I welcome the EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2026–2030 as a concrete action to strengthen LGBTIQ+ rights, oppose conversion practices, and promote inclusive mental health services—key elements in preventing psychological distress and fostering safety and social inclusion.
As an LGBTIQ+-affirming psychotherapist and counsellor, I work with people from the LGBTIQ+ community and witness the impact of homophobic bullying, discrimination, and hate crimes on mental health. These experiences are frequently associated with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and relational and work-related difficulties, with long-lasting and sometimes traumatic effects on psychological wellbeing.
The reality of discrimination and “conversion practices”
The urgency of this strategy is supported by alarming data regarding the violations of bodily autonomy and psychological safety.
Conversion practices are deeply harmful interventions that rely on the medically false idea that LGBTIQ+ people are sick, inflicting severe pain and suffering, and resulting in long-lasting psychological and physical damage. According to the FRA’s (European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights) third LGBTIQ survey:
24% of LGBTIQ people have experienced conversion practices, including physical and sexual violence, verbal abuse, and humiliation. This figure almost doubles to 47% for trans women and 48% for trans men.
Furthermore, trans, non-binary, and intersex people continue to face severe violations of their bodily autonomy. Some EU Member States still impose surgical or medical intervention requirements for legal gender recognition. The survey shows that 57% of intersex respondents said that they or their parents did not provide informed consent to undergo surgical or hormonal procedures, resulting in lasting physical and psychological harm.
The pillars of the new Eu strategy
In response to these challenges, the European Commission is striving for a Union of Equality where everyone is free to be who they are and love who they want. Building on the achievements of the previous cycle, the 2026–2030 Strategy focuses on four key pillars:
Tackling discrimination: strengthening legal protection and empowering equality bodies to ensure fair treatment for all.
Ensuring safety: combating hate crimes, hate speech, and harmful practices—including a firm stance against conversion practices.
Building inclusive societies: ensuring equal access to healthcare, education, housing, and culture, creating environments where LGBTIQ+ individuals can thrive.
Leading the call for equality worldwide: promoting LGBTIQ+ rights globally as a core part of the EU’s external relations.
As a mental health professional, I stand with these objectives to ensure that psychological support is always affirmative, safe, and respectful of every individual’s identity.
Download official document Union of Equality LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026-2030
Visit European Commission website
