Equality and non-discrimination are enshrined in European treaties and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights. In the last decades, this has resulted in an unprecedented level of acknowledgement of LGBTIQ+ rights, at least in principle.
However, ‘anti-gender’ movements are on the rise too. Conservative and illiberal forces are hijacking the very concept of ‘gender’ and are using it as a tool to coalesce consensus against LGBTQI+ rights and transgender rights in particular, and build coalitions bound together by a common ‘enemy’. They mislead public opinion by claiming to be protecting the rights and interests of women and, sometimes, even lesbian women. They demonise what they call ‘gender ideology’ and even offer an alternative ideology based on traditions, family, nation and religious values.
In short, gender is at the centre of the political struggle in Europe and elsewhere and it is becoming a key ideological battleground. For progressives, it is essential to be clear that LGBTIQ+ rights are human rights, and, as such, not negotiable. Progressives cannot remain silent while harassment and violation of people’s dignity are being perpetrated.
With this dossier, the Progressive Post has a twofold goal: first, to declare its unconditional support for LGBTIQ+ rights; and second, to shed light on the instrumentalisation of gender issues by right-wing extremist forces and parties.
