Lesbian rights in Europe

The lives of lesbians in Europe are shaped by a range of factors, including social and economic rights, the respect for women's rights and gender equality, and the respect for LGBT rights.  The situation of lesbians often remains largely unknown and unaddressed. There is a lack of visibility in the women's movement on the one hand, and little recognition or visibility also in the mainstream LGBT movements. There is little space for lesbians to formulate their own political agenda and concerns. 

The aim of this workshop is to address key issues for lesbians in Europe, such as:

Legal situation for lesbians in Europe

Violence and harassment 

How to create a stronger position and visibility in both the women's movement and in the LGBT movement? 

PROGRAMME

15.00    Introduction: Cornelia Ernst, GUE/NGL MEP (Germany)

15.10     Presentations by 

Mikael Gustafsson, GUE/NGL MEP (Sweden), Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality

Ulrike Lunacek, GREENS MEP (Austria), Co-chair of the LGBT Intergroup of the European Parliament (video message), 

15.30    The situation of lesbians in Europe 

Friso Roscam Abbing, Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) 

Sanja Juras, Lesbian Group Kontra (Croatia), Board member of ILGA Europe (tbc)

Discussion 

16.30    Country specific presentations 

Maria Kozlovskaya, Russian LGBT Network

Dorottya Redai, Labrisz Lesbian Association, Hungary

Vera Vordenbäumen, Coordinator on gender issues and women's rights, Die Linke, Germany 

Marie Josèphe Devillers, Coordination Lesbienne de France

Discussion 

17.45    Closing of the seminar: Cornelia Ernst, GUE/NGL MEP (Germany)

18.00    Drinks    

 

Press contact: Gianfranco Battistini + 32 475 646628 [email protected]