Category: News

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. 

Today in Strasbourg, the Council of Europe organised an event where, in a herstoric first, key policymakers such as the Commissioner for Human Rights and the Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe engaged in discussions with leading activists about issues affecting LBQ women.

The focus was on the intersections of gender-based violence with lesbophobia, misogyny, transphobia, racism, and ableism.

Prominent leaders included Lady Phyll Opoku, Executive Director of Black Pride, and Paralympic medalist Marie Patouillet, Dragana Todorovic, Executive Director of EL*C; Anastasiia Gerasymenko from Insight Ukraine; Irene Zeilinger from WAVE; and Maud Royer from the French NGO Toutes des Femmes also participated in the conversation.

“We must have more diverse voices speaking truth to power. In the case of LBQ women, experiences of gender-based violence are compounded by violence rooted in sexual orientation, race, and class. Intersectionality cannot be just a buzzword”– Layd Phyll Opoku, UK Black Pride.

“Violence against LBQ women is particularly targeted by the anti-gender movement, which wants to reduce them to silence or deny their presence in public spaces”– Beatrice Fresko-Rolfo, Rapporteur of the LBQ resolution.

“Not long ago, such an event and such a resolution would have been impossible. We are very grateful that PACE heard our calls, they worked on this resolution and are leading the way. We cannot hope to have good movements or policies if some of us are excluded”– Dragana Todorovic, Executive co-Director of the EL*C.

“Lesbophobia has a strong link with misogyny and ableism, and it impacts my life as an athlete. I won two medals at the Paralympics in Tokyo, but I was exhausted by lesbophobia and misogyny. Before Paris, I made it clear that I wanted to express myself. We need to be represented”– Marie Patouillet, Paralympic medallist.

“We were forced to become a humanitarian organisation. We see so much strength in this community, even though the media only wants to talk about victims instead of survivors”– Anastasiia Gerasymenko, Insight Ukraine.

The discussions were further enriched by Kate Osborne and Lucia Plaváková, LBQ politicians dedicated to representing lesbian issues in the UK and Slovak parliaments.

“I am the only openly queer MP in the history of my country. I face hate; I’m told I’m not a ‘real’ woman, that I need to be raped to become ‘normal,’ and I was even expelled from the Assembly”– Lucia Plaváková, MP from Slovakia.

“Violence is all too common. We must support each other against the horrible abuse we continue to face”– Kate Osborne, MP from UK.

Activists like Irene Zeilinger from WAVE and Maud Royer from the French NGO “Toutes des Femmes”, as well as academics like Ruth Mestre, highlighted the intersectional dimension of violence against women in the LGBTI community.

This landmark and high-level discussion was made possible by the PACE’s approval of the first-ever resolution addressing violence and discrimination against LBQ women, an effort EL*C has been championing for the past two years. We remain committed to ensuring the resolution’s full and effective implementation at all levels.

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. 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 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.  

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. 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 six projects that have used EL*C’s grant to create large-scale events, festivals and conferences, as vital points of convergence, connection and inspiration for LBTIQ+ communities.

These events – in Slovenia, Bulgaria, The Netherlands, Greece and Romania – draw lesbians from all over the world, creating invaluable opportunities for intersectional collaboration. They are a place of celebration and exploration of lesbianism, set in culturally-rich environments that spotlight LBTIQ+ artists and academics. These curated safer spaces enable participants to experience, sometimes for the first time, what it is to live and express in diverse lesbian community, and therefore understand the atmosphere of tolerance, acceptance, recognition, freedom of expression, and equality the lesbian movement strives for throughout Europe.

1. ŠKUC Lesbian quarter, Slovenia

Since 2014, ŠKUC Lesbian quarter has been a key artistic and activist festival that celebrates and amplifies local lesbian art, movement, and community. It provides a unique space for lesbian creativity, fostering connections among lesbian individuals, artists, and the wider LGBTQ+ community while engaging with the cultural and artistic scene. The Lesbian Quarter reflects the ongoing evolution of the lesbian movement, ensuring that lesbian voices and creativity remain visible and active in public spaces. Its impact has been recognized with awards like the 2022 “Woman about Woman” award, highlighting its significant contributions to feminist activism.  

EL*C’s grant has been instrumental in bolstering their years of voluntary activism, and was directed toward the organisation’s core team, integrating new members and fostering a cohesive environment. They created opportunities for team bonding, education, collaboration, and mutual learning, through the facilitation of regular meetings, workshops and informal gatherings. This significantly improved team cohesion and communication. These gatherings allowed ŠKUC Lesbian quarter members to understand each other on a personal level, enhancing their overall team dynamic and expanding their capacity as activists for social justice.  

