From October 7 to 11, Dublin is hosting the ILGA-Europe Annual Conference, an event that brings together over 400 LGBTQ+ activists and allies from across Europe and Central Asia.

Hosted by Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre and LGBT Ireland, the ILGA-Europe conference represents a unique opportunity for LGBTQ+ civil society organisations to come together, share knowledge and strategies and drive forward positive change. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of ILGA-Europe, an umbrella organisation made up of over 700 groups that work in the field of equality, freedom and justice for LGBTQ+ people in Europe and Central Asia.

The theme for this year’s conference is ‘Resist and Rise’, looking at both what the movement is facing now and how we prepare for what comes next. During a press conference at the event, representatives from different LGBTQ+ and human rights organisations spoke about rising hate against minorities worldwide and how to take collective action to counter it.

According to panellists, the growing polarisation and hostility against minorities is one of the biggest challenges in Irish society nowadays. Recent technological developments are shaping how hate is spreading, and new tools are being used to coordinate anti-democratic activities. 

These hateful narratives are particularly harmful for LGBTQ+ youth, with 72% of them reporting having experienced online abuse. This has a long-lasting impact on young LGBTQ+ people’s mental health and their ability to discover and accept their identity.

Particular emphasis was placed on the so-called “manosphere”, or the narrative, widespread in certain online circles, that equality comes at the expense of men’s rights. Such rhetoric has moved into the mainstream due to social media and algorithms that push hateful content.

While the response of the Irish government to this issue has so far been piecemeal, civil society groups believe that what is needed is a coordinated approach. Activists are calling on the government to introduce a National Action Plan to Combat Hate to address the escalating impact of anti-LGBTQ+ narratives. 

Such plan should not only include policy, but also investing in services, media literacy, tools to oppose misinformation and funding. Moreover, civil society groups stressed the importance of having a designated lead department responsible for delivering the national strategy against hate. 

 

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“We all share a common interest in building a society where everyone can live safely, participate fully and belong,” said Anne Byrne, CEO of LGBT Ireland. “This is a moment for Ireland to show leadership. Through education and investment in communities, alongside effective laws and accountability, Ireland can be a beacon for community, connection and action against hate.”

“The growing problem of hate in Ireland, including homophobic and transphobic hate, requires a coordinated, whole-of-society response,” said Liam Herrick, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. “We need political leaders to show courage and leadership in confronting hate, rather than legitimising divisive narratives. 

“We need an education system that equips people to recognise prejudice and challenge harmful narratives, alongside the digital and media literacy skills to navigate an online environment where misinformation, disinformation and hate can spread rapidly.

“The answer cannot be limited to criminal justice measures. We need a sustained response that tackles the conditions in which hate can flourish and supports the communities experiencing it.”