Policy Field: Youth
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Training on LGBTQI+ Resistance for Schools
In response to recurring signals from schools that LGBTQI+ topics often trigger resistance and polarisation, we organised a training for teachers and school staff. The aim was to equip educators with tools to navigate sensitive conversations and foster inclusive learning environments. City Profile: Oostende
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Creating safer spaces for queer youth
The City of Helsinki conducts participatory budgeting which allows residents to make proposals and vote on the allocation of several million euros. A proposal to provide safer spaces and activities for queer young people in north-east Helsinki was successful in the voting process and is being implemented in year 2025. A special LGBTIQ youth worker…
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New editions of the masterclass against discrimination
The masterclass organised by the city of Bordeaux in partnership with UNESCO continued with two additional editions in 2025, with more than 100 pupils per session. The latest edition, with the theme ‘The making of discrimination: how the media create and dismantle discrimination’, highlighted the important role of the media in transmitting discriminatory discourse, and…
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Queer youth panel
The Queer Youth Panel was established following the research project “Nothing Without Us” conducted by The Hague University of Applied Sciences and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. One of the key findings of this research is that trans youth often face obstacles in accessing healthcare, both due to negative experiences with healthcare professionals and a general lack…
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Queer youth shelter
Le Refuge is a pioneering best practice in The Hague’s queer policy. Developed by SHOP Den Haag and Stichting Queer Mind, inspired by Le Refuge Bruxelles, it offers both a safe space and temporary shelter for queer youth. The project provides a homelike environment where young people can be themselves, supported daily by peers with…
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LGBTI-Funding Programme: Focus to Reduce Violence and Discrimination at Schools
Since 2022, the City of Cologne has been supporting projects to prevent violence and reduce discrimination against LGBTI people with its own funding programme. New in 2025: Focus to reduce homo- und transphobic violence and discrimination at schools. Generally, associations, groups, organisations and individuals from Cologne’s LGBTI communities as well as those that are not…
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Community-Led Action Research Trans Youth
Commissioned by the Municipality of The Hague, this research explored trans youth’s access to gender-affirming care. Using a Community-Led Research and Action (CLRA) approach, five trans young people acted as co-researchers, ensuring lived experience guided every step. The study highlights systemic barriers—long waiting times, limited expertise, and lack of safe spaces—while also emphasizing trans joy,…
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The Hangout010
The HangOut010 is a livingroom for queer young people (16-26). The HangOut010 offers queer youth a platform to exchange experiences and to feel heard, seen and recognized within a safe environment. A professional coordinator organizes activities that generate social cohesion, mutual support and empowerment. For example: game nights, movie nights, POC meetings, homework sessions, art…
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Supporting New and Young Queer Organizations
In recent years, Kortrijk has worked on facilitating a group of volunteers who organize a monthly rainbow café. Over the past year, we have aimed to give them more autonomy and ownership of the organization. The rainbow café primarily consists of middle-aged individuals, highlighting the need for a space for young LGBTQIA+ people. Therefore, over…
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Specialist office “Rainbow City Kids”
The “Rainbow City Kids” specialist office, which is funded by the city of Heidelberg, is committed to promoting the acceptance of sexual and gender diversity in all areas of children and young people’s lives. It provides prevention services for Heidelberg schools, youth centers, youth associations and daycare centers. It teaches argumentation and action skills in…