teeming programme of events, dances, cultural trips, recreation, discussions, and reading circles amongst others, Mummolaakso has dedicated the last 30 years to cultivating places of social interaction and inclusion for older lesbians, while simultaneously promoting intergenerational integration with younger LBTIQ+ women and non-binary people.

As a small volunteer-run organization, EL*C’s grant enabled Mummolaakso to gain new momentum and visibility. Most notably they were able to target budget resources to travelling and locating LBTIQ+ women in more rural areas, and therefore to forge community connections with lesbian elders living farther away from Helsinki.

The grant has expanded their capacity to collaborate across generations, deepening lesbian-focused discussion about age issues, generational differences and community opportunities in general. They have also held training events to better prepare the community for age-related planning. Mummolaakso has witnessed first-hand how improving their awareness of diverse generational experiences brings greater depth and perspective to their community. By providing a solid foundation that supports and uplifts the mental, physical, psychological, and social well-being of elders – the whole society benefits.

3. LesbenRing, Germany 

Formed on International Women’s Day in 1982, LesbenRing e.V. represents the interests of lesbians in politics and society, while upholding a deep commitment to promoting mutual respect, non-violence and democracy for all in Germany.

The Berlin-based organisation work tirelessly for complete legal and social equality for lesbians: in family law, adoption law, descent law, refugee law, in the fight against lesbophobia and violence against lesbians.

EL*C’s grant has made 2024 a productive year for LesbenRing, notably in their organizational structures and visibility amongst the LGBTIQ+ community in Germany. Internally, the grant has enabled them to work with a strategy coach to better refine roles, responsibilities, financial forecasts and short- and long-term goals. This has givening their volunteer-led managing board a deeper and necessary level of professionalism.

In terms of visibility, the grant also enabled LesbenRing to hire a social media consultant, to expand their reach internationally and intergenerationally. Alongside a professional event organizer hired to increase their presence at Dyke Marches, this is part of a wider project to integrate, mobilize and create community alongside other vital LBTIQ+ organisations across the country.

4. Frauenliebe im Pott (FLiP), Germany 

International collaboration is a focal point of community organising in the lesbian movement, and FLiP, Frauenliebe im Pott, e.V., a German NGO have been fostering partnerships with grassroots lesbian groups in Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia since 2018, and Labrisz in Hungary earlier this year.

Active since 1992, with eighty members currently, FLiP are concerned with the social inclusion and political engagement of LBTIQ+ women and non-binary people. Through a range of activities – discussion groups, parties, cooking, sporting events – they focus on building robust, expansive and supportive connections between lesbians in Germany and notably, expanding this interconnectedness internationally.

With EL*C’s grant, four core members of FLiP travelled to Bostwana and Namibia in the summer, where they held partnership meetings with the Black Queer DocX (Botswana) and Women’s Leadership Centre and Y-FEM Young Feminists (Namibia). Together they strengthened their existing network and discussed new ideas for collaboration in political activism and lobbying strategies. FLiP will continue to facilitate face-to-face meetings where possible, and regular Zoom calls to continue to develop this mutual, cross-cultural and cross-continental exchange. A further function of EL*C’s grant is in documenting and communicating FLiP’s achievements over the past several years, thereby increasing their visibility and impact.

5. Associazione Lesbian Femminista (ALFI Nazionale), Italy 

Founded in Naples, ALFI works to guarantee equal rights and opportunities for LBTIQ+ women and non-binary people in all sectors of Italian society, and all regions of the country. Since their formation in 2017, they’ve focused on building community across social, economic and geographic distances, and they’ve also been key proponents of collaboration across the wider LGBTQ+ movement in Italy, notably in light of the current government’s targeting of lesbian families and queer identities.

EL*C’s grant has expanded ALFI’s online and in-person community-building programme, ‘V.O.I.C.E. : Visibility, Opportunity, Integration, Connection, Empowerment.’ Firstly, by expanding their communications campaign, then by travelling and connecting with lesbians living outside major cities, thereby addressing and helping to reduce their isolation and ostracization. They’re also actively utilising digital spaces, and have developed a Listening Line and Forum, which provides an invaluable space of solace, connection and support to lesbians throughout the country.

In the process of creating thriving community networks of LBTIQ+ women and non-binary people, each of these NGO’s has used EL*C’s grant to ensure they focus on the inclusion of marginalised and vulnerable groups within the lesbian* movement, namely greying populations, refugees and asylum seekers, and those who live outside of city-hubs. These five organisations have therefore improved their diversity and intersectionality, which has heightened their capacity to protect and promote LGBTIQ+ rights within their own national contexts. This more expansive understanding of the lesbian* community has enabled them to successfully create European collaborations and, as is the case with FLiP, create international collaborations too. The grant has therefore allowed them to spread awareness of European values concerning the rights of LGBTIQ+ people both within, and beyond, the continent.