The European Federation of Queer Shelters is a new network that unites organizations across Europe working with and for LGBTQIA+ youth who face exclusion, homelessness, or family rupture. It brings together shelters, safe houses, and community initiatives that share the same mission: to provide protection, dignity, and tailored support to young people who are rejected because of who they are. The Federation exists to connect these experiences, to strengthen their capacity, and to make their voices heard at the European level. By acting collectively, we can improve standards of care, ensure that new shelters are created where they are needed most, and establish solidarity mechanisms for shelters operating in hostile political or economic environments.
Too many young LGBTQIA+ people across Europe experience violence, rejection, and discrimination within their own families or communities. For many, this leads to homelessness and extreme precarity. In mainstream shelters, they are often confronted with further stigma or outright hostility, leaving them without safe alternatives.
Dedicated shelters for LGBTQIA+ youth respond to this urgent need. They provide not only a roof, but also an affirming environment where young people can rebuild their confidence, access adapted psychological and social support, and prepare for an independent life. These shelters also play a symbolic role in society: they embody the principle that everyone deserves safety, dignity, and respect, regardless of their orientation, gender identity, or expression.
However, the availability of such shelters is uneven across Europe, and many countries have no adapted structures at all. Without coordination and collective advocacy, too many young people remain invisible and unprotected. The Federation was created to change this.
That is why a federation is essential to share knowledge and reinforce standards; create solidarity mechanisms for shelters under political or economic pressure; and give LGBTQIA+ shelters one strong voice in front of European institutions.
