Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

07/08/2026

Today, the Council of Europe S*xual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression and S*x Characteristics (SOGIESC) Unit is taking part in Workplace Pride Pride Amsterdam to discuss the current and future state of LGBTI inclusion in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Yanna Parnin, Head of the SOGIESC Unit, highlights the link between fostering inclusive workplaces and strengthening democracy across the continent, as set out by the Council of Europe’s .
LGBTI inclusive cities are more innovative, hold a higher retention rate for business and attract more talent. Discrimination, on the other hand, in addition to the personal costs to those affected, has the very tangible consequence of economic losses reflected in the national GDP.
The Council of Europe’s objective is to ensure that progress is not isolated, but becomes systemic, durable and resilient across Europe. We are committed to supporting inclusion in workplaces through common standards, guidance and dialogue.

➡️ Learn more: https://go.coe.int/75ET9

06/08/2026

At , on 6 August 2026, the Council of Europe S*xual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression and S*x Characteristics (SOGIESC) Unit, together with the European Forum of LGBTI+ Christian Groups, presented the new communication toolkit “Countering Hate Speech and Strengthening Words of Inclusion: The Use of Language by Religious Actors and Communities of Faith” as part of the Religious Pride track of the Human Rights Conference.
It includes:
📘 A practical guide offering actionable strategies to help religious leaders and communities engage constructively with their traditions, foster inclusive language, and counter hate speech;
🎥 A series of educational videos designed for use in educational, pastoral and dialogue settings, including training programmes and human rights education initiatives.
In addition to the presentation of the toolkit, the session also highlights practical uses of both guide and videos and possible dissemination pathways in the months to come.


➡️ Learn more: https://go.coe.int/EfFrA

06/08/2026

The Council of Europe S*xual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression and S*x Characteristics (SOGIESC) Unit is speaking today at 2026 Human Rights Conference, taking place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from 5 to 7 August 2026.
At the panel discussion on “Political Leadership at the Global Level: mechanisms and programmes of international institutions to advance equal rights for LGBTQIA+ persons” Parnin, Head of the SOGIESC Unit, exchanges with other international organisations on the available instruments that help set a framework for inclusion and promote human rights.
This global event gathers international organisations, government representatives, academia, businesses and civil society, to raise visibility and awareness of LGBTI issues worldwide. Under the theme of “Unity”, World Pride and the city of Amsterdam aim to show that tolerance, connectedness and love are key to fighting intolerance.
We look forward to making the most out of this global platform, forging new connections and strengthening collaborations with co-organisers and participants alike.

➡️ Learn more: https://go.coe.int/gSK2D

23/07/2026

The Council of Europe S*xual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression and S*x Characteristics (SOGIESC) Unit is proud to participate in the International Youth Conference on Counteracting the Anti-Gender Movement, taking place in Dublin, Ireland, and co-organised by IGLYO O & Belong To.
We are exchanging ideas with other international organisations, government representatives, academia, civil society, and youth activists on how we can strengthen strategies against anti-rights movements.
European leaders have re-affirmed the centrality of youth for a democratic future, and the Council of Europe’s role is vital in making sure equality, dignity, and participation are not just words, but realities for everyone.
We look forward to collaborating with co-organisers and participants alike in countering harmful narratives.

➡️ Learn more: https://go.coe.int/KqjLZ

04/07/2026

17/06/2026

🌈The Cities / Cités interculturelles Programme and *xual orientation and Gender Identity Unit are welcoming 20 participants from 14 countries for a 3-day study visit on advancing LGBTIQ inclusion in the workplace.

👥 Participants include public authorities at national level, Municipalities in Europe and beyond, LGBTIQ civil society organisations and local businesses.

💡 What we’re focusing on:
Two interactive workshops lead by the city of Leeds, Open for Business and Znaki Równości (Federation of Equality Signs), members of the European Pride Business Network (EPBN), exploring how cities and partners can:

• Strengthening LGBTIQ inclusion in the workplace;
• Building effective public-private partnerships;
• Promoting staff training and institutional change;
• Enhancing social cohesion and local economic development through inclusion.

📌 The programme also includes additional plenary sessions and workshops throughout the week.



Anti-discrimination and Inclusion at the Council of Europe

➡️ Learn more: https://go.coe.int/7FB2g

21/05/2026

✅ The 5th meeting of the Committee of Experts on SOGIESC (ADI-SOGIESC) has concluded in Copenhagen, after the European IDAHOT+ Forum.

🏳️‍🌈 Over two days, the committee approved a draft Council of Europe Strategy for Equal Rights for LGBTI People (2027–2032), a Report on combating on grounds of SOGIESC in Europe, advanced work on a study on and a report on housing and combating social exclusion, and exchanged practices to support implementation of the Recommendation on equal rights for inters*x persons.

19/05/2026

🌍 Council of Europe member States have agreed on a roadmap 🗺️ to strengthen the protection 🛡️, dignity 🤝 and equal rights ⚖️ of inters*x persons through the recently adopted the Committee of Ministers Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)5 to member States on equal rights for inters*x persons.

🏛️ The Council of Europe stands ready to support follow-up 🔄, dissemination 📢 and implementation 🛠️ across Europe 🇪🇺.

📖 Learn more on the Recommendation: https://go.coe.int/jWZuF

🌈

19/05/2026

🏳️‍🌈 Progress on LGBTI equality is not automatic and cannot rely on isolated reforms alone. It is built through political commitment 🤝, coordinated action 🎯 and sustained investment 💡 in inclusive societies.

🇪🇺 Across Europe, the strongest progress is seen where equality is embedded across public policy, from education 📚 and healthcare 🏥 to employment 💼, housing 🏘️, digital governance 💻 and protection against hate speech and violence.

🌍 Turning rights into reality requires long-term cooperation 🤝, practical action ⚙️ and resilient institutions 🏛️ capable of protecting dignity, participation and inclusion for everyone.

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