European Conference Shines Light on Invisible Struggles of LBQ Women

In a significant move to combat discrimination, the Parliamentary Assembly’s Platform for the Rights of LGBTI People, in collaboration with the Council of Europe’s SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics) Unit, hosted a groundbreaking conference to address violence and discrimination faced by lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women.

The event, held in December 2024, highlighted the specific challenges LBQ women face and aimed to raise awareness about their often invisible struggles in policy discussions and public life.

The Parliamentary Assembly’s Platform for the Rights of LGBTI People is a vital body within the Council of Europe that focuses on protecting and promoting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) individuals across Europe. This platform works to ensure that LGBTI people’s rights are respected and protected within the member states of the Council of Europe, advocating for equality and non-discrimination.

The Council of Europe’s SOGIESC Unit, which works within the broader framework of the Council’s human rights initiatives, has been instrumental in promoting policies to safeguard the rights of LGBTI individuals, particularly in areas where discrimination and violence are prevalent. The SOGIESC Unit collaborates with both governmental and non-governmental bodies to develop and implement strategies for greater inclusion and equality.

The conference shed light on the invisibility of LBQ women, a result of pervasive lesbophobia and gender-based biases. Experts at the event emphasised the urgent need to tackle structural inequalities and promote the representation of LBQ women in media, politics, and social systems.

“LBQ women often experience a unique intersection of homophobia and sexism,” noted one of the organisers. “Our goal is to not only highlight these issues but also push for actionable policies that ensure safety and equal rights for LBQ women across Europe.”

The event also highlighted that while LGBTI rights are increasingly being recognised in many European countries, LBQ women remain particularly marginalised, facing both a lack of representation in LGBTI advocacy and broader gender equality movements. The discussions underscored the need for more comprehensive policies that recognise the unique challenges faced by LBQ women, especially in areas such as healthcare, employment, and legal protections.

The conference concluded with a call for a united European approach to eliminate the barriers faced by LBQ women. Key proposals included better data collection to monitor violence and discrimination, strengthened legal protections, and the establishment of community support networks tailored to LBQ women. The organisers also emphasised the importance of enhancing visibility through media, education, and political representation, ensuring that LBQ women’s voices are heard in all areas of public life.

This conference marks a critical step towards achieving greater equality and visibility for LBQ women, with the Parliamentary Assembly’s Platform for the Rights of LGBTI People and the Council of Europe’s SOGIESC Unit continuing to advocate for policies that protect and empower this often overlooked group.