Across Europe, LGBTIQ+ people face increasing levels of hate speech, discrimination and violence. Many encounter hostility in public spaces, at school, at work and online. These experiences are not isolated incidents; they create fear, limit participation, and cause lasting harm to individuals and communities.
Recent findings from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights highlight the scale of the problem. In 2023, more than half of LGBTIQ+ people (55%) reported harassment, including verbal abuse and threats, up from 37% in 2019. Fourteen percent had been physically or sexually attacked. Two thirds had experienced bullying during their school years. A concerning 37% said they had seriously considered suicide in the past year. Public debate also plays a strong role: when public figures use discriminatory or hostile language, it signals that prejudice is acceptable and encourages its spread. Sixty-three percent of LGBTIQ+ people say they regularly see hate online, showing how deeply these narratives have taken hold.
The project brings together public officials, educators, civil society groups and communities to promote respectful communication in political and public life. It supports people in positions of influence to recognise the impact of their words and to understand how responsible language can prevent harm and support equality. Our aim is to help build a public sphere where dialogue replaces division, and where everyone can feel safe, included and respected. Change often begins with the way we speak, and those who shape public discussion have an important role in creating a fairer, more inclusive Europe. Whether you are leading, learning or supporting others, your voice matters in challenging hate and strengthening understanding.
SPHERE+ helps people address hate speech targeting LGBTIQ+ communities in politics and public life. Our partners across several EU countries work with civil society, educators and public bodies to build practical skills and shared approaches.
This site provides clear learning resources, practical training and tools you can use straight away. We support politicians, public officials and community leaders to recognise harmful language, respond with care and contribute to safer conversations. We also share real examples and guidance to make speaking up easier.
Our activities encourage open discussion and help people apply what they learn in meetings, classrooms, the media and daily life. Anyone interested in creating fair and welcoming public spaces will find useful support here, whether you are new to the topic or already experienced.
SPHERE+ is a multi-stakeholder initiative bringing together civil society organisations, public authorities, politicians and their teams, and educational institutions to build a coordinated response to LGBTIQ+ hate speech in political and public life. It provides a shared space for learning, action and capacity-building across Europe, supported by partners with broad expertise.
The consortium includes the European Center for Human Rights, LGBT Deystvie, Roscommon Leader Partnership and Volonteurope, who bring long-standing experience in equality, human rights and community engagement. Political Capital contributes political analysis and insight into trends in public discourse and their effects. Momentum and EUEI support the project with strategic communication, social justice expertise and learning design, helping ensure that SPHERE+ resources are practical, accessible and grounded in real needs.
SPHERE+ supports the people and organisations who shape how public conversations unfold. These are the individuals and groups whose voices influence how Europe thinks, speaks, leads and acts. The project equips them with practical tools that help create safer, more respectful public life, with a particular focus on reducing LGBTIQ+ hate speech in political and public settings.
