"Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia have no place in the European Union or anywhere in the world. Ensuring that no one is left behind requires us to focus on fighting inequalities and multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. Equality, freedom and justice must apply to everyone regardless of their actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity."
- Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union
Pride 2024
On 17 May we observe the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) raising awareness on the human rights of LGBTIQ+ persons, and drawing attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by persons with different sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics (SOGI) globally. The IDAHOT theme for 2024 is ‘No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all’. Activities by the EU and other organisations worldwide, continue throughout the Pride Month of June.
To this end, the objectives of the EEAS this year are focused on:
- Promoting social acceptance and inclusion
- Countering disinformation and false narratives
We are also featuring testimonials from LGBTIQ+ persons who share their experiences and the challenges they face from discrimination and lack of acceptance.
Acceptance and respect for all
Uncovering the tricks of information manipulation
The flag
What do the colours of the Progressive Pride Flag mean?
This year, and for the first time, EU institutions are displaying the Progressive Pride Flag on their building façades. What is the meaning of this flag?
The pride flag serves as a symbol of the LGBTIQ+ community. It is a visual reminder of the struggles and oppression that people in the community have faced and continue to face, but, it's also a sign of hope.
The newer flag builds upon the traditional rainbow LGBTIQ+ Pride flag to emphasize the importance of inclusion, continuous progress, and specifically highlight marginalized communities within the broader LGBTIQ+ movement. It is all about showing that everyone belongs at Pride.
The traditional rainbow represents the core diversity of the LGBTIQ+ community with its six original stripes: Red represents Life; Orange stands for Healing; Yellow is for Sunlight; Green reflects Nature; Blue symbolizes Serenity and Violet conveys Spirit.
Added to the left side, the chevron points rightward to signify the need for ongoing progress. It features Black and Brown, representing LGBTIQ+ people with a minority racial or ethnic background; and Light Blue, Pink, and White, the colours of the Transgender Pride Flag, representing the transgender community. The more recent Yellow triangle and Purple circle represent the intersex community.
-
Image
CopyrightShutterstock
Do you know what the colours of the Progress Pride Flag represent? Scroll right to watch the video!
-
Image
CopyrightEU
Spot disinformation against LGBTIQ+ persons. Report it. Respond.
Protecting human rights of LGBTIQ+ persons in foreign policy also means combatting anti-LGBTIQ+ narratives. As part of our work on fighting Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), including disinformation, in 2023 we published a well-informed analysis to protect human rights and diversity on FIMI targeting LGBTIQ+ people.
From distorted statistics to pseudoscience, disinformation breeds mistrust & fosters discrimination against vulnerable communities.
'Framing LGBTIQ+ identities as non-traditional and ‘othering’ individuals are ways of weaponising the topic.'
- Stella Ronner-Grubačić, EU Ambassador for Gender and Diversity
Fight back! Spot it, report it, and empower your community against deceit.
Embrace truth, respect rights!
LGBTIQ+ Voices - Challenges and Experiences
Press
Videos from HQ
Related links
- LGBTIQ+ topic page
- EEAS Agenda for Diversity and Inclusion
- LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025
- FIMI targeting LGBTIQ+ people: Well-informed analysis to protect human rights and diversity
- Preventing and combating violence and discrimination against lesbian, bisexual and queer women in Europe
- ILGA-Europe, the 13th Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of LGBTI People in Europe and Central Asia
- Rainbow Europe Map and Index 2023
- ProtectDefenders.eu
- Brussels Pride 2024
- Pride Heroes - Celebrating Pride Month 2023