International Lithuanian Pride 2026 Conference

“Rainbow Families: Towards Legal, Social and Institutional Equality”

5 June 2026 | 10:00–16:00

The International Lithuanian Pride Conference will bring together experts, policymakers, researchers and community representatives from the Nordic and Baltic countries and Ukraine to discuss the legal, social and institutional realities of rainbow families.

The event will focus on:

• legal inequality and parental recognition
• education and healthcare systems
• stigma and safety
• evidence-based policy solutions
• regional cooperation and child-centred approaches

A detailed programme and registration information will follow soon.

Mark your calendars and join us in shaping inclusive, family-affirming policies across the region.

About the Conference

The 2026 International Lithuanian Pride Conference will bring together experts, policymakers, researchers and community representatives from the Nordic and Baltic countries, as well as Ukraine, to discuss the realities and needs of rainbow families across the region.

Participants will explore how:

• legal inequality
• fragmented parental recognition
• heteronormative education and healthcare systems
• persistent stigma
• lack of reliable data
• affect family safety, daily experiences and overall well-being.

Through comparative regional insights and evidence-based dialogue, the conference aims to strengthen international cooperation and develop child-centred, inclusive and sustainable policy recommendations.

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

10:00–10:15 | Opening Remarks

Speakers:

• Vilnius City Municipality
• Nordic Council of Ministers Office in Lithuania
• National LGBT Rights Organization LGL

10:15–10:45 | SESSION I

Presentation of the International Report

“Mapping Realities of Rainbow Families: Challenges and Needs”

Key insights:

• Regional challenges faced by rainbow families
• Legal gaps vs. lived realities
• Institutional heteronormativity, stigma and lack of data
• Priority recommendations for policymakers and public institutions
  (Includes Q&A)

10:45–12:00 | SESSION II

Partner Insights: Realities Across the Region

Participating organisations:

• LGL (Lithuania)
• Samtökin ’78 (Iceland)
• LGBT+ Danmark (Denmark)
• Estonian LGBT Association (Estonia)
• Kharkiv Pride (Ukraine)
• Odessa Pride (Ukraine)

Focus areas:

• Country-by-country situation updates
• Education, healthcare, social services & legal frameworks
• Experiences of families during war and crisis (Ukraine)
• Good practices and community resilience
• Needs of rainbow families and opportunities for policymakers
• Building a sustainable Nordic-Baltic cooperation network
  (Moderated discussion + Q&A)

12:00–12:45 | SESSION III

From Research to Action: Strengthening Support Systems

Topics include:

• Preventing violence and discrimination
• Inclusive schooling for diverse families
• Psychosocial & practical support for parents
• Cooperation between families, schools and child-protection systems
• Regional methods to improve well-being

12:45–13:30 | Lunch Break

13:30–14:20 | SESSION IV

LGBTQ+ Inclusive Workplaces Supporting Rainbow Families

Participating companies: Danske Bank, Johnson Matthey, Moody’s, Telia Lietuva and others.

• Discussion themes:
• Inclusive corporate policies
• Equal benefits & parental leave
• Healthcare and psychological safety at work
• Role of Employee Resource Groups
• How businesses can reduce stigma and drive societal change

14:20–14:30 | Short Break

14:30–15:40 | SESSION V

Policy Dialogue: Safety, Dignity & Equal Opportunities

Participants: policymakers, municipal representatives, educators and human rights experts.

Topics:

• Evidence-based policy recommendations
• Strengthening protection for LGBTIQ children
• Integration into national child well-being strategies
• Improving access to education, healthcare and social services

15:40–16:00 | Closing Session

• Summary of key messages
• Invitation to the Role Model Photo Exhibition
• Acknowledgement of partners and contributors

 Join us in shaping a safer, more inclusive future for all families.

More information and registration details will follow soon.