NELFA – the Network of European LGBTIQ* Families Associations – gathered in Padua, Italy for two key events: its annual thematic conference and the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Over the course of two days, representatives from member organisations, activists, legal experts, and community members came together to reflect on the challenges and advances facing LGBTIQ* families across Europe.
A Timely Conference: “The Rise and Fall of Rights”
Held on 14 March at the Volunteer Service Center of Padua and Rovigo, the 2025 NELFA Conference, titled “The Rise and Fall of Rights: Political Shifts and Civil Liberties in the 21st Century”, focused on how growing political conservatism is affecting civil rights, particularly those of LGBTQ+ families. The hybrid event welcomed attendees both in-person and online.
NELFA Secretary Genny Sangiovanni opened the conference by celebrating the hard-won progress in family rights while cautioning against the threats posed by rising anti-LGBTQ+ narratives across Europe. Institutional greetings were offered by local representatives Margherita Colonnello (Councillor for Equal Opportunities, Municipality of Padua) and Francesca Benciolini (Councillor for Municipal Demographic Services).
The first panel addressed the Italian context:
- Prof. Luca Trappolin provided a sociological perspective on the visibility and perception of rainbow families in Italy, underlining regional differences and the media’s influential role.
- Valentina Bagnara, from Famiglie Arcobaleno, shared insights into the legal and educational struggles of local activists.
- Irene Amoroso, also of Famiglie Arcobaleno, offered a heartfelt personal story about navigating Italy’s bureaucratic hurdles as a mother in a rainbow family that is threatened by the current political shifts in Italy.
- Michele Giarratano, legal expert and member of Famiglie Arcobaleno’s legal group, analyzed recent court decisions affecting the registration of same-sex parents and the slow progress on stepchild adoption.
The second session expanded the discussion to a European level:
- Filip Milde (Prague Pride, Czech Republic) described the ongoing push for joint adoption rights in the Czech Republic.
- Dominique Boren (APGL, France) presented recent French legislative changes, including access to assisted reproduction and the challenges in recognising transgender parenthood.
- Daniel Martinović (Dugine Obitelji, Croatia) spoke of the Croatian context, noting increasing public support for rainbow families, despite limited legal recognition.
The conference closed with a strong call to action for continued European solidarity, cooperation, and vigilance in the face of setbacks to civil rights.
Annual General Meeting 2025: Renewing Leadership and Commitment
On 15 March, NELFA held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Arcigay Tralaltro Padova center, with participation both onsite and online. Representatives from across Europe gathered to review the past year’s activities, approve key reports, and elect new leadership.
The meeting opened with a welcome from NELFA President Daniel Martinović, followed by the presentation of the Annual Report 2024 and Financial Report 2024, both of which were unanimously adopted. Members also approved the 2025 budget and confirmed resolutions regarding the status of member organisations.
A significant part of the AGM was devoted to board elections. NELFA welcomed six new and renewed board members for a two-year mandate:
Maša Jerićević Šušteršič (Legebitra, Slovenia), Genny Sangiovanni (FA, Italy), Ivana Svalina (Dugine Obitelji, Croatia), Florent Rispoli (APGL, France), Roderic Vasalo (MGRM, Malta), and Alessandro Doro (FA, Italy). The membership also confirmed the continuation of several current board members and extended heartfelt thanks to those stepping down for their dedication and service.
These two days in Padua reaffirmed the strength, resilience, and collective power of our network. NELFA remains committed to advancing the rights and recognition of LGBTIQ* families across Europe, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead.
