LGBTQI+ Political Empowerment – A Look at European political initiatives

According to ILGA Europe (The largest European non-profit organisation fighting for LGBTQI+ rights), 2022 was the most violent year for the LGBTQI+ community. This alarming information is partially attributed to the increasing political rhetoric against the community often embedded in the political speech of extreme right parties. To respond to the rhetoric, political figures from pro-democratic parties often condemn the rise of political hate speech. Naturally, in every European political family, some national parties are keen to show open support to the community, while others are neutral or silent about it. Yet, it is fair to say that an overarching network of European parties supports the LGBTQI+ community. 

Interestingly, European parties have implemented initiatives to combat the growing rhetoric to empower the LGBTQI+ community and increase acceptance among national parties that might remain neutral to support equality. Today, we will take a look at the three main initiatives that act as the internal branches of empowerment and advocacy for the LGBTQI+ community within the  European People’s Party (EPP), the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) Party.