Where We Come Together: 19th National LGBTIQ+ Conference to Take Place in Kyiv on December 7–8
04.11.2026
Russia’s full-scale war has created new challenges for Ukraine’s LGBTIQ+ communities, while many issues concerning the protection of their rights remain unresolved. This makes it important to have opportunities to discuss shared concerns, exchange experiences, and work together on solutions. This year, the 19th National LGBTIQ+ Conference of Ukraine, taking place in Kyiv on December 7–8, will provide such an opportunity.
The conference will be held under the motto ‘Where We Come Together.’ Registration has been extended until November 15, so there is still time to apply. The organizers particularly encourage people from Ukraine’s regions to participate, as they will be given priority during the selection process.
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Around 150 people from across Ukraine are expected to attend the conference. They will include representatives of LGBTIQ+ communities, civil society organizations, government institutions, international partners, and people working in media, culture, and business. The conference will offer an opportunity to meet colleagues, share experiences, discuss common challenges, and find new partners to work with.
The conference is organized by the National LGBTI Consortium, ALLIANCE.GLOBAL, and the Conference Technical Committee.
National LGBTIQ+ Conference: From 2008 to the Present
The first National LGBTI Conference took place in 2008. It brought together around 70 people working to develop the LGBT movement and support communities in Ukraine. Since then, the conference has become a regular platform for discussing challenges, finding allies, and agreeing on shared priorities.
Over the years, both Ukraine and the challenges facing LGBTIQ+ people have changed. Alongside legal equality and protection from discrimination, the consequences of the full-scale war have become increasingly urgent: forced displacement, loss of housing and access to services, the needs of military personnel and veterans, the safety of activists, and the sustainability of civil society organizations.
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At the same time, Ukraine is working toward European Union membership, making the protection of LGBTIQ+ rights increasingly closely linked to the country’s EU integration commitments.
Last year’s 18th National LGBTIQ+ Conference brought together around 200 participants from different regions of Ukraine in Kyiv. One of the important outcomes of this collective work was the LGBTIQ+ Movement Roadmap for 2026, a document containing 100 provisions covering legislative reform, European integration, healthcare, humanitarian response, and the development of the civil society movement.
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This year, participants will continue the conversation about what has been achieved, which problems remain unresolved, and where efforts should be focused in 2027.
What Will Be Discussed at the 19th National LGBTIQ+ Conference?
The conference program will address issues that directly affect the lives of LGBTIQ+ people in Ukraine, from the ability to legally protect their families to access to healthcare and safety during wartime.
The main topics include:
- ‘Equality and European integration.’ How can Ukraine ensure legal recognition of same-sex couples, protect family rights, and effectively combat discrimination, hate speech, and hate crimes? What legislative changes are needed on Ukraine’s path toward EU membership?
- ‘War, safety, and recovery.’ What challenges do LGBTIQ+ military personnel, veterans, internally displaced people, and those living in temporarily occupied territories or abroad face? How can support for these communities become more accessible and safer?
- ‘Community diversity.’ How can the different needs of transgender, non-binary, and intersex people, young people, older people, people with disabilities, and other groups whose voices are not always adequately represented be taken into account?
- ‘Health and well-being.’ What needs to change to ensure that LGBTIQ+ people have access to quality, non-discriminatory healthcare, social services, and psychological support? Discussions will also focus on HIV, sexual and reproductive health, and mental health.
- ‘Movement sustainability.’ How can civil society organizations and regional initiatives continue their work amid war and limited resources? Where can they find funding, and how can they build partnerships with the government, businesses, and international donors?
- ‘Visibility and culture.’ How can media, education, culture, and sports help change public attitudes toward LGBTIQ+ people? How can disinformation be countered, and how can communities be represented responsibly in public discourse?
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These issues will be explored not only through panel discussions. The program will also include workshops, practical labs, roundtables, research presentations, and opportunities to meet people and build partnerships.
How to Participate in the Conference
Registration for the 19th National LGBTIQ+ Conference is open until 11:59 p.m. on November 15, 2026.
Selected participants from outside Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast will receive hotel accommodation, meals, and reimbursement for round-trip travel to Kyiv by train or bus within Ukraine. Participants from Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast will be provided with meals during the conference.
Submitting a registration form does not guarantee participation, as applications will be reviewed through a competitive selection process. Applicants are therefore encouraged to complete the form carefully and explain their motivation for attending.
For security reasons, the exact venue address and organizational details will be shared privately with selected participants.
- Official conference website: https://nclgbt.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/18NC2025
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