Let's change the pace: how are European trans and gender diverse children doing?

Summary

The project empowered parents of trans and gender-diverse children and youth across Europe to connect, share their stories, learn from one another, and advocate for their children’s rights in education, healthcare, and civil society. Inclusion was a fundamental pillar throughout the discussions, activities, and outcomes. The project developed tools, networks, and training pathways to ensure lasting impact. 

"I thought I was alone. But in this project, I found knowledge and strength, a family across borders."  

Topic(s) addressed 

• Democracy
• Civic engagement
• Inclusive participation
• Gender-diverse children’s rights in education and healthcare
• Parent education and parent empowerment for speaking-up

Target group(s) 

• Parents of trans and gender diverse children and youth (30+)
• Educators
• Associations
• Decision-makers

Methodologies used 

The project combined peer education, expert-led webinars, and the co-creation of a Parents' Manifesto to link advocacy with emotional learning. Parents - recognised as experts by experience from multiple countries - collaborated as both educators and learners, using digital tools to empower families through collective action. Parent associations, educators, professionals, and policy actors worked together in a transnational setting to promote innovation. 

The outcomes of the three interactive webinars were shared as e-booklets, and multilingual video testimonials were produced to support advocacy efforts. The project culminated in a final conference in Portugal, involving participants from over 20 countries. The adoption of the Manifesto and its presentation to the Portuguese Parliament was the highlight of the project.

Innovation environment 

The project established a cross-sectoral learning environment beyond traditional school systems, bringing together NGOs, families, and policy actors to accelerate progress. Momentum grew as parents collaborated directly with officials, fostering innovation by connecting isolated families and creating a safe, affirming space across languages and borders. Sustainability was ensured through open-access, multilingual e-booklets, videos, and shared tools. Although not school-based, the project influenced educational settings through parental advocacy, media visibility, and institutional dialogue, contributing to a more inclusive climate for trans youth.

Teachers’ role 

Educators and facilitators played a key role in creating safe spaces for sharing and community-building. Acting as cultural mediators and emotional anchors, they combined technical expertise with lived experience to support wellbeing and resilience - particularly for families from hostile environments. Through international peer learning, they exchanged good practices and developed advocacy strategies. Their work demonstrated that educators can drive community empowerment well beyond the classroom. Professionals and policy actors involved in the project respected and supported this environment, recognising it as essential for meaningful parent participation - especially for those from countries lacking protective legislation for LGBTI+ individuals. 

Impact and output 

The project supported over 30 parents from across Europe - many with limited public-speaking experience - to share their parenting journeys, challenges, and achievements in a public yet safe space. It reached and empowered other parents across the continent, offering much-needed support, solidarity, and practical tools, including multilingual videos and e-booklets, to promote visibility and foster engagement at local and national levels.  

Key outcomes included legal changes in Portugal, increased parental engagement across Europe, the formation of new local groups, improved school inclusion, and the creation of a lasting digital resource library to benefit parents, educators, civil society, and policymakers well beyond the project’s duration. 

Learn more about the project