On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, EL*C declares: lesbophobia is gender-based violence. For the first time, a pan-European lesbian network launches a social media campaign demanding urgent actions.
Lesbians are being left out of the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). For the first time, a pan-European lesbian network is launching a social media action during the 16 days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.
This is the reality, the EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community (EL*C) is highlighting on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Despite rising awareness of GBV, the unique challenges faced by lesbians are still ignored, and urgent action is overdue.
Lesbophobia—violence rooted in misogyny and the stigma of non-conforming sexual orientations and gender expressions—remains alarmingly invisible in public discourse, in the media and policymaking. “Lesbophobia isn’t just prejudice; it’s violence fueled by hate and inaction,” says Ilaria Todde, EL*C Advocacy Director. And make no mistake: all lesbophobic violence is gender-based violence. It is no coincidence that “Gender expression, being immediately visible, is often at the root of violence in public spaces, where lesbians are attacked because their clothes are judged ‘too masculine,’ and they are told that ‘women should not dress like men.’ These biases and the resulting violence have an impact not only on the victims but also on society as a whole, linking lesbophobia directly to the norms upheld by gender-based violence” (EL*C (2024): Annual report of the Observatory on lesbophobic violence and discrimination against lesbians – 2023).
EL*C is stepping up where others haven’t. In 2024 alone, EL*C provided over 802,696 euros in funding to 21 NGOs across Europe to combat GBV against lesbians and we will provide over a million euros in 2025. These funds support grassroots organizations working to break cycles of violence, challenge harmful stereotypes, and create safer environments for lesbian communities. Grantmaking is accompanied with capacity-building: EL*C project partners had a training on November 21st about the Istanbul Convention and on the new European directive on violence against women and domestic violence.
Yet, EL*C is clear: this responsibility doesn’t rest solely with NGOs. Governments and institutions must do more. “Lesbians deserve protection, action, and recognition in the fight against GBV,” adds Silvia Casalino, EL*C Executive Director. Today, the EL*C calls for joining the 16 days campaign of Activism against Gender-based Violence.
Violence knows no borders. Neither does our resistance. Stand with us. Act against lesbophobic violence.
🎟 Upcoming Actions in the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence
As part of our continued commitment to addressing gender-based violence, the EL*C is organizing and participating in the following key events and initiatives in the weeks ahead:
- 4 December: Addressing violence and discrimination against LBQ women in Europe, event on the LBQ resolution at the Council of Europe, Strasbourg.
- 10 December: Unlocking the EU Directive on Violence Against Women: Advancing prevention, support and justice for survivors of gender-based violence, workshop during the EIGE Forum, Brussels.
🖼 Images from the Kick-Off of our Campaign:
📥 Contact:
- Silvia Casalino, EL*C Executive co-Director. 📨 silvia.casalino@lesbiangenius.org
- Kika Fumero, EL*C Media and Communications Department. 📨 kika.fumero@lesbiangenius.org
