About the seminar
The Group of the Party of European Socialists (PES Group) in the Committee of the Regions
(CoR), in cooperation with
Rainbow Rose
is organising a seminar entitled "I am what I am:
Promoting LGBTI rights in Europe".
The seminar, aims to raise awareness about striking divergences in the rights of lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people in different EU Member States. It will foster
the exchange of best practices at local and regional level in terms of LGBTI-friendly measures
and will discuss their contribution towards effectively fighting discrimination against LGBTI
people and taking forward social progress.
The context
Equality is one of the founding values of the EU and discrimination on the grounds of sexual
orientation is prohibited. However, we are a long way away from equal treatment throughout
the EU of LGBTI people, who still face multiple forms of discrimination.
Despite considerable advances in some EU Member States, social equality for LGBTI people
remains an unattained goal. For example, the absence of equal civil recognition of same-sex
relationships deprives them of a whole range of derived civil rights, such as rights to parenting
and adoption as well as of social security and fiscal rights. At the same time, it limits access to
public services such as social housing or health services.
Although equality of civil rights is a matter addressed at national level, the delivery of
related services is dealt with at local and regional level, and this is where progressive
politicians can make a difference. The same holds true when it comes to breaking
stereotypes about LGBTI people through education and fighting hate crime. This is
essential for changing regressive mindsets and promoting social inclusion.