LGBTQIA+ Inclusion and Equality Policy 

ASEY Network LGBTQIA+ Inclusion and Equality Policy 

Adopted by: ASEY Network 

Effective from: 01.10.2025 

Last reviewed: 01.10.2025 

Applies to: All member organizations of the ASEY Network, their staff, volunteers, youth workers, and participants in ASEY activities. 

1. Purpose and Scope 

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all ASEY Network members and partners create and maintain an inclusive, safe, and respectful environment for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. 

This policy applies to all programs, projects, and activities conducted under the ASEY Network, including Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps initiatives, training courses, youth exchanges, volunteering, and local community actions. 

The policy complements the ASEY Quality Standards, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, and the European Solidarity Corps and Erasmus+ Inclusion and Diversity Strategy. 

2. Definitions 

ASEY Network adopts the internationally recognized term LGBTQIA+, which stands for: 

L – Lesbian 

G – Gay 

B – Bisexual 

T – Transgender 

Q – Queer and/or Questioning 

I – Intersex 

A – Asexual, Aromantic, and/or Agender 

+ – All other sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions not listed above (e.g. nonbinary, pansexual, genderfluid, two-spirit, etc.) 

3. Core Principles 

ASEY Network and its members commit to: 

• Every person involved in ASEY activities has the right to be treated equally and with respect. Discrimination, exclusion, or harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics will not be tolerated 

•  All ASEY spaces — physical or digital — must be safe, inclusive, and affirming for LGBTQIA+ participants, ensuring psychological and physical safety 

• LGBTQIA+ youth are encouraged and supported to participate fully in decision-making, leadership roles, and all network initiatives 

• Personal information related to sexual orientation or gender identity is confidential and must not be disclosed without explicit consent. 

4. Implementation and Responsibilities 

Each member organization is responsible for integrating this policy into its internal procedures, training materials, and project management practices. 

ASEY will provide guidelines and capacity-building sessions to support members in applying this policy effectively. 

Mentors, facilitators, and youth workers must ensure that project environments are inclusive and that participants feel supported and protected. 

Each member organization must appoint a designated Inclusion Responsible for monitoring compliance and handling concerns confidentially. 

5. Reporting and Protection 

All individuals have the right to report incidents of discrimination or harassment safely and confidentially. Reports will be handled according to ASEY’s Risk and Protection Policy and Code of Conduct. Complainants will not face retaliation for reporting concerns in good faith. 

6. Training and Awareness 

ASEY commits to ongoing learning and awareness-raising through: 

• Inclusion workshops and online modules on diversity and LGBTQIA+ sensitivity 

• Sharing best practices across the network 

• Encouraging the use of inclusive language and representation in all communication materials and ensuring all forms and registration materials allow for self-identification beyond binary gender options. 

• Offering support and referral mechanisms for participants experiencing discrimination or psychological distress. 

7. Monitoring and Evaluation 

Compliance with this policy will be reviewed annually as part of ASEY’s Quality Standards Framework.Feedback from participants, partners, and volunteers will inform updates and improvements.Members failing to uphold these standards may be asked to take corrective action or risk suspension of network membership. 

By adopting this policy, ASEY Network and its members reaffirm their commitment to building an inclusive, safe, and empowering environment for all young people, where diversity is celebrated, equality is practiced, and solidarity is the foundation of every action.