The IDAHOT+ Forum has grown into one of Europe’s most influential platforms for advancing LGBTIQ+ rights, equality, and inclusion. Launched in 2013, the Forum was conceived as an annual gathering to commemorate the International Day against Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Transphobia, Biphobia, and Intersexphobia (IDAHOT) and has since expanded to include broader topics and stakeholders from across Europe and beyond. Bringing together government representatives, civil society leaders, policymakers, and advocates, the Forum fosters meaningful dialogue and collaborative strategies to address critical challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ communities.
Over the years, the IDAHOT+ Forum has facilitated ground-breaking discussions on topics such as anti-discrimination laws, intersectionality, the rights of marginalised communities, and policies supporting LGBTIQ+ youth. Each host country has contributed unique perspectives and priorities, enriching the Forum’s impact and reach.
In 2025, Malta proudly hosts the IDAHOT+ Forum as part of its Presidency of the Council of Europe. The central theme for the 12th European IDAHOT+ Forum, “Advancing SOGIGESC Equality and Inclusion in a Transforming Europe,” reflects the dynamic and evolving landscape of human rights in the region. The Forum will explore strategies to enhance inclusivity, ensure equal treatment, and confront the complexities of discrimination in an increasingly diverse and interconnected Continent.
The European IDAHOT+ Forum offers a critical moment to evaluate the state of LGBTIQ+ rights in Europe, with a focus on the persistent tensions and struggles that hang over the community. It provides a space to reflect on both the progress made and the barriers still in place, while pushing for deeper collaboration and collective action. With an eye on the SOGIGESC equality agenda, the Forum seeks to challenge the forces of violence and discrimination that continue to threaten the safety and dignity of LGBTIQ+ individuals, striving for a Europe where equality is not just pursued but achieved. The programme will include plenary discussions and informal parallel sessions, each designed to contribute to this year’s overarching theme.