ŠKUC Lesbian quarter also used EL*C’s grant to enrich their diverse programme of inclusive and participatory events and workshops, free of charge to ensure accessibility.  This deepened their understanding of various perspectives, and has been invaluable in shaping the topics and themes for upcoming festivals, ensuring their large-scale events – like Lesbian Quarter and Ljubljana’s Pride – remain relevant, inclusive, and reflective of the community’s interests and needs.  

2. Bilitis, Bulgaria 

In 2004, a small group of lesbians gathered to create a space of connection and mutual support in Sofia. This soon evolved into Bilitis, the oldest active LGBTIQ+ organisation in Bulgaria, and a bastion of education and empowerment, an uncompromising defender of equality, and a creator of community. Their dedicated team are co-organisers of Sofia Pride, and Rainbow Hub, the only LGBTQ+ Community Centre in the country.

Though Bilitis – named after the most faithful disciple of ancient Greek poet, Sappho – have been co-running Pride since 2009, EL*C’s grant has enhanced their capacity to ensure lesbian participation, representation and leadership in all levels of Pride, and the broader LGBTIQ+ movement.

It has also strengthened their capacity to offer twice monthly facilitated meetings for youth groups, queer-femmes, bisexual, and trans and intersex communities. These meetings are opportunities to deepen and expand their comprehension of the intersectional nature of LGBTQ+ identity

Bilitis have used EL*C’s grant to bolster the Sofia LGBTI Community Fest this December, which aims to give the community a platform for exchange, inclusion and intersectional integration. It has ensured that this year’s Fest includes its most comprehensive and inclusive programme of discussions, workshops, exhibitions, screenings, parties and performances related to LGBTI+ rights and feminism, courtesy of artists and activists from Bulgaria and other EU countries.

3. Papaya Kuir, Netherlands 

Created by, and for, Latin American migrants and refugees residing in the Netherlands, Papaya Kuir offers emergency support, advocacy and community to those who fall into precarious political, economic, psychological and social situations as they await decisions on asylum applications. Foundationally, after three and a half years of consistently organizing events and workshop, emergency fundraising, temporary housing for newcomers, and building support network systems for LBTIQ+ Latin American diaspora and refugees, EL*C’s grant created the opportunity for their team to reflect and regroup, collectively exploring their past achievements, present challenges, and future possibilities.

Through this period of deliberation and collaboration, Papaya Kuir held Sudarico Festival in September, a vital event of community resourcing and celebration of Latin American culture, music, art and performance, by LBTIQ+ women and non-binary artists. They also used the grant to start a new collaboration between a lesbian visual artist and LBTIQ+ Latin American refugees and migrants, and two other educational projects. Notably, their workshop on ‘Transformative Justice’ was a crucial opportunity to deepen their capacity to collaborate and show meaningful solidarity with wider struggles for equality, freedom and protection for refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable minority groups in Netherlands and Europe.

4. Sappho Women & the International Eressos Women’s Festival, Greece 

For the past 25 years, Sappho Women have hosted the International Eressos Women’s Festival on the Greek Island of Lesvos. Each September, LBTIQ+ women and non-binary people from around the world have gathered to form community in the picturesque village of Skala Eressos. The Women’s Festival creates a unique destination for inclusive and safer LBTIQ+ travel, and a place of convergence and integration for lesbians of diverse social, economic, political and cultural backgrounds. It is also dedicated to supporting the local community, fostering integration and collaborations, while simultaneously advocating for the recognition and equality of lesbians.

EL*C’s grant has been instrumental in developing the capacity of the non-profit organization. It has enabled the festival organizers to participate in skills development courses and turned a previously volunteer member of staff into a paid employee. The grant has been used to initiate the Women’s Festival’s ‘EmpowerHER’ project. Through a series of skill-building workshops and networking events, it aims to create a supportive environment for fostering personal and professional growth for the LBTIQ+ community.

Sappho Women have also engaged subcontractors to develop promotional materials for their EmpowerHER project, and held a presentation at Europride in Thessaloniki earlier this year. This wider engagement has been instrumental in their public awareness campaign to encourage more participation and intersectionality at the annual Women’s Festival.

5. Queer Sisterhood Cluj, Romania 

Comprised of LBTIQ+ women and non-binary people, Queer Sisterhood is an important hub of convergence, connection and activism in Cluj. With EL*C’s grant, they launched the Lesbian* Conference in Romania, a significant opportunity for individuals and activists to align their visions for a more just and equitable society. Through an extensive programme of panels and presentations, the conference explored gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, relationship styles and mental health. A central focus was the herstory of the lesbian movement in Romania and ‘imagination exercises,’ which enabled them to collectively generate a united, but not uniform, future.

