- London is set to become the global stage for progress on
LGBT+ rights, with the UK announced as next host of the European
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
(IDAHOT+) Forum in 2027.
-
, government
spokesperson for equalities, is in Copenhagen for this year's
forum and is scheduled to formally accept the UK as next year's
host nation.
- The UK announces a funding package of £21 million to advance
global LGBT+ rights through civil society partnerships.
For the first time, the UK, in partnership with the Council of
Europe, will serve as the host nation for the European IDAHOT+
Forum in London in May 2027. The forum will convene governments,
civil society organisations, policymakers, and advocates from
across Europe, turning London into a focal point for
international co-operation and progress on LGBT+ equality.
Breaking down barriers to opportunity is a key priority for this
government, and hosting the forum in London will strengthen the
UK's position as a leading international voice for equality,
inclusion, and opportunity for all across Europe and beyond.
The UK has been a consistent and active participant in the
European IDAHOT+ Forum since the forum's inception in 2013,
reflecting a long-standing commitment to advancing LGBT+
equality. Representatives from the UK government, including the
Minister for Equalities, are attending this year's forum in
Copenhagen, Denmark.
In addition to being selected as next year's host nation, the
government has today announced funding to advance international
LGBT+ equality. By combining this funding with diplomatic action,
the programme aims to establish human-rights-compliant legal
frameworks and resilient local movements globally to ensure that
LGBT+ people everywhere can live lives that are equal, safe, and
free.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Minister
for Multilateral and Human Rights, MP, said:
This investment reaffirms the UK's commitment to defending the
human rights and freedoms of all people, including those who are
LGBT+.
We will continue to work in partnership – using our diplomatic
influence and development expertise – to help ensure that
everyone, everywhere can live their lives without fear of
violence, persecution or discrimination.
, government
spokesperson for equalities, said:
As I attend this year's forum in Copenhagen, I welcome the
growing momentum behind LGBT+ equality. The UK is proud to build
on that momentum by unveiling a new funding package to support
civil society partnerships and advance LGBT+ equality
worldwide.
Alongside this new funding, hosting next year's European IDAHOT+
Forum represents a major opportunity for the UK. It will bring
together the continent's expertise, lived experience, and
leadership to drive action at scale and reflects our commitment
to international leadership on LGBT+ equality.
We look forward to welcoming our international partners to next
year's event in London.
The government has made substantial progress in improving the
welfare and safety of LGBT+ individuals across the UK. This has
been demonstrated through making anti-LGBT+ hate crimes an
aggravated offence under the Crime and Policing Act, providing
£0.5 million funding for specialist LGBT+ domestic abuse
services, and continuing work to implement a full,
trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices.
Notes to editors
The European IDAHOT+ Forum is one of the major European annual
events that brings together member states of the Council of
Europe, government representatives, policy makers, experts, and
academics, as well as representatives from national and
international organisations. As the main state-organised European
LGBT+ conference, it primarily aims to promote co-operation
between governments but also between governments and civil
society organisations.
The UK's £21 million funding commitment is designed to address
the root causes of violence, persecution and exclusion faced by
LGBT+ people globally. This approach aligns with the UK Strategic
Framework on International LGBT+ Rights (2026 to 2029). The
amount is £21 million over 3 years (2026 to 2029) – £19.5
million ODA (official development assistance), and £1.5 million
non‑ODA.
