Latest news with #ILGA-Europe
Buzz Feed
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Ellen DeGeneres Did Move To UK Due To Trump: Opinion
Hear me out...I feel kinda weird about Ellen DeGeneres hyping up England while confirming that she moved there because of the Presidency of Donald Trump. Shortly after the 2024 election, it was reported that Ellen and wife Portia de Rossi had moved to the Cotswolds, a rural area in England. It's worth noting that this was after her final standup tour and the end of her daytime show, following allegations of a toxic work environment. As per the BBC, when Ellen was recently asked at an event in Cheltenham, England, whether her decision to move nearby was motivated by Trump, she replied, "Yes." Initially, Ellen said that she and Portia bought the house to live in part-time. "We got here the day before the election and woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis, and I was like, 'He got in,'" she said. "And we're like, 'We're staying here.'" "It's absolutely beautiful," she continued. "We're just not used to seeing this kind of beauty. The villages and the towns and the architecture — everything you see is charming and it's just a simpler way of life." "It's clean. Everything here is just better — the way animals are treated, people are polite. I just love it here," she added. "We moved here in November, which was not the ideal time, but I saw snow for the first time in my life. We love it here. Portia flew her horses here, and I have chickens, and we had sheep for about two weeks." Elsewhere, Ellen specifically mentioned LGBTQ+ rights in the US. "The Baptist Church in America is trying to reverse gay marriage," she said. "They're trying to literally stop it from happening in the future and possibly reverse it. Portia and I are already looking into it, and if they do that, we're going to get married here." I really don't want to make mountains out of molehills here: I'm sure Ellen is having a lovely time in England. But, as a Brit, I think some liberal Americans can be prone to adopting rose-colored glasses when it comes to issues in other parts of the world, when in reality the rise of far-right bigotry is very much a global problem. I just want to throw it out there, for anyone reading this, that the UK Ellen is describing is more complex than that. For one, it's worth noting that the UK is currently having its own issues with upholding LGBTQ+ rights. It's currently ranked as the second-worst Western European country for LGBTQ+ rights, 22nd overall in Europe (just below Estonia), by ILGA-Europe's Rainbow Map. Indeed, in terms of legal gender recognition, ILGA-Europe puts the UK as one of the worst countries in Europe. The main reason for this is because, in April, the UK Supreme Court essentially ruled that trans women aren't legally women. It's also worth considering that anti-immigration sentiment is also on the rise in the UK. Literally in this week, anti-immigrant protests in one part of England became violent — as the BBC notes, "Demonstrators on Sunday chanted 'send them home' and 'save our kids,' as projectiles were thrown towards police vans blocking the entrance to the hotel." Last August, riots happened across the country spouting anti-immigrant rhetoric. In May, the government published an immigration white paper, which proposes a number of increased cuts on immigration, such as reducing positions available for Skilled Worker jobs and doubling the qualifying period for permanent residence. As the proposals were unveiled, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the UK risked becoming an 'island of strangers" without stricter immigration. He was subsequently accused of evoking Enoch Powell's "rivers of blood' speech, which warned against white people finding "themselves made strangers in their own country" (Starmer later apologized for the remarks and denied any intention of similarity with Powell). What I think is likely more accurate is "rich white cis lady finds life is better somewhere else," which, yes. Good on her for not being as inundated with news about the orange man! You can read more about Ellen's words here.
Daily Mirror
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
UK's biggest Pride event is calling on allies for support and it's free to join
One of the UK's biggest pride events has launched a campaign calling on everyday people to spotlight their LGBTQ+ heroes and the everyday things they do to support the community The UK's biggest free Pride event, Pride in London, is back again for another year of celebrations, and their 2025 campaign carries a strong message. At the core of the LGBTQ+ movement has always been volunteering, and with that in mind, the organisers have have launched Volunqueer – their campaign for this year's event. According to ILGA-Europe's Rainbow Map, the UK government has been backsliding on LGBTQ+ rights since 2015, meaning that now more than ever, LGBTQ+ organisations need the support of the community and its allies. One of the best ways to do that is through volunteering. Pride in London are asking people to give their time and energy to support LGBTQ+ charities and organisations by calling on them to 'Volunqueer'. The campaign aims to shine a spotlight on those everyday heroes who undertake acts of selflessness for the community and asks others to join them in lending support. 'Volunqueering' doesn't have to be done in big grand gestures; the smallest of acts can make the biggest difference and inspire meaningful change. Pride in London's director of marketing, Tim Noblett, explained: "As the UK's status as a safe space for LGBTQ+ people comes increasingly into question, this campaign is a reminder of the resilience that lies at the heart of our community.' Their inspiration campaign champions people just like Saima, who runs Rainbow Chai, a support group for South Asian parents of LGBTQ+ children. Their organisation helps families grow in love and understanding towards their LGBTQ loved ones. Alongside them cast in the campaign is Eva, who fights for trans rights through real-life legal action. Eva has been a part of numerous public campaigns, police education, and youth advocacy. At the heart of all of their work, they centre community voices, and now it's time for their voice to be heard even louder. Josh is another star of the campaign, who volunteers with Pride in London to help organise the parade. Their work brings endless amounts of joy as well as the logistics behind the fun that helps bring people together on the biggest day of the year. They shared: 'Volunqueering brings me joy and fulfilment. "It's the seed you plant, even if you never see the flower grow." Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you! Alongside them, cast in the inspirational campaign are Alexander, who is part of the LGBTQ+ ERG at TFL and supports multiple charities, and Dhiren, who supports LGBTQ+ people in crisis as a helpline volunteer for both Switchboard and London Friend. Faces of the 'volunqueer' message also include Jason, who is part of Not a Phase, creating vital spaces for trans people; Emy, who champions queer wellness by organising London's first LGBTQ+ wellness festival; and Rayyan. As a Just Like Us ambassador, Rayyan shares their personal story across schools to support young queer people and promote inclusion. In light of this new and exciting campaign, a new website has launched, with a number of helpful links, resources on organisations and initiatives and things to get involved in for vital community support. This site aims to help guide those interested in volunqueering opportunities but also to tell inspirational stories of those volunteers that already exist, tirelessly putting in the work helping to fight the good fight. The Mirror is the official media partner of Pride in London for the second year in a row. For all of our Pride content, click here.
