Introduction

On December 17th, we will be presenting an online event that sheds light on the experiences and needs of a too often underrepresented and marginalized group within the LBQ community: racialized lesbians. This event will reveal the findings of the most recent research project conducted by EL*C, focusing on the lived realities of Central Asian, Roma, Black, and racialized LBQ women and non-binary persons in the EU. 

Note: EL*C uses the word Lesbian as a broad, inclusive term that encompasses all women and persons perceived as non-heterosexual women. It includes trans, intersex women, and nonbinary persons who identify with the lesbian struggle. 

Objectives

• To raise awareness about the experiences and needs of racialized lesbians in the EU. 

• To create an inclusive platform for dialogue and collaboration among LGBTQI activists, human rights advocates, feminist organizations, and related institutions. 

• To provide data and insights that can influence policies, research agendas, and educational initiatives focused on equity and inclusion for racialized LBQ people. 

Target Audience

• LGBTQI community members, activists, and allies. 

• Feminist activists.

• Human rights advocates and activists. 

• Researchers, policymakers, and educators. 

Agenda 

12:00 p.m. – 12:10 p.m. Opening Remarks 

• Welcome message by Dragana Todorovic, Executive Director of EL*C + Significance of this research in the context of feminist Human Rights advocacy. 

• Presentation of the Research framework by Aïda Yancy, Advocacy officer and Research coordinator, EL*C. 

12:10 p.m. – 12:35 p.m. Presentation of the research findings 

• Speakers:  

Aldessa Lincan and Alba Hernández Sánchez, researchers on Roma Lesbians.

Dr. Nat Arias, researcher on BPOC Lesbians.

Nadira Masiumova, researcher on Central Asian Lesbians.

12:35 p.m. – 12:40 p.m. Video Message from Melissa Camara MEP 

12:40 p.m. – 1:10 p.m. Panel Discussion: “Effective inclusion: Anti-racism and LGBTIQ strategies that cater to racialized LBQ women and non-binary persons.” 

• Moderator: Aïda Yancy. 

• Speakers:
  Katri LEIKAS, Policy officer at the EU Commission’s Anti-Racism and Roma Coordination.

Representative from the UN Gender Equality Forum’s Action Coalition 6 on Feminist movements and leadership (TBC).

Dr. Zeynab Alsadat PEYGHAMBARZADEH, Researcher, Asylum expert, and member of the Research steering committee.

• Discussion on the inclusion of LBQ women and non-binary persons in Feminist, Antiracist, and LGBTIQ strategies. 

1:10 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Q&A Session and Closing Remarks 

• Open floor for audience questions and comments. 

• Summary of key takeaways and call to action.