This October, from the 14th to the 18th, the EL*C team — staff and Board members alike — will travel to Kyiv to take part in a HERstoric event: The First Ukrainian National Lesbian Conference, organized by our long-time partners at Insight NGO. In Insight’s own words: “In times of war, we are witnessing a rise in conservatism and increasing

The European Commission today, on International Lesbian Day, unveiled its new EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy, confirming its engagement for LBTIQ women and for an intersectional approach. The 2020 EU LGBTI Equality Strategy was the first European policy to specifically mention LBTIQ women. It led the way, bringing visibility to women in the community at the international level and inspiring other

Civil society organisations (CSOs) are the backbone of democracy in Europe and Central Asia, yet they face increasing threats from political polarisation, authoritarian trends, and structural barriers. The forthcoming EU Civil Society Strategy is a crucial opportunity to strengthen protection for NGOs, particularly those serving marginalised communities and working on intersectional issues. In this paper, we outline key concerns and

On the possibilities of democracy in Europe’s civil society ruins  Civil society is collapsing. While across Europe, far-right groups are rising, taking parts in governing coalitions and spreading hate against human rights defenders, in the US, Donald Trump has demolished USAID and cancelled overnight major funding for human rights worldwide.  The NGO era, some say, is over. According to this

By refusing to act, the European Commission enabled the ban and left activists alone to defend fundamental rights. A joint declaration by ILGA-Europe, Forbidden Colours, Reclaim, OII Europe and EL*C In March 2025, the Hungarian parliament adopted a law explicitly banning Pride events — a direct attack on the freedom of assembly and expression. A law that clearly violates EU

As a broad coalition of European civil society organisations, we have sent the following letter to President Ursula von der Leyen and several European Commissioners. In it, we express deep concerns about recent developments threatening civil society across the EU — including restrictive co-funding requirements and alarming attempts to curtail advocacy activities. At a time of shrinking resources and growing

1. Political Context and Purpose of the Campaign In 2022, we marched boldly through Budapest in a Dyke March, defying oppression and standing proud as lesbians, as activists, as a community. Today, as the Orbán government escalates its attack on fundamental freedoms by attempting to ban Pride altogether, we rise once again—in solidarity with our Hungarian sisters and in defence

This year, WAVE—the European network of women’s specialist services combating gender-based violence—and EL*C—the European network dedicated to LBTI women and communities—are joining forces to offer a unique training and advocacy experience. We will welcome 15 EL*C members and 12 WAVE members to join us in Brussels from 4 to 6 November 2025! This year, we will focus on strengthening our