A study session “WE too: Workcamp Equality too! Creating Safer and More Encouraging International Youth Projects for LGBTQIA+ Youth” kicked off today at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg and runs until 28 March. Organised under the Youth for Democracy programme and in co-operation with the Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organisations (Alliance), this event brings together 25 youth leaders and multipliers from 15 countries.

 It aims to ensure that International Voluntary Service (IVS) projects, particularly workcamps, become inclusive, safe, and welcoming spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth.

 Over the course of the 5-day educational programme, participants will gain insights and share lived experiences, enabling LGBTQIA+ volunteers, allies, and IVS practitioners to collectively identify challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ youth in accessing and participating in IVS programmes.

 The Council of Europe’s Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Unit will present an overview of the current situation regarding the human rights of LGBTQIA+ people in member states.

 Parts of the programme will also be dedicated to sharing good practices in the field of LGBTQIA+ inclusion. By the end of the activity, participants will collaboratively explore, create, and contribute to the development of new resources and materials.

 The insights and resources developed during the study session will help implement meaningful changes within the participating IVS networks and will have a positive impact on creating more inclusive, safe, and welcoming spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth, particularly in the context of workcamps.

 More information about the study session is available on the dedicated webpage.