Let's Go Beyond Talk: Turn Quickly Into Action!+

<< Background >>We applied for this project in response to the urgent social and psychological needs experienced by LGBTQIA+ individuals across Europe. Research shows that this population faces health inequalities rooted in systemic stigma, discrimination, and human rights violations (Healthy People, 2020). The minority stress model explains how chronic exposure to prejudice—both external (violence, discrimination) and internal (self-stigma, fear of rejection)—leads to mental health risks such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation (Meyer, 2013). These challenges are worsened in countries with lower human rights standards, such as Italy and Poland (ILGA-Europe, 2021), where youth report high concealment of identity and low trust in public institutions. Our project addresses the need to build resilience, community empowerment, and inclusive spaces where LGBTQIA+ youth can thrive. We respond to four core needs: (a) mental health risks due to exclusion, (b) low self-esteem and social recognition, (c) identity concealment from fear, and (d) lack of hope and civic empowerment. The project transforms these needs into concrete goals for action, contributing to long-term inclusion.<< Objectives >>The LGBTQIA!+ project aimed to foster greater social inclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals across partner countries and the EU. Our intention was to empower LGBTQIA+ youth and activists, enhance public support, and promote safe spaces for self-expression. We focused on increasing the community’s capacity to act as agents of change—by giving voice to their needs and advocating for inclusive policy-making. The project aspired to build bridges between grassroots action, civil society, and institutional frameworks. In doing so, we sought to encourage the development of participatory, bottom-up strategies aligned with EU values on equality and human rights. We also aimed to cultivate self-confidence, a sense of initiative, and social entrepreneurship within the LGBTQIA+ youth, using advocacy and creative expression as tools for civic engagement. Another goal was to raise awareness and support from the wider public by fostering informal networks based on trust and mutual respect. Ultimately, we wanted to amplify LGBTQIA+ voices, promote intercultural understanding, and inspire inclusive social change.<< Implementation >>The LGBTQIA!+ project activities were divided into 4 work packages. WP1 focused on management and communication: we created a Project Management Handbook, an Evaluation Plan, and two committees (Inclusion and Evaluation). A website was launched where, through a social media management tool, articles, posts, information, and results were uploaded. WP2 led to the creation of a network of 20 associated partners active at local, regional, or national levels. They took part in two four-day workshops (LTTA) in Milan and Valencia, using the community visioning method, which resulted in policy guidelines and a vademecum. All partners were trained in the Advocacy-based Service-Learning Programme (ASLP) methodology, including recorded sessions, and then trained their associated partners. With the partners’ support, the latter carried out ASLP activities in schools, where young people aged 16–18 from four European countries engaged in advocacy actions on social injustice topics they chose. WP4 included an online artivism course, open to around 30 participants active in the arts or activism, ending with an online photo gallery.<< Results >>The LGBTQIA!+ project produced several key results. First, two strategic roadmaps were created: a vademecum for third-sector organizations and a set of policy guidelines for local and national institutions, both co-designed by LGBTQIA+ youth and activists. Secondly, we developed an online training course on Advocacy-based Service-Learning Programs (ASLPs), including recorded e-learning modules. This course was offered to partner stakeholders, enabling them to implement ASLPs in high schools for students aged 16+. As a result, these initiatives fostered youth civic engagement and solidarity. We also ran a training program on artivism targeting youth workers in the cultural and creative sectors. This culminated in an online gallery showcasing LGBTQIA+ artivism works, with multilingual captions. Beyond these concrete outputs, the project strengthened participants’ confidence, enhanced their capacity to advocate for rights, and helped build inclusive, supportive networks at local and EU levels.