Queer Sisterhood also used the grant to create a project rooted in the mental health of lesbians in Romania. By offering weekly therapy sessions, and traveling to different regions of the country, they encouraged community members to amplify their voices and stories. They found that these mental health sessions, particularly those in more rural comminutes, ignited hope, and fostered unity and solidarity. The grant enabled them to expand the reach of their organization, and build a more resilient community of social activities by providing vital psycho-social support.

6. My Rainbow Institute, Slovenia 

Led by a coalition of social workers, psychologists, mental health professionals, students and activists in Ljubljana, My Rainbow Institute is dedicated to the mental health and psychological well-being of the LGBTIQ+ community in Slovenia. They facilitate and co-create community support by training volunteers to provide peer-to-peer psychosocial support, counselling for people with fewer opportunities, conversation groups, street actions, non-formal education activities, recreational and sports activities.

Their primary goal is to empower participants and service users by increasing the visibility and voice of young lesbians in feminist activism and everyday life, creating more diverse, intersectional and intergenerational LBTIQ+ networks in Slovenia.

My Rainbow Institute used EL*C’s grant to launch their Building Resilience Project. Through the project they organized two international gatherings of lesbians from different European countries, creating a space for celebration and collaboration through their intersectional identities and diverse backgrounds. They also created a lesbian tour of Ljubljana, hosted art workshops and strengthened their collaboration with the city’s Faculty of Social Work.  Moreover, they have engaged and worked with fifteen young lesbians who have joined as volunteers and co-creators of the Building Resilience programme, ensuring the intergenerational relevance of the project.

EL*C’s grant was used to host these Events, Festivals and Conferences, in which six NGOs created nourishing and supportive environments for LBTIQ+ activists to connect, exchange and relax. These points of contact resourced individual activists and strengthened the capacity of organisations to better protect and promote lesbian* rights in Europe. The public nature of these spaces has also ensured EL*C’s grants were used to heighten citizen awareness of EU rights and values regarding the LGBTIQ+ community.

Today marks 1,000 days since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine—a stark reminder that the war is far from over. As the world’s attention ebbs and flows, the people of Ukraine continue to endure unimaginable hardship, displaying extraordinary courage and resilience in the face of aggression.

We stand in unwavering solidarity with the Ukrainian people, especially with Ukrainian lesbians who remain in the country despite the dangers. These brave people provide critical support to vulnerable groups and actively contribute to the fight for their country’s independence.

Let this milestone be a call to action for all of us to continue amplifying their voices, offering support, and standing against oppression. Their fight for freedom, equality, and human dignity is our joint fight.

WE STAND WITH YOU!

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. 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 focused on advancing lesbian movements through advocacy, research and political engagement in Croatia, Spain, Slovenia and Italy. Each has used EL*C’s grant to expand their capacity to collect, collate and share important information and insights into lesbian existence, struggles and activism. Their findings are shared amongst lesbian community members and networks, then disseminated into the local public sphere, national political discussions and ultimately, international human rights forums. Through their extensive efforts, lesbian identities and rights are recognized, protected and enshrined throughout Europe.    

1)  Lesbian Organization Rijeka (LORI), Croatia  

For almost 25 years, Lesbian Organization Rijeka (LORI) have been working to expand and advance the rights of LGBTIQ+ people in Croatia, while focusing on empowering and improving the lives of lesbians.  

They do so through a comprehensive programme of activities, notably providing psychosocial services to LGBTIQ+ individuals and their families, informing and educating professionals on LGBTIQ+ topics and rights, and organising workshops, lectures, seminars, exhibitions, and publishing materials aimed at eliminating negative attitudes toward LGBTIQ+ people.  

Over the last decade, LORI have found it challenging to find financial resources, both nationally and internationally, for projects specifically addressing lesbians. In instances where they did secure lesbian-specific funding, they often found the amounts too small and insufficient to tackle the social discrimination and denial of the human rights of lesbians in Croatian society.  

EL*C’s grant was a necessary boost to LORI’s capacity to advocate for lesbian recognition, visibility and equality. It was foremostly used to organise research, workshops, lectures and roundtable discussions on the prominent issues faced by lesbians in Croatia. These findings were then disseminated to health professionals, students, decision-makers and the public.    

2)       LesCoruña, Spain  

Focusing on local-level societal change and acceptance, LesCoruña work for lesbian equality and visibility in Galicia’s Coruña region in Spain. With EL*C’s grant, LesCoruna developed and implemented a communication strategy targeting LBTIQ+ women and non-binary people in Coruña, while also gathering data and perspectives from non-lesbian residents. For this first-of-its-kind research project, LesCoruña are assessing the needs of local lesbians, and are using their findings to inform, empower, educate and train the community about key aspects of their lives and rights. This includes, but is not limited to, sexual education, unwanted loneliness, combating lesbophobia in the workplace and social life, migration, the portrayal of lesbian diversity in the media, and promoting the resources offered by LesCoruña.  

