NELFA, the Network of European LGBT+ Families Association, has said that although far right populists have made gains in the recent European elections, the newly elected Parliament has shown that pro LGBT+ movements have also gained ground.

They stress that in spite of the rise in right wing politics, the situation for rainbow families in Europe can still improve. To that end, they created a questionnaire for politicians entitled What Will You Do For LGBT+ Families? It was originally made for MEP candidates, but the group now want to further it to politicians who have been voted in to get a show of sustainable support.

Are you #LGBTI living in an EU Member State, Serbia or North Macedonia?This is your chance to take part in the largest survey about the lives of LGBTI people in Europe, by the @EURightsAgency.
Complete in your preferred language by 7 July at https://t.co/iVZEhCRJFY#lgbtisurvey pic.twitter.com/NbP3IFWHqx

— ILGA-Europe (@ILGAEurope) May 28, 2019

Eleni Maravelia, President of NELFA, said, “It’s true, there are political circumstances that could provide more hope for rainbow families within the EU, especially in a time where LGBT+ rights are already at risk. In general, encrusted structures are dissolving and this is accompanied by massive fears.

“But, let’s not bury our heads in the sand and let’s not abandon our trials to reconcile with those who might think that LGBT+ parents and their children are a threat to traditional values and public orders. We are not a monstrosity of the spirit of the times. We are lovely families and deserve respect, equal treatment and protection.”

The EU elections may leave mixed feelings. But, nonetheless, @NELFA_LGBT will continue its efforts to advance the rights of #rainbowfamilies in the EU and beyond! #VoteRainbowFamilies. Read our press release: https://t.co/3urO1N0vxX pic.twitter.com/h39CO4v81S

— NELFA (@NELFA_LGBT) May 28, 2019

Björn Sieverding, Vice President of NELFA, added, “We invite old and new members of the European Parliament to continue the efforts to fight against any kind of discrimination, to work for more equality and the free movement of EU citizens and their family members.

“In the next legislature, NELFA won’t stop sharing with MEPs and staff members of the institutions how we live and why we need full legal recognition. It’s time to convince the hesitant people and to unmask the false prophets.”

NELFA is the European platform of LGBTIQ families associations, bringing together LGBTIQ parents and parents-to-be from all over Europe. NELFA currently represents 37 organisations in 30 European countries with more than 20,000 members.