Romani Queer Women and Intersectional Policy Gaps
Date and time: 11:45 – 13:20, Tuesday, 21 April 2026
Venue: European Parliament (TBC)
Organisers: Romnja Feminist Library, Feminist Collective of Romani Gender Experts, Inspire Up, Institute for Queer, Trans & Intersex Autonomy (IQTIA)
Partners: Equinox for Racial Justice, European Roma Grassroots Organisation, EuroCentralLesbian Community (EL*C), European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC), Roma Traveller Division, Council of Europe
Description:
This session creates a space for Romani queer women to speak directly about the intersecting forms of discrimination they experience at the crossroads of racism, sexism, class inequality, and queerphobia. Despite EU commitments to equality and non-discrimination, the lived realities of Romani queer women remain largely invisible across policy frameworks such as Roma inclusion, gender equality, and LGBTIQ+ rights.
The event will feature short testimonies from Romani queer women reflecting diverse identities and experiences, alongside the presentation of key findings and recommendations from a new policy brief developed by the Romnja Feminist Library in collaboration with partners. Topics may include structural discrimination, migration and asylum, and other areas where intersectional policy gaps persist.
The session aims to foster direct dialogue between Romani queer activists, EU policymakers, and civil society representatives, encouraging more inclusive and intersectional approaches to policymaking. The event will conclude with an open exchange and Q&A with participants.
The participation in this event is by invitation only
To celebrate International Roma Day (8 April), the Council of Europe organises Opre Roma! month from 1 to 30 April 2025, to raise awareness and highlight the challenges faced by Roma and Travellers in Europe. Events paying tribute to the contribution of the Roma language, culture and history to Europe`s heritage and cultural wealth take place in Council of Europe member States and in Strasbourg, under the aegis of the Committee of Experts on Roma and Traveller Issues (ADI-ROM).