Network of European LGBT Families Associations (NELFA)

In many European countries, Rainbow Families, that is families where parents are LGBT, are faced with unsuitable domestic laws, if not a total legal void.

This lack of proper recognition of Rainbow Families exposes them and especially their children to all sorts of legal risks. These families live with the thought that if a tragedy touches their life, for instance, the death or accident of the legal parent, the bond of the social parent to the child may not be recognised by the Law and basically their family life can be severely disrupted.

It goes without saying that this precarious situation may of course produce negative effects on the family and its members: a feeling of insecurity and uncertainty, social invisibility and psychological stress to name a few.

4 May 2014 is International Family Equality Day (IFED)
Motto 2014: Welcoming Family Diversity!

On May 4, 2014, LGBTQ family organizations from around the world will join together for the third time to increase the international visibility of LGBTQ families.

All over the world, more and more children live in families where one or more of the parents are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or queer (LGBTQ). Yet, these «rainbow families» face very different situations. In some countries rainbow families enjoy equal rights and social recognition. In others, for instance some Eastern European, Latin American, Russia and most African and Asian countries, children and parents face direct discrimination and have to live under the threat of violence.

By highlighting the diversity of families, NELFA and its partner organizations aim to raise awareness of politicians and public opinion about the need for equal treatment and recognition for all families. International Family Equality Day (IFED) not only raises awareness of sexual orientation and gender diversity within families, it provides an opportunity for LGBTQ parents and their children to celebrate our families and communities. IFED is also a sign of solidarity between all families: «Together we are strong!»

Families all over the world are invited to celebrate the International Family Equality Day with us on May 4, 2014!

IFED Annual Report 2013
In 2013, the IFED was celebrated in 17 countries and 44 cities worldwide. Our annual report introduces the organizations involved in IFED as well as the work done by the IFED Committee, and highlights the activities that were held in the different countries to celebrate this day.
http://internationalfamilyequalityday.org/index.php/annual-report/annual-report-2013

Get Involved
Hold a local event as part of the International Family Equality Day! Community organizations who wish to participate please contact the IFED Network by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or join our IFED Creativ Network on Facebook.

We are happy to announce that this year for the first time this year, Croatia and Hungary will join us. Interested?
Join us in our Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/500398236747224/

Network of International Family Equality Day (IFED)
As a sign of solidarity and strength and to promote equality for all type of families, the LGBTQ family organizations LGBTQ Parenting Network (Toronto, Canada), Family Equality Council (USA), NELFA and Coalition des familles homoparentales (Montreal, Canada) took the opportunity to establish ongoing international cooperation in areas such as research, visibility and advocacy, and the development of resources and programs for LGBTQ families worldwide.

The IFED Committee is composed of representatives from the various LGBTQ family organizations (Family Equality Council, LGBTQ Parenting Network, Coalition des familles homoparentales , and NELFA). Communication takes place via a mailing list (listserv) and quarterly video conferences, during which cooperation and joint projects are discussed. A website serves as a common platform. It introduces the involved organizations as well as ongoing and completed projects in connection with IFED and provides opportunities for networking.

IFED Website: http://www.internationalfamilyequalityday.org/
IFED Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFamilyEqualityDay?ref=hl
IFED Facebook Creative Network: https://www.facebook.com/groups/500398236747224/
IFED International Mailinglist: E-Mail request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Yours cordially,
The International Family Equality Day (IFED) Network

Media information:
Maria von Känel, +41 79 611 06 71 (German / Spanish / English)

General Manager, Swiss Rainbow Families Association
www.regenbogenfamilien.ch

Luís Amorim, + 32 473 76 50 70 (Portuguese / English / French / Spanish)
Board Member, NELFA
https://www.facebook.com/nelfa.aisbl