IGNITED-POWER: Inclusive GeNder and sexual orIenTEation navigation for transformation anD emPOWERment
Specific Program: Cooperation partnerships in youth (KA220-YOU)
Project Title: Inclusive GeNder and sexual orIenTEation navigation for transformation anD emPOWERment
Acronym: IGNITED-POWER
Research team:
- Nahia Idoiaga Mondragon (Principal Investigator)
- Maitane Picaza Gorrotxategi (Co-Principal Investigator)
- Inge Axpe Saez
- Markel Rico González
- Teresa Campos López
- Estibaliz Ramos Díaz
- Naiara Ozamiz Echevarría
- Maitane Belasko Txertudi
- Estibaliz Cepa Rodríguez
- Israel Alonso Sáez
Partner Entities:
- UPV/EHU: University of the Basque Country/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (Project Leader)
- GenderLens Aps
- WECHANGE RESEARCH AND OUTREACH LTD
- Xenios Polis. Culture, Science and Actio
- CENTRUL PENTRU INOVARE SI PERFORMANTA
- ACCEPT-LESBIES, OMOFYLOFILOI, AMFISEXOUALIKOI, TRANS (LOAT) KYPROS
Total budget: €250,000.00
Project start: 01/11/2024
Project end: 31/10/2026
Total project duration: 24 months
Project summary:
In the EU, legislative developments and policy initiatives helped build more equal and welcoming societies, including for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTQIA) people. Despite these developments, LGBTQIA people still experience hostility and discrimination in their everyday lives (https://fra.europa.eu/en/themes/sex-sexualorientation-and-gender).
The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) Report for 2023 found that several Member States have implemented legal and policy measures that endanger the fundamental right to equal treatment of LGBTIQ+ individuals. This significantly contributes to the escalation of aggression towards the LGBTI community, as well as instilling dread among them.
Certain individuals within the LGBTQIA community in the EU continue to face risks while publicly displaying affection, openly expressing their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics, whether it be in their personal or professional lives. They are unable to freely be themselves without experiencing a sense of danger or intimidation (ILGA-Europe, 2022).
Several EU countries are regressing in terms of LGBTQIA rights. Instances of hate speech, as well as acts of violence targeting individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, continue to be prevalent (COE, 2022). Assaults on LGBTIQ public gatherings occur, such as the Rainbow Meeting attack in Cyprus in 2023, as well as acts of hostility towards Pride marches. There have also been instances where certain areas have declared themselves as LGBTQIA ideology-free zones, and homophobic intimidation has been observed during carnival celebrations.
The implementation of comprehensive measures at the European Union level is imperative to dismantle obstacles, eradicate prejudice, and establish an inclusive society that guarantees the full enjoyment of rights for all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity (UN, LGBTQ Stakeholder Group-
2020).
IGNITED-POWER implements a novel three-tier strategy to:
a) Enhance the abilities of young people and youth workers in tackling hate and prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
b) Strengthen links between young people, policy-makers, and researchers through multi-stakeholder dialogues.
c) Establish a Validation Team comprising experts in gender identity, young individuals, and Youth Educators to carry out participatory action research methodology.
IGNITED-POWER supports the EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025, which aims to tackle the disparities and difficulties faced by LGBTIQ individuals, with the goal of achieving equality within the European Union. Additionally, IGNITED-POWER is in line with the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027, which seeks to promote a sense of belonging among young people and encourage their active involvement in EU affairs.
More information about the programme: