LGTIQ+ Centre CIGALE Highlights Discrimination Persists in Luxembourg

Chronicle.lu recently had the opportunity to talk to Centre LGBTIQ+ CIGALE community builder Maura Pianaro, who described the centre’s activities and discussed some challenges on the occasion of Pride Month 2023.

Pride Month is typically celebrated at the international level throughout the month of June; in Luxembourg, there is also a dedicated Pride Week held in July each year.

Maura described the role and mission of Centre LGBTIQ+ CIGALE as offering advice and support for individuals with questions about sexual orientation, gender identity, coming out and providing support to their families and friends. She added that the centre offers professional training for educators, healthcare professionals in the medical and social sectors, but also for public administrators and companies. The centre organises community-building activities aimed at promoting the inclusivity of LGBTIQ+ individuals in society and raising awareness about their issues. The team also organise school projects every year as well as awareness-raising sessions and workshops in youth homes and secondary schools.

The so-called “Reeboustuff” (rainbow living room) provides a safer space for the LGBTIQ+ community, offering a place to socialise, discuss difficulties, study, rest or work. Interested individuals can also talk to the professionals at the centre; no appointment is necessary. Support groups at the centre cater for lesbian mothers, gay fathers, refugees, transgender people, older members of the LGBIQ+ community, as well as allies, among others. The groups organise various activities and events in collaboration with the community, for example weekly yoga classes, conversation groups, various creative workshops and sports activities.

CIGALE is also a documentation and resource centre, housing the LGBTIQ+ Library Marc Grond, which features over 1,000 publications and books specialised in LGBTIQ+ topics. The centre regularly organises conferences to reach a wider audience and contribute to the dissemination of queer culture through artistic activities.

Moreover, as Maura explained, Centre LGBTIQ+ CIGALE offers free and anonymous STI screenings. Every Thursday from 12:30 to 14:30, the Luxembourg Red Cross conducts HIV, hepatitis C and syphilis rapid tests at the centre. These consultations are free, anonymous, and available without an appointment.

The centre has ties to other Luxembourg-based LGBTIQ+ communities and organisations such as Rosa Lëtzebuerg and its Rainbow Center, Bear Dukes Luxembourg, FairyTails asbl, Familjen Center, Planning Familial and CESAS, among others. The centre has also welcomed various speakers including representatives of Luxembourg ministries, including the Ministry of Family Affairs, Integration and the Greater Region, which provides financial support and assistance in implementing the national action plan for the promotion of LGBTI persons’ rights. Maura also noted that various municipalities, including the City of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, and Dudelange, collaborate with the centre on projects to promote inclusivity and equality.

Regarding the challenges facing the centre and the LGBTIQ+ community in general, Maura commented: “One of the biggest challenges we face on a daily basis is a society that remains conservative and resistant to accepting diversity. Transgender individuals live in fear when venturing outside their homes and often have to prove their identity before being able to transition. Non-binary and intersex people continue to fight for recognition and visibility in a binary world. Lesbian and gay couples still lack equal rights when it comes to family matters and even today, queer individuals must be cautious about displaying affection in public. Discrimination and hatred against the LGBTIQ+ community still persist in Luxembourg, and we have a long way to go before achieving true equality in society.”

Maura stressed that the widespread belief about increasing tolerance and inclusivity in society is not “entirely accurate” and she pointed out that social media and extremist movements in Europe have given a platform to homophobic and transphobic sentiments. She also said that those harbouring prejudices may be more likely to act upon their beliefs, noting that there has been a rise in hate crimes targeting the LGBTIQ+ community across Europe.

“Reactionary views often portray the LGBTIQ+ movement as a lobbying group seeking to impose their culture on others,” Maura said, pointing out that this kind of criticism is tone-deaf to the need for equal rights and a more inclusive society for everyone. This fight for equality includes other marginalised groups, such as ethnic minorities and individuals with disabilities, which is why it is particularly important to not take a step backwards, Maura stressed.

Didier Schneider, Director of Centre LGBTIQ+ CIGALE, added: “Discrimination and hatred against the LGBTIQ+ community still persist in Luxembourg, and we have a long way to go before achieving true equality in society.”