On the Frontlines: Queer Activists Defending Democracy

On the Frontlines: Queer Activists Defending Democracy
Liberal democracy is under attack. The number of people living in democracies is rapidly declining and Europe is not immune. LGBTIQ+ communities are frequently among the first groups targeted during periods of democratic backsliding. Authoritarian actors scapegoat and antagonize queer communities, using them to mobilize support, restrict civil society, and undermine fundamental rights.
When people take to the streets in large protests we have witnessed recently - rainbow flags, carried by activists leading the defence of democratic values are visible on the frontlines. LGBTIQ+ activists are not only advocating for equality and safety; they are also active participants in broader struggles for democracy, human rights, and civic freedoms.
In this conversation, we will explore activists' experiences from Ukraine, Georgia, Türkiye and Moldova, as part of wider democratic movements and public protests. We will discuss how LGBTIQ+ movements connect their struggle for equality with broader democratic demands, the challenges activists face when participating in these movements, and how international solidarity can support those working at the intersection of democracy and human rights.
Join us for a conversation about solidarity, resistance, and the role of queer activism in shaping our democratic futures. 🌈