Andrew Gardiner

This is not such a straight forward answer- LGBTQIA+ people in Europe today are watching political backsliding take place, with anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiment on the rise, mostly fueled by political movements that thrive on division. In many parts of Central and Eastern Europe, conservative groups are pushing to roll back rights like same-sex marriage, adoption, and gender-affirming care. This leaves many people in the community worried that their hard-earned rights could be taken away. Discrimination and violence are also big issues. Hate crimes against LGBTQIA+ individuals, ranging from verbal abuse to physical attacks, are still all too common, especially in places where legal protections are lacking. When politicians and public figures spread anti-LGBTQIA+ messages, it only makes things worse, legitimising harmful attitudes and leaving many in the community feeling unsafe and isolated. The stigma around LGBTQIA+ identities also takes a heavy toll on mental health. Studies show that LGBTQIA+ people are much more likely to experience mental health struggles compared to the heteronormative population. For example, a 2020 report from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights found that 37% of LGBTQIA+ people in Europe reported feeling depressed in the past year, compared to just 6% of the general population. LGBTQIA+ youth are especially vulnerable, with higher rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts. A report from The Trevor Project found that 40% of LGBTQIA+ youth in the U.S. seriously considered suicide in 2021, and similar trends can be seen in Europe. Many LGBTQIA+ people also face rejection from family, friends, or colleagues, which only deepens their stress and emotional struggle. The stigma around LGBTQIA+ identities also takes a heavy toll on mental health. Studies show that LGBTQIA+ people are much more likely to experience mental health struggles compared to the heteronormative population. For example, a 2020 report from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights found that 37% of LGBTQIA+ people in Europe reported feeling depressed in the past year, compared to just 6% of the general population. LGBTQIA+ youth are especially vulnerable, with higher rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts. A report from The Trevor Project found that 40% of LGBTQIA+ youth in the U.S. seriously considered suicide in 2021, and similar trends can be seen in Europe. Many LGBTQIA+ people also face rejection from family, friends, or colleagues, which only deepens their stress and emotional struggle. LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers face even more hurdles. Most are escaping violence or persecution in their home countries, only to face discrimination and roadblocks in the European asylum system. This makes it even harder for them to find the safety and stability they’re seeking, and are often isolated further in council or cheap rural housing away from towns and cities. While there’s progress in some parts of Europe, full equality is still far off. Laws protecting LGBTQIA+ people vary across countries, and social attitudes differ greatly. The EU has made some progress, but the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights isn’t over. To tackle these challenges, we need more people speaking up, stronger laws, and a shift toward more inclusivity. With continued activism, better protections, and more awareness, we can work toward a future where LGBTQIA+ people can live openly and without fear.