Today (17 May) is IDAHOBIT – the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia – when the LGBTQI community in Europe and around the world come together to stand against discrimination.
To mark this day, Rainbow Rose, our affiliated LGBTI network, is planning a host of activities in Brussels within the framework of the European elections.
Rainbow Rose members will gather under the rainbow flag hung outside the European Parliament to pay their respects to victims of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. They will then visit the Rainbow Village of the Belgian Pride, before canvassing voters this evening to persuade people in Brussels to back PES candidates if they support LGBTI rights.
Rainbow Rose President and SPÖ candidate Camila Garfias said:
“It is extremely important that we get out there and explain to people why they need to come out and vote for LGBTI rights. The PES is the strongest force for positive change for LGBTI people in the European Parliament, and has the most comprehensive policy proposals of all the European political parties”.
PES Common Candidate Frans Timmermans said:
“The PES political family stands firmly with all victims of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, and condemns all discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics. As President of the European Commission I will continue to fight for LGBTI rights.”
The PES will tackle hate crime, discrimination, humiliation, violence and other forms of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic oppression.
You can see more PES LGBTI rights proposals in the LGBTI section of our Democracy Resolution, which forms the basis of our EU elections manifesto. The PES is the only European political party that has developed an LGBTI Roadmap dedicated to addressing LGBTI topics. We also have the most comprehensive and advanced LGBTI policy proposals for the next European term.
