LGL Co-Hosts ILGA-Europe’s Annual Conference 2025 in Vilnius

From October 22–26, 2025, the National LGBT rights organization LGL, together with the Tolerant Youth Association, proudly co-hosted ILGA-Europe’s Annual Conference in Vilnius, Lithuania. The gathering brought together hundreds of activists, community leaders, and allies from across Europe and Central Asia for five days of connection, reflection, and collective strategising under the theme Face Forward. The conference was made possible with the historic support of the Vilnius City Municipality through the Vilnius Conference Support Program, marking an important milestone for local institutional backing of human rights events in Lithuania.

The week opened with a historic reception at the National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, where participants were welcomed in one of the country’s most symbolically significant spaces. This memorable evening set the tone for a conference dedicated to courage, visibility, and forward-looking leadership across our movement.

“It is a special honour to welcome ILGA-Europe’s Annual Conference to Vilnius for the second time. This time it’s different: for the first time, our city stands with us openly, through the support of the Vilnius City Municipality. This moment shows how far we have come as a community and as a society. Our progress did not happen overnight—it is the result of resilience, solidarity, and never giving up,” said Vladimir Simonko, Executive Director of LGL.

This year’s conference created space for our communities to come together at a critical time. As democratic values are tested, funding becomes more uncertain, and anti-rights forces grow stronger, participants shared experiences, knowledge, and strategies to ensure that our movement remains resilient and future-focused. Through engaging panels, interactive workshops, and creative sessions, the conference reaffirmed that solidarity, clarity, and courage are the tools that will carry us forward.

The programme centred around two thematic tracks. “Facing Forward: Political clarity in uncertain times” explored how to maintain momentum and protect hard-won progress in a shifting political landscape, while “What It Takes: Building power through challenges” focused on sustaining our movements through shrinking resources, collective care, and new forms of organising. Both tracks provided space for deep reflection, honest conversation, and strategic imagination.

Throughout the week, Vilnius became a vibrant meeting place for ideas, energy, and hope. Participants reconnected with familiar faces, formed new alliances, and celebrated the diversity and strength of our communities. The atmosphere was one of solidarity, resilience, and queer joy—reminding us that, even in uncertain times, our collective commitment endures.

LGL and the Tolerant Youth Association are honoured to have co-hosted this transformative event and to have welcomed so many inspiring activists to Lithuania. Together, we are shaping what comes next—rooted in care, powered by courage, and ready to face forward.

Take a look below at some of the highlights and memorable moments from ILGA-Europe’s Annual Conference 2025 in Vilnius.

24 October, 2025