LEQGF Asbl – Laboratoire d’Études Queer, sur le Genre et les Féminismes

By centering the voices of those directly concerned, this project led by LEQGF brings to light valuable stories too often ignored. A participatory approach to better understand queer realities and inform the changes ahead.

Portrait of Enrica Pianaro and Sandy Artuso — Enrica Pianaro and Sandy Artuso

Focus area Social
Period 2024

At a time when diversity and equality are gaining visibility, the lived experiences of LGBTIQ+ people in Luxembourg remain largely unknown and invisible. The Luxembourg LGBTIQ+ Panel study, conducted by non-profit LEQGF, addresses this lack of qualitative data by giving a platform directly to those concerned.

We don’t want to speak on behalf of LGBTIQ+ people, but with them. This project is a space for dialogue, sharing, and knowledge rooted in lived experience.

Enrica Pianaro LEQGF Asbl

A participatory methodology centered on lived realities

Structured around group interviews (focus groups), the project brings together participants from the queer community living or working in Luxembourg and the surrounding border region. These conversations aim to reveal diverse and intersecting narratives across gender identities, backgrounds, ages, languages, and places of living — whether urban or rural.

There is no single queer experience. There are as many experiences as there are individuals. Intersectionality is central to our approach.

Enrica Pianaro LEQGF Asbl

A response to a need for visibility

Long in the making, this project emerged from a shared observation: existing data on LGBTIQ+ realities in Luxembourg is scarce, often too broad, and fails to capture the complexity and richness of individual journeys.

“Many people live out of step with dominant norms. Yet their stories have little or no space to be seen or heard.”

To address this, the team began in-depth work in March 2024. The focus groups will continue through June 2025. From July 2025, the team will begin comprehensive analysis, culminating in a final report expected by the end of December 2025.

Sensitive methods, tailored settings

While this method fosters exchange and the emergence of new ideas, it also comes with challenges: speaking about oneself in front of strangers takes courage. To address this, the team set up more familiar focus groups, co-organized with active members of the community, to provide a safer space for those who might hesitate to speak.

“Some participants crossed the entire country to join a focus group. That simple act shows just how much this project is needed.”

photo of a garden in front of a building with a sign reading ‘Safe Space’.

a woman holds the LGBTIQ+ community flag in her hand

A different way of thinking about queer narratives

In addition to identifying obstacles and discrimination, the project also highlights sources of strength, resilience, and joy within queer communities. This is a conscious move away from narratives focused solely on victimhood.

Speaking about queer joy is also making space for pride, humour, and solidarity. These too are what make a society.

Enrica Pianaro LEQGF Asbl

A political and civic horizon

In the long term, the Luxembourg LGBTIQ+ Panel aims to inform public and social policies with concrete, field-based data. The goal is to make queer realities visible across all sectors: social work, education, media, healthcare, culture, and more.

“This work is part of a broader transformative effort. More than a snapshot, it’s a compass for the years ahead.”

An invitation to dialogue

“Living together is nourished by encounter. Dare to meet LGBTIQ+ people in a respectful space. You will learn a lot — and we all have something to gain from it.”