- 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.
- Lord Collins of Highbury, 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, Chris Elmore 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.
Lord Collins of Highbury, 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.