The report ‘LGBTIQ equality at a crossroads: progress and challenges’ highlights the experiences, views, and challenges LGBTIQ people face in Europe. It also highlights the changes since FRA’s (European Union Agency on Fundamental Rights) previous surveys in 2019 and 2012.
The findings reveal signs of slow but gradual progress, with discrimination against LGBTIQ people gradually declining.
Schools deal with LGBTIQ issues more positively and proactively, and young people feel more supported by their teachers and peers. However, bullying, harassment, and violence have reached high levels.
Key findings of the survey include openness, discrimination, violence, harassment, bullying, education, mental health, and governments’ perceptions of their governments combating prejudice and intolerance against LGBTIQ people.
Intersex, trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse people face more harassment and violence, and they are more likely to face mental health issues and suicidal thoughts. They are also more likely to experience homelessness and struggle to access medical care.
The survey findings will support the European Commission to evaluate its LGBTIQ Equality Strategy and help advance policies to protect and promote the fundamental rights of LGBTIQ people. FRA calls on governments to take action:
Hate crime: enforce a culture of zero tolerance towards violence and harassment of LGBTIQ people. Invest in police training to ensure they recognize, record, and properly investigate LGBTIQ hate crime so that victims feel safe to report attacks and are treated fairly. Transpose the EU’s Equal Treatment Directive and the Equality Body Standards Directives to tackle discrimination in all areas.
Address online hate and disinformation campaigns against LGBTIQ people, address the risk of bias in algorithms, and ensure the accountability of digital platforms under EU law.
Education: make schools safe and supportive learning environments for all children, tackle bullying, and ensure that educational curricula and systems build on best practices promoted by the EU. Healthcare: secure access to quality healthcare, including mental health support, and end conversion practices and non-vital medical interventions.
FRA Director Sirpa Rautio emphasizes that being openly LGBTIQ in Europe should not be a struggle, as bullying, harassment, and violence remain constant threats.
