Event report

Part 1 -- ‘values and rights, rule of law, security’ o EEC and latterly the EU has played a pivotal role in the shaping of LGBTQI policies in Ireland. Ireland now seen as a standard bearer amongst other Member States. o There is frustration at the delivery of some policies. Consensus is holding the EU back in some areas. Even where there is a clear view in the room, the requirement for consensus can see policies being impeded by a minority. o A more inclusive approach is needed on hate crime –an EU led initiative would be helpful, particularly on hate speech on social media platforms issue o EU needs to take a leading role on family rights and act by deeds and not words. o Greater ambition needed for an EU-wide LGBT strategy that moves beyond language of compliance to a celebration of LGBT Rights. Having the EU publicly outline its ambitions such as 'Making the EU the Best Place in the World to be LGBT+' and a roadmap on how this would be achieved, would also signal a much stronger commitment to achieving these outcomes. o EU funding programmes should be more closely linked to a country's ongoing participation and acknowledgement of EU values. o There are significant numbers of people accessing LGBTQI services who have recently arrived in Ireland having left their home countries due to feeling unsafe there and fearing for their lives. o People from EU member states that have moved to Ireland see what is happening in their own countries and are deeply worried o Rights are not just for Pride month but for 365 days a year. o Greater work is needed on issue of employment rights for LGBTQI people o More action to be taken on ensuring equal marriage is available throughout the EU. o Transgender healthcare – do more at an EU level to protect rights of trans people to access healthcare and ensure healthcare professionals are trained appropriately o More supports are required for parents of LGBTQI people in navigating their children’s coming-out process. • Part 2 ‘European Democracy’ o EU needs to be seen as more than just a cash cow o Commission should examine going over the heads of Governments and speaking directly to the people – and seek support from ordinary citizens. ‘Health’ o A person’s health details/record should travel with them easily as they travel across the EU– some integration currently exists but the reality for those who have a HIV diagnosis involves a lot of paperwork. o Greater action to address lifting blood donation bans on gay, bisexual, and queer men in place in twenty member states. o More support for trans people in healthcare –there is an irony in that some of the most politically conservative countries have the most welcoming healthcare systems. A Stronger and Fairer Economy, Social Justice and Jobs o There is a shortage of appropriate services in rural areas for LGBTQI+ people across Europe. This has a particularly harmful impact on vulnerable groups like young LGBTQI+ people, Older LGBTQI+ people, those with disabilities, those with mental health issues. o Use existing funding structures to combat this across the EU. Programmes such as LEADER are uniquely well positioned to encourage existing (and new) grant holders to work with LGBTQI+ organisations to develop suitable supports. ‘Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport’ o More facilities/ provision made for transgender people in sport both on and off the field o More facilities available for young people where they can feel safe and included – existing initiatives like youth cafés are a good example of this o Adopt a more cultural approach in the teaching of modern foreign languages along with more language and Erasmus exchanges o Sex Education needs to be comprehensive throughout the EU