Are queer times changing in Central Europe?

A Wind of Change is blowing through Central Europe again. This time it's rainbow-coloured, but its direction remains uncertain.

The social position and situation of LGBTQ+ people evolves over time. Some queer issues have already been accepted by mainstream society, while progress on others moves slowly. And some still provoke negative, often politicized reactions.

Researcher Michal Pitoňák will introduce the audience to developments in the Czech Republic and Central Europe over recent years. His description of the current state and outlook for the near future will be grounded in key research data, including the study Being LGBTQ+ in Czechia, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) research on the social position of LGBTIQ people, special Eurobarometers, ILGA-Europe data, and more.

He will present the available data clearly and contextualize it. His goal is to find an answer to the question of whether times are truly changing for LGBTQ+ people here and in which direction the wind is blowing.

Moderator RNDr. Michal Pitoňák, Ph.D. – expert on sexual and gender diversity, researcher at the National Institute of Mental Health (NÚDZ) and lecturer at the Faculty of Humanities, Charles University. He is chair of Queer Geography.

Admission – free

Accessibility – suitable for teenagers, fully accessible

Vibe check – quiet event (no loud music, shouting, etc.), seating available, indoor venue

Trigger warnings – the lecture may expose sensitive individuals to awareness of adverse human rights situations and politics. Key events will be mentioned, including the attack on Tepláreň club, which may retraumatize some people.

Organized by – Queer Geography Queer Geography is a professional society and think-tank bringing together scientific, educational and expert professionals focused on interdisciplinary study of human sexuality, gender identity and related issues. The organization collaborates on research projects addressing sexual and gender diversity in society, combating stigmatization and discrimination, and removing normative, institutional, legal and other barriers that reduce quality of life.