WECF Workshop at European Central Asian Lesbian Conference, Rome 2025

At this year’s European Central Asian Lesbian* Conference in Rome, WECF (Women Engage for a Common Future) hosted a special workshop called Funding for Ecolesbianism – How Can We Work Together for Feminist and Green Change?

The session, which is part of the Imagining a Climate Just Future Programme, was led by Chantal, who welcomed lesbian and queer activists from across Europe and Central Asia. The goal was to talk about how we can work together to support lesbian voices in the ecofeminist movement — both with funding and with stronger connections between our struggles for justice.

We started by sharing personal stories. Many participants spoke about the challenges they face as lesbian activists in environmental or feminist spaces. Some said they often feel invisible or left out — not just by funders, but also by movements they are part of.

Activists shared powerful examples:

• In Serbia and Italy, some environmental groups are led mainly by cisgender men. These spaces do not always feel open or safe for lesbian voices.
• In Kyrgyzstan, the political situation is becoming worse. New laws make it harder and riskier for activists to speak out. Two lesbian activists from Bishkek said they do not feel safe in their own city.
• In Austria and Slovenia, many people care about nature and organic farming. But these topics are often linked with right-wing or conservative groups, who do not welcome feminist or queer voices.
• A positive example came from Romania, where a queer group called Vulgar is looking to work with other organisations on issues like menstrual health.

This workshop gave us a space to connect and to think about how we can build a future that is fairer and greener — where lesbian and queer voices are heard, valued, and supported. And therefore we need to know ow we can support lesbian-led groups working at the intersection of climate and gender justice.

The session ended with hope and new ideas. Everyone agreed: if we want true change, we must work together and make space for all voices in the ecofeminist movement.