Diversity isn’t something that exists only outside the walls of city hall. It lives within every employee’s identity, history and lived experience.
As we mark Intersex Awareness Day (26 October) and Transgender Day of Remembrance (20 November), the #InsideInclusionEU campaign invites municipalities to reflect on how they create or limit space for LGBTIQ+ staff to feel safe, recognised and valued at work.
Too often, inclusion stops at symbolism. True inclusion requires action from policy to everyday practice. That means going beyond rainbow logos and addressing institutional blind spots, harassment and barriers to visibility.
The reality: discrimination persists
Despite progress, 43% of LGBTIQ+ individuals in Europe report experiencing discrimination in public spaces (FRA, 2023).
Many avoid being out at work for fear of career damage or isolation. Municipalities are both employers and service providers. Failing to address discrimination within their own teams undermines their role as champions of equality. But the good news? Local governments also have the power and the responsibility to lead by example.
What can municipalities do?
Whether you’re just beginning or already active in LGBTIQ+ inclusion, here are resources to guide and inspire you:
Rainbow Cities Network Guidelines
A set of 13 practical guidelines created by and for municipalities. These cover HR policies, inclusive communication, anti-discrimination training and engagement with local LGBTIQ+ communities. Includes actions such as inclusive recruitment, unisex toilets in public buildings and visibility strategies.
EU LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2020–2025
The European Commission’s framework highlights key priorities for inclusion across employment, education, and public administration. It calls on public authorities at all levels to address inequality through policy, legal protection, and proactive institutional change.
Council of Europe’s LGBTI Inclusion Toolkit (Intercultural Cities)
Developed to help local authorities build intersectional and inclusive approaches. Includes sample policies, training ideas, and tools to monitor progress in workplace culture and municipal services.
Inspiring Practices from Cities
In Gdańsk, public staff were trained on responding to anti-LGBTIQ+ violence and bias. In Rotterdam, alliances between city departments, police and NGOs created safer, more inclusive environments for both employees and citizens.
These examples show that even in difficult political contexts, municipalities can drive change from within one inclusive decision at a time.
Start from within: make inclusion structural
- Do LGBTIQ+ staff in your municipality feel seen, respected and protected?
- Are HR policies and practices inclusive of diverse gender identities and expressions?
The DEI Capacity Assessment Tool helps municipalities reflect on these questions. It covers topics like non-discrimination, inclusive leadership and employee wellbeing offering a roadmap for strengthening institutional culture and practice.
Join the campaign
Let’s commit to LGBTIQ+ inclusion as a shared workplace value and everyday practice.
- Use the DEI Tool to identify gaps and areas for growth
- Share your municipality’s efforts using #InsideInclusionEU
- Encourage honest conversations within your teams
- Discover inspiring practices from across Europe.
Because no one should have to hide who they are to serve their community. Let’s build public workplaces where all voices are heard and all identities respected.
