LGBTIQ individuals within EU 'facing less inequality'

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer, or LGBTIQ, individuals within the European Union are experiencing reduced levels of discrimination compared to three years ago, but a rise in physical or sexual assaults, according to a comprehensive survey.

The online survey conducted in June, July, and August of 2023, encompassing more than 100,000 individuals identifying as LGBTIQ, revealed only minor overall differences compared to a similar survey three years prior, as reported by the Vienna-based EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, or FRA, in their findings released on Tuesday.

"More LGBTIQ people in Europe are now open about who they are. At the same time, they face more violence, harassment, and bullying than before," the FRA said in a statement released with the report.

Adjusted data allowing survey comparisons indicated that within the 27 EU member states, the percentage of participants reporting a physical or sexual assault targeting their LGBTIQ identity in the five years leading up to the survey increased from 11 percent in the prior survey to 14 percent.

Bulgaria, with 18 percent, and Latvia, with 17 percent, were identified as the EU nations with the highest incidence of physical or sexual attacks against the LGBTIQ community, with intersex and transgender individuals facing the most incidents.

Approximately 36 percent of survey participants within the EU indicated experiencing discrimination in at least one aspect of their lives in the year preceding the most recent survey due to their LGBTIQ identity, a decrease from 42 percent in the prior survey.

Bulgaria and Cyprus stood out as the nations within the EU with the highest levels of reported discrimination, both with 48 percent.

The most affected groups were intersex individuals, with 61 percent, and transgender people, with 54 percent, being the only categories surpassing the 50 percent mark in reported discrimination.

The aspects of life mentioned encompassed employment, education, healthcare, interactions with public services, as well as experiences in retail establishments, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, reported Reuters.

The study also encompassed EU candidate countries Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

"Being openly LGBTIQ in Europe should not be a struggle. Even though we see signs of progress, bullying, harassment and violence remain constant threats," FRA chief Sirpa Rautio said in the statement.

EU Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli said: "FRA's survey findings provide invaluable data on the lived experiences of LGBTIQ people across Europe. They help us identify the progress we have achieved and highlight the challenges that still lie ahead. I encourage all member states to use the data to deliver robust policies to counter discrimination and protect the rights of all LGBTIQ people."