Advocating for DEI in a Challenging Global Landscape

In January 2024, the Spanish Centre for Sociological Research published a survey highlighting a worrying perception among Spaniards regarding gender equality. According to the survey, 44.1% of people who identified as male believe that efforts to promote gender equality have gone too far, resulting in discrimination against them. Surprisingly, 32.5% of people who identified as female echoed the same feeling, suggesting a perceived excess of rights. These statistics reveal a wider backlash against efforts to promote gender equality and achieve equity.

What would a similar poll on other rights reveal? Do people think that LGBTQIA2+ rights have also gone too far? What about the rights of other vulnerable communities? Would it explain the constant attacks on our rights and the never-ending hate speech?

Author: Jesús Guerrero Chacón, HQ Deputy Editor 

During Pride month, a councillor from a far-right party in Spain claimed: “They are not oppressed. They are not victims. And they have more privileges than anyone else.” In response, a left-wing councillor argued, “We are not asking for privileges; we are asking for the same rights as any other citizen.” This striking disagreement raises the question: Do they truly see the LGBTQIA2+ community as privileged? Especially when the Spanish Ministry of the Interior reported a 21.3% increase in hate crimes in 2023 only, including crimes based on racism, xenophobia, sexual orientation, gender identity and ideology.

The latest European Union elections gave the LGBTQIA2+ community some breathing space, with a smaller than expected rise in far-right parties. However, the US elections in November still have many on edge, given the potential global implications. It is more important than ever for the community and allies to unite and vote for those who support equality and respect for rights. In the meetings industry, it is vital to be proactive in implementing strategies, campaigns and contingency plans to counter anti-DEI measures by elected governments. This proactive approach will help create a welcoming and safe environment for all employees and attendees, regardless of the political climate in challenging destinations.

The global landscape for LGBTQIA2+ rights is full of challenges, particularly in countries where far-right and traditional conservative parties hold significant power. Organisations such as ILGA Europe highlight these issues through tools such as the Rainbow Map, which ranks European countries according to their legislative developments on LGBTQIA2+ issues. The map shows a striking contrast between countries that are advancing LGBTQIA2+ rights and those that are regressing under the influence of the far-right. Let’s take Spain as an example: a champion of progress in this area is now in danger of going backwards, with regional and local governments trying to erase the visibility and rights of LGBTQIA2+ people.

These issues hit close to home. Despite its progressive reputation, Spain is facing a resurgence of conservative forces that are undermining LGBTQIA2+ rights. While they boast that our capital is one of the best LGBTQIA2+ destinations in the world and that its Pride celebrations are the largest in the country, attracting thousands of participants, the reality is very different. Its regional laws have resulted in significant cuts to trans and LGBTQIA2+ rights, particularly in areas such as health, education and documentation. The Spanish Constitutional Court has already suspended these regressive reforms. There has also been a worrying trend to trivialise Pride through pinkwashing tactics. For example, instead of supporting local associations or prominently displaying the rainbow flag, officials have promoted the event with a poster full of clichés and stereotypes, reducing Pride to a mere mass celebration devoid of its true meaning and significance. Some other local authorities, the rainbow flag has been controversially compared to diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. An embarrassing comparison, which the Spanish Ministry of Equality has asked to be withdrawn since the World Health Organisation declared in 1990 that homosexuality is no longer considered a mental illness, and declarations like that reinforce stigmatisation.
 

Even with these challenges, there are reasons for hope. Thailand’s recent legalisation of same-sex marriage is a significant milestone, making it the first country in Southeast Asia to recognise such unions. This positions Thailand as a benchmark for LGBTQIA2+ rights in Asia, alongside Taiwan and Nepal, which have similar laws. In addition, the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau has launched a new Pink Plus Economy campaign to promote LGBTQ tourism, including sectors such as health, wellness and wealth. This initiative represents a significant step forward in DEI efforts within the meetings industry.

In Europe, several countries have taken strong stances against conversion therapy, showcasing a commitment to protecting LGBTQIA2+ individuals from harmful practices. Estonia, for instance, recently became the first Baltic state to legalise same-sex marriage, marking a historic moment for the region.

While such progress is encouraging, it highlights the need for a broader commitment to DEI values that protect not only LGBTQIA2+ rights, but the rights and dignity of all vulnerable communities, as governments withdraw rights and reduce the visibility of organisations’ advocacy, the meetings industry cannot ignore that. In an increasingly global and interconnected world, failing to address discriminatory laws, measures, and hate speech of any kind and against any community enacted by certain governments can have significant repercussions on events hosted in those destinations. Such environments may become less safe for locals and tourists, and less attractive to conference participants, who might choose to avoid attending events in these areas altogether. Recent events in the UK in late July and early August highlight the growing tension on the streets, as thousands of anti-racist protesters formed human shields around asylum centres and law firms in response to far-right-led rallies and the violence incited by immigration laws and hate speech.

The message is clear: we must stand strong, protect our communities and unite against the spread of hate. Convention bureaux and centres should not only create safe spaces during the events they host but also work to ensure that the destination and surrounding areas, including venues and hotels, are welcoming to all delegates before, during and after the events. This includes ensuring that delegates have a positive experience when they venture out onto the streets, as safety should not end at the doorstep of the venues. Collaborating with local and international organisations, providing educational resources to the local community and using economic impact to advocate for policy change are key steps in achieving this goal.

Associations and other organisations can significantly impact local communities by forming partnerships, fundraising, and promoting DEI at their events and operations. By implementing inclusive hiring practices, supporting diverseowned businesses, and offering scholarships to underrepresented groups, industry players can foster an inclusive environment that respects and celebrates all kinds of people, whoever they are.

This is a wake-up call for the meetings industry – a sector with significant capacity to promote human rights. Now is not the time to passively support DEI values; we must actively promote diversity, equality and inclusion of all kinds, as we cannot allow hate and discrimination to win. Associations, convention bureaux, venues and meeting planners must actively promote diverse and inclusive events, even in the face of political opposition. This includes ensuring diverse representation among speakers and panellists, creating safe spaces and training staff on DEI values. These efforts should not leave behind the fights for gender equality, LGBTQIA2+ rights, racial and ethnic justice, disability rights, economic justice, religious freedom, age equality and the rights of immigrants and refugees.

To learn more about how the meetings industry can advance DEI, particularly for the LGBTQIA2+ community, don’t miss our interview with Cameron Curtis, Executive Director of the LGBT Meetings Professionals Association.