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Serving with Pride: LGBTQI+ Rights and Realities in Armed Forces and Conflict

Cutout blakc and white picture of a soldier next to colourful text with the details of the invitatio
© © European Union, 2026

 

Serving with Pride

LGBTQI+ Rights and Realities in Armed Forces and Conflict

Panel Discussion & Photo Exhibition Opening, followed by a cocktail reception

 

📅 17 September 2026 | 16:00 – 17:30
📍 Delegation of the European Union
Rue du Grand-Pré 66, 1202 Geneva

 

The event will bring together international perspectives and lived experiences to discuss equality and inclusion of LGBTQI+ persons within armed forces, as well as the specific experiences and vulnerabilities of LGBTQI+ persons in situations of armed conflict.

Opening remarks will be delivered by H.E. Ms. Deike Potzel, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva.

Moderator:

  • Christian Veske, Gender Equality and Equal Treatment Commissioner of Estonia

Panelists:

  • Sven Schönauer, member of the Swiss Armed Forces with the rank of Captain, he is also the secretary of the association QueerOfficers Switzerland, which is recognized as an official military association since 2021.

  • Samantha des Forges, Director of Conduct, Equity & Justice at UK Ministry of Defence. 

  • Vadym Pylypenko who actively serves in the UA military and leads the military LGBT community https://www.lgbtmilitary.org.ua/en/  (video).

Closing remarks and opening of the photo exhibition by H.E. Ms. Riia Salsa-Audiffren, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Estonia to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva.

The panel discussion will be followed by the opening of the photo exhibition:

“Unseen in Life. Visible in Death”

The exhibition highlights the experiences of LGBTQI+ people in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine, bringing a personal dimension to the discussion through stories of identity, service, loss and resilience.

Register here:
https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/ServingWithPride

We look forward to welcoming you.