Vilnius, July 2, 2025 – The Lithuanian Gay League (LGL) is participating in an important European initiative “Transcending Barriers: Promoting Trans Inclusion in the Workplace” (call: CERV-2023-EQUAL), which started on February 1, 2025, and is dedicated to combating discrimination faced by transgender and non-binary individuals. The two-year project will equip human resources specialists with essential competencies, increase public awareness, and provide support through specialized mentorship programs.
The project unites four European countries (Italy, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Spain) and aligns with EU strategies aimed at combating discrimination against LGBTIQ individuals.
The initiative combines expertise in legal, human resources management, and LGBTIQ rights advocacy. The consortium is coordinated by the Faculty of Law at the University of Brescia (Italy), and project partners are academic institutions, NGOs, and advocacy organizations: ADL Zavidovici (Italy), Human Age Institute (Italy), GLAS Foundation (Bulgaria), University of Girona (Spain), Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania), Lithuanian Gay League (Lithuania), ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy, and Unitelma Sapienza (Italy – associated partner).
Scale of Challenges and Project Importance
Trans and non-binary individuals face high levels of discrimination in workplaces, which reduces their employment opportunities and financial security. Research in Hungary, Italy, and the Netherlands reveals alarming rates of workplace exclusion, harassment, and job turnover among transgender individuals. Recognizing this serious problem, “Transcending Barriers” aims to combat prejudices, promote inclusive policies, and improve human resources specialists’ abilities to implement diversity management strategies tailored to employees of various gender identities.
Main Goals and Activities
Human Resources Capacity Building: The project will create a specialized training program and organize seminars for human resources specialists, providing them with tools to create an inclusive work environment.
TransMentor Program: A specialized mentorship initiative will connect transgender and non-binary individuals with professional mentors, providing career guidance, emotional support, and networking opportunities.
Research and Data Collection: Surveys and interviews with more than 400 participants will provide evidence-based recommendations for workplace inclusion policies.
Awareness Raising and Advocacy: A multi-channel communication campaign, including events, stakeholder engagement, and a final conference in Brussels, will promote best practices and policy reforms at national and European levels.
LGL’s Role in the Project
The Lithuanian Gay League coordinates community research for the project, will participate in developing training programs, and contribute to spreading best practices in the country.
“This project is a significant step in ensuring that trans people can work in an environment that respects their rights and dignity. By involving human resources specialists, employers, and policy makers, we seek systemic change in Lithuania and Europe,” emphasizes the “Transcending Barriers” project team.
Funding and Information
The “Transcending Barriers” project is co-funded by the European Union and reflects values that include a fair and inclusive job market for everyone.
More information can be found at:
Website: https://workitout.bg/transcending-barriers/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transcending-barriers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebinarywork/?hl=en
Interested in this project? Let’s talk!
Monika Antanaitytė, Lithuanian Gay League, monika@gay.lt
Contacts: Lithuanian Gay League Email: info@lgl.lt Website: www.lgl.lt
