Written by Konstantinos Tachtsidis

According to recent data from ILGA-Europe, the situation is getting worse: the UK has fallen to 22nd place on the Rainbow Map, while Hungary has sunk to 37th , after banning Pride and passing repressive laws against transgender people. Georgia is following suit with sweeping regulations that directly target the LGBTQ+ community. These developments are not isolated. They are part of a broader conservative shift, where human rights become a “cost” for states and a “problem” for governments.

The attack on rights is not just about LGBTQ+ identities. It is about the very core of democracy : the ability of minorities to live, express themselves, love and exist without fear. When these rights are threatened, the freedom of all is at risk.

In Greece , institutional attacks may be less visible, but the problem remains: from institutional laxity in implementing marriage for all couples, to silent tolerance of transphobia and hate speech. And all this in an environment where political forces choose to “fly low” on LGBTQ+ rights issues in order not to displease electoral constituencies.

The fight for equality is not just a matter of culture. It is a matter of political will. It is an indicator of democratic maturity. And most importantly: it is a structural element of a society that does not tolerate second-class citizens.

If we want a Europe of equals and a Greece that does not forget that human rights are not a luxury but the basis of social cohesion, then we must speak louder.
Because every time we remain silent, another link in democracy is weakened.