The launch event gathered experts and activists from around the world to address the intersections of digital spaces, identity rights, and their implications for democracy. The discussions ranged from regulatory aspects by the EU, the role of media, and the contemporary challenges faced by the LGBTIQ+ community, both in the EU, its neighbourhood and beyond.

Disinformation using identity-based stereotypes is a threat to democracy that targets and undermines vulnerable communities.

‘It is no coincidence that gender equality, women and LGBTIQ+ persons are targeted by foreign information manipulation and interference’ – stressed Stella Ronner-Grubačić, EU Ambassador for Gender and Diversity. ’The more successful narratives focus on the so-called ”natural order”, the ”traditional family” or protecting children’s rights. They often attack the whole community or single certain sub-groups out, but the intention is to take advantage of the social polarization that is related to the EU’s human rights framework’.

'Framing LGBTIQ+ identities as non-traditional and ‘othering’ individuals are ways of weaponising the topic.'

Stella Ronner-Grubačić, EU Ambassador for Gender and Diversity

The report presented by the EEAS documents the foreign information manipulation cases targeting LGBTIQ+ people across online spaces. Almost all of the detected incidents aimed at demeaning or humiliating LGBTIQ+ communities, along with other targets, such as Western government entities, international organisations, geopolitical adversaries or political figures.

From myths that accuse homosexuality of paedophilia to unfounded claims about transgender individuals threatening public safety, we have seen the dangerous effects of these falsehoods across the world. Foreign actors have been using information manipulation and interference (FIMI), including disinformation, to polarise the public sphere, and to sow discord and discontent in democracies.

The conference underscored that the challenges we face today go beyond any single community, touch upon broader democratic values and societal stability. It’s a broader assault on democracy, with vulnerable communities like LGBTIQ+ being used as vehicles for political agendas. The intersectionality of these challenges means that it’s not just about one group, but a reflection of larger societal divisions.

The discussions during the launch event emphasised that identity-based disinformation affects the social fabric of the societies as a whole. Experts emphasise the intersectionality of rights and challenges, highlighting that online risks mirror offline societal risks. The instrumentalisation of LGBTIQ+ rights and the rise of anti-rights movements stand in a direct opposition to democracy, contribute to the spread of unfounded conspiracy theories, and may lead to radicalisation and violence. Narratives targeting the LGBTIQ+ community have real-world repercussions, and there is an urgent need for media to spotlight these stories proactively.

A multi-faceted, inclusive response is essential, recognizing political motives, specific contexts, and understanding that the challenges posed are not isolated, but part of a larger narrative aimed at undermining democratic foundations.

The responses, therefore, cannot be isolated, but collaborative, involving multiple stakeholders; activists and targeted communities, civil society, the fact-checking community, government and international bodies, private sector, including platforms, media and PR agencies. Only by unifying efforts, responses become effective, which in turn strengthen our democracies and support those in need.

The call to action is clear: build a community of responders, foster meaningful conversations beyond the European Union, and continuously engage with partners to drive meaningful change, placing human dignity and human rights at the core of any interventions.

EEAS Secretary General, Stefano Sannino emphasized that ’Ensuring the protection of the LGBTIQ+ community and other discriminated communities is a fundamental part of strengthening democracy. We believe that more political action is needed to take on this task and to prevent the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community from being targeted’.

’The European External Action Service stands committed to this task. We will continue to work in this direction and we will be at your side in fighting these threats’ – added the Secretary.