They have created vital audiovisual and visual content that reflects the realities of LBTIQ+ women in Coruña and promotes an intersectional view of their lives, with topics including lesbian motherhood, lesbian mythology and the visibility of Galician women writers. Through this public awareness campaign, they’re focusing on breaking gender, class, and ethnic stereotypes, as well as promoting the visibility of lesbians. Additionally, the EL*C’s grant is being used to strengthen LesCoruña’s network by expanding its reach to include more lesbians, fostering greater mutual support, preventing isolation, and encouraging active participation in the association and the utilization of its resources.  

3)        TransAkcija Institute, Slovenia  

As the first and only Slovenian NGO devoted to the human rights of transgender people, TransAkcija Institute were founded to support, inform and empower the country’s trans and gender non-conforming community.  

For twenty years their pioneering work has been of instrumental importance in addressing the specificities and needs of transgender and gender non-conforming people, cultivating a supportive and nourishing community, and addressing legal and systemic erasure from with their advocacy of transgender human rights.  

EL*C’s grant has been used to launch their project ‘Advocating for the *’ which highlights the intersections of gender identity and sexual orientation within Slovenia’s trans community. Central to their discussion has been an exploration of the fluidity and impact of labels, particularly the definition, meaning, and implications of “lesbian*.”  

A key initiative of ‘Advocating for the *’ has been organizing meetups with a diverse range LGBTIQ+ activists. These gatherings have been instrumental in TransAkcija’s research into the historical, cultural, and political significance of the asterisk (*), and they’ve helped to bridge gaps in understanding and inclusivity, while identifying areas of cooperation, including media and awareness-raising work.  

Through this, they successfully launched a workshop in Ljubljana’s Lesbian Quarters Festival, on the intersections of the lesbian and trans movements. The event enhanced allyship and collaboration and sparked trans people of various identities to increasingly embracing the term ‘lesbian*.’ TransAkcija’s efforts are fostering greater solidarity and mutual understanding between lesbian and trans communities, thereby paving the way for deeper collaboration and dialogue.  

4)      Arcigay Rete Donne Transfemminista, Italy  

During the pandemic, a group of Italian trans-feminists started to host discussion groups, workshops and book presentations to tackle their social isolation and to encourage their political cohesion and development.  

From these formative days, Arcigay Rete Donne Transfemminista has promoted the visibility, intersectionality and self-determination of LBTIQ+ women and non-binary people. As individuals and collectively, they’re focused on constructing and actualizing new narratives of lesbians and other minority and vulnerable groups in Italy. Crucially, they’ve developed meaningful political relationships with other women’s, LGBTIQ+ and human rights associations, creating a nation-wide community network of grassroots organisations.  

EL*C’s grant has expanded Arcigay’s capacity to advocate for the advancement of Italian lesbian rights, equality and insights at the local, national and European level. They’ve started composing advocacy plans and a shareable toolkit, enabling them to disseminate their work to other organisations working toward a more equitable and inclusive society.   

5)   LesWorking, Spain  

LesWorking is an international professional network for LBTIQ+ women and non-binary people. Originating in Spain, they are currently composed of 2000 women, from more than 20 countries, and spanning sectors, economic and professional backgrounds. Through conferences and events, LesWorking members – be they lawyers or artists, consultants or journalists – have built a diverse global community encouraging networking and collaboration, media interventions, and working towards establishing societies and industries that include, encourage and invoke the professional, economic and social positionality and well-being of lesbians. 

EL*C’s grant has been used to strengthen the capacities of the LesWorking association, in particular, expanding its communications and community engagement, through organized events and campaigns to promote their work. They are also using the grant to support legal actions targeting lesbophobia and discrimination against lesbians. 

 Through their Advocacy, Research and Political Engagement, these five NGOS have used EL*C’s grant to perform the vital function of gathering data, insights, and perspectives from, and about, LBTIQ+ communities. This has enabled them to expand their advocacy, to better inform policy- and decision- making processes on local, regional and national governmental levels. The grant has also encouraged the NGO’s capacity as watchdog, allowing each organisation to invest time and resources into analyzing how government actions and inactions are impacting lesbian* communities on the ground. Moreover, by publicizing their findings they are increasing awareness of EU rights and values regarding LBTIQ+ women and non-binary people, both within community members themselves, and in the citizenry as a whole.