Euronews
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Polish parliament votes to extend asylum suspension at Belarus border
The Polish parliament has voted to extend the suspension of the right to asylum at the country's eastern border with Belarus. In total, 366 politicians backed the move, while 17 voted against the extension. The measure, which has been widely criticised by human rights groups, allows Polish authorities to suspend asylum rights for 60 days at a time. It was first adopted in March, before being renewed this week. Speaking on Tuesday, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk framed the bill as necessary to combat the flow of migrants entering Poland via Belarus. The prime minister and others in his government argue that Russia and Belarus are deliberately encouraging foreign citizens to cross the border in an attempt to destabilise Europe. The asylum suspension is necessary because of the "serious and real threat" this poses to Poland's national security, Tusk said. Tusk added that only Poland's "tough" stance has effectively mitigated this influx. The regulation allows exemptions for certain categories of people, including children, pregnant women, individuals with special healthcare needs, and people deemed at "real risk of harm" if returned over the border. A last minute amendment to the bill also allows families accompanying minors to claim asylum under the new restrictions. In February, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warned Poland that the proposed law would not be compatible with either international or European asylum law. Human Rights Watch said last month that the EU should take legal action against Poland should the bill be implemented, adding that the legislation 'flies in the face of Poland's international and EU obligations". It encouraged the Polish parliament to vote it down. However, a spokesperson for the European Commission recently conceded that it would assess the law in the "context" of the security threat facing Poland. Malta, Belgium, Iceland, Denmark and Spain are the top five countries in this year's LGBTQ+ rights ranking, according to this year's ILGA-Europe's Rainbow Map. Malta has been at the top of the ranking for the last decade, with a score of 88,83%. With 85 points, Belgium jumped to second place after adopting policies tackling hatred based on sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics. Despite Belgium jumping to second place in the index over Iceland, the latest figures from Belgium's Centre for Equal Opportunities Unia and the Institute for the Equality of Women and Men reported "worrying" cases of violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. Unia reported 136 cases related to sexual orientation. More than a third of these cases involved assaults with assault and battery, and a similar proportion of serious cases of harassment. These attacks are often committed by young men, sometimes in groups, and especially against other men. ILGA-Europe's Rainbow Map scores countries in seven categories: equality and non-discrimination, family, hate crime and hate speech, legal gender recognition, intersex bodily integrity, civil society space and asylum. Austria, Latvia, Germany, Czechia and Poland also recorded the biggest jumps in their rankings. Austria and Latvia rose four places, while Germany, Czechia, and Poland climbed three. The EU's average score is 51.13%, while Europe's is 41.85%. In 2025, some countries across Europe saw a rollback in LGBTQ+ rights. Romania has been at the end of the EU ranking with a score of just 19%, followed by Poland and Bulgaria, both with 21%. "Centre and far-right actors in the EU are targeting NGO funding to weaken organisations that defend rights, while at the national level, we are seeing laws introduced that do not address any genuine societal need but are designed purely to marginalise," said ILGA-Europe's Advocacy Director, Katrin Hugendubel. The United Kingdom also dropped six places to 22nd. That drop was partially blamed on a Supreme Court decision to redefine the legal understanding of "woman" strictly as "biological sex," impacting the recognition and rights of transgender individuals. Hungary dropped seven places after the first Pride march ban in the EU, criminalising participation and organisation of such events. Attending a banned event would carry fines up to 200,000 Hungarian forints (€503), which the state must forward to "child protection," according to the text of the law. "Similar moves in the UK, Hungary, Georgia and beyond signal not just isolated regressions, but a coordinated global backlash aimed at erasing LGBTI rights, cynically framed as the defence of tradition or public stability, but in reality designed to entrench discrimination and suppress dissent," said Hugendubel.
