The 2026 European IDAHOT+ Forum, under the theme “Pushing for Progress: Addressing Challenges and Shaping the Future of LGBTI Equality in Europe,” will take place on 19 May 2026 in Copenhagen. Hosted by Denmark in cooperation with the Nordic Council of Ministers and co-organised with the Council of Europe, the Forum marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia and Intersexphobia (IDAHOT), observed annually on 17 May. Since its establishment in 2013, the European IDAHOT+ Forum has grown into a leading platform for advancing LGBTI equality and strengthening policy dialogue across Europe.
The 2026 edition comes at a particularly significant moment. It will bring together ministers, representatives of member States, international organisations, experts and civil society to assess progress and confront an increasingly complex landscape. Discussions will focus on how equality, dignity and inclusion underpin democratic resilience, while addressing the rising impact of anti-rights mobilisation, disinformation and polarisation, alongside mounting pressures on civic space, freedom of expression and participation.
The programme blends high-level political engagement with expert analysis and lived experience. Ministerial exchanges and plenary sessions will take stock of the current state of LGBTI rights in Europe, unpack the dynamics of anti-democratic backlash and examine their broader implications for democratic systems. Particular attention will be given to the role of mis- and disinformation, especially in digital environments, and how these forces shape public debate and policy space. Alongside this, discussions will highlight practical, forward-looking strategies to sustain and advance equality, including through stronger policy frameworks, institutional coordination and inclusive governance.
As in previous editions, the Forum will feature key contributions from European civil society organisations, including ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map, offering a comparative snapshot of LGBTI rights across the region. These insights will inform discussions on emerging trends, persistent implementation gaps and pathways for sustained progress, providing a robust evidence base for policy action.
Thematic sessions throughout the day will explore issues shaping the everyday realities of LGBTI persons. Topics include the digital environment, education, labour market inclusion and living conditions in rural and remote areas. Additional discussions will address violence, discrimination and barriers within family and social contexts, underscoring the need for coordinated and cross-sectoral responses. A dedicated session will focus on intersex persons, facilitating exchange on good practices and measures to strengthen protection in practice following the recent adoption of Recommendation CM/Rec(2025)7 on Equal Rights for Intersex Persons.
The Forum will be followed, on 20–21 May 2026, by a meeting of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (ADI-SOGIESC) in Copenhagen. The Committee will advance its intergovernmental work, including the finalisation of the draft Council of Europe Strategy on Equal Rights for LGBTI People (2027–2032), and contribute to shaping a more structured and forward-looking approach to LGBTI equality.
