NELFA press release 24 February 2017

On 24 March 2017, NELFA wants to mark its fifth anniversary and has organised a major international conference in Naples, under the motto: “Rainbow families in Europe – Same love, different status. Results achieved and challenges ahead” (City Hall, 2.30 – 7.30 p.m.). LGBTIQ* parents from all over Europe will share their experiences; top-class activists, stakeholders and politicians will discuss about the long and stony road to more recognition, equal treatment and acceptance of rainbow families.

The following day, on 25 March 2017, NELFA will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Naples. The meeting brings together representatives from NELFA’s 32 member organisations, covering 19 European countries. The delegates will discuss, among other issues, NELFA’s Action Plan for 2017 and 2018, which puts forward the network’s aim at strengthening the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and queer parents (LGBTIQ*) and their children. Member organisations will also discuss currently elaborated guidelines on assisted reproductive techniques, a new Board structure and upcoming events.

Giuseppina La Delfa, NELFA Board member and organiser of the event, says, ‘My national organisation, Famiglie Arcobaleno, is very happy to be hosting the conference and the AGM. This will put the spotlight on rainbow families. Here in Italy, we are still facing hostilities, mistrust and damaging ignorance. Me and my family, as French citizen living in Italy, had to overcome many obstacles to be recognized as such and this should not be so.’

Maria von Känel, NELFA’s President, adds, ‘The Annual General Meeting is a great opportunity for us and our members to get together and to exchange experiences. We’ll look at our past achievements, take stock of the challenges ahead, and agree on strategies to achieve the improvement of the social and legal situation of rainbow families in Europe.’