Euronews
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
LGBTQ+ rights: These are the most and least progressive EU countries
Malta, Belgium, Iceland, Denmark and Spain are the top five countries in this year's LGBTQ+ rights ranking, according to this year's ILGA-Europe's Rainbow Map. Malta has been at the top of the ranking for the last decade, with a score of 88,83%. With 85 points, Belgium jumped to second place after adopting policies tackling hatred based on sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics. Despite Belgium jumping to second place in the index over Iceland, the latest figures from Belgium's Centre for Equal Opportunities Unia and the Institute for the Equality of Women and Men reported "worrying" cases of violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. Unia reported 136 cases related to sexual orientation. More than a third of these cases involved assaults with assault and battery, and a similar proportion of serious cases of harassment. These attacks are often committed by young men, sometimes in groups, and especially against other men. ILGA-Europe's Rainbow Map scores countries in seven categories: equality and non-discrimination, family, hate crime and hate speech, legal gender recognition, intersex bodily integrity, civil society space and asylum. Austria, Latvia, Germany, Czechia and Poland also recorded the biggest jumps in their rankings. Austria and Latvia rose four places, while Germany, Czechia, and Poland climbed three. The EU's average score is 51.13%, while Europe's is 41.85%. In 2025, some countries across Europe saw a rollback in LGBTQ+ rights. Romania has been at the end of the EU ranking with a score of just 19%, followed by Poland and Bulgaria, both with 21%. "Centre and far-right actors in the EU are targeting NGO funding to weaken organisations that defend rights, while at the national level, we are seeing laws introduced that do not address any genuine societal need but are designed purely to marginalise," said ILGA-Europe's Advocacy Director, Katrin Hugendubel. The United Kingdom also dropped six places to 22nd. That drop was partially blamed on a Supreme Court decision to redefine the legal understanding of "woman" strictly as "biological sex," impacting the recognition and rights of transgender individuals. Hungary dropped seven places after the first Pride march ban in the EU, criminalising participation and organisation of such events. Attending a banned event would carry fines up to 200,000 Hungarian forints (€503), which the state must forward to "child protection," according to the text of the law. "Similar moves in the UK, Hungary, Georgia and beyond signal not just isolated regressions, but a coordinated global backlash aimed at erasing LGBTI rights, cynically framed as the defence of tradition or public stability, but in reality designed to entrench discrimination and suppress dissent," said Hugendubel.
Euronews
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Romania overtakes Poland as worst country in the EU for LGBTQ+ people
Romania has overtaken Poland as the worst country in the EU for LGBTQ+ people, according to a ranking published by the Brussels-based non-governmental organisation ILGA-Europe. Poland had occupied the top spot in the rankings since 2019, which are based on a score that takes into account factors such as the number of hate crimes in a given year and the rights afforded by authorities to the LGBTQ+ community. Based on new data from 2024, Romania has now overtaken Poland, while Malta, Belgium and Iceland find themselves on the opposite side of the spectrum. In the past, several Polish political leaders, including the chairman of the Law and Justice (PiS) party Jaroslaw Kaczyński, have campaigned against what they call "LGBTQ+ ideology." Asked about the "threat of the imposition of gender and LGBTQ+ ideology on Poland" during a virtual meeting with the editors of the Gazeta Polska newspaper in 2021, Kaczyński said that "all this madness- because it really is madness - is happening in a world in which there are tough and strong civilisations, both economically and militarily, which are weakening. This weakening of the West will be taken advantage of." Poland's lowly ranking changed after the country's 2023 parliamentary elections, indicating that conditions for LGBTQ+ people have improved. However, the new government has not introduced any new reforms to improve LGBTQ+ rights, despite having promised to do so during the pre-election campaign. Nevertheless, ILGA-Europe reports that in the "civil society space" category, Poland has seen an improvement, referring to the fact that there were fewer obstacles to "LGBT+ events" such as pride marches. "Last year, more than 35 marches were organised across Poland and almost all of them took place peacefully," reads the latest ILGA-Europe report. "However, the protection of these events is insufficient." Poland recently abolished its last "LGBT-free zone", six years after the first one was introduced. These zones, although mainly symbolic, were an attempt to exclude the LGBTQ+community from public life, according to activists. "LGBT-free zones" have also faced criticism from the European Union. In 2019, the European Parliament voted with a majority of 463 to 107 to condemn the zones, of which there were more than 80 at the time. According to an Ipsos+ poll, 67% of Poles support same-sex marriage or legal recognition of unions for LGBTQ+ couples. Although there were two motions in place for the ruling coalition to introduce bills on civil partnerships into parliament, both failed due to a lack of support by more conservative members.
