As part of its commitment to inclusive education and the promotion of human rights, Instituto Ikigai contributes actively to the PRIDE EDU project, working alongside European organizations to advance LGBTQIA+ inclusion through youth-focused training and awareness initiatives.
From April 28th to May 1st, 2025, Zaragoza became the vibrant host of a new activity under the PRIDE EDU project. This project aims to promote LGBTQIA+ Inclusion through education against intolerance and discrimination. Participants from across Europe gathered for four days of learning, dialogue, and collaboration, committed to fostering equality and respect for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The Zaragoza training was designed based on the outcomes of these previous activities, research, and feedback from the target group. The workshops and sessions were tailored to respond to participants’ needs, helping them gain deeper knowledge and practical tools to take action.
Le Girofard coordinated the participation of young people from France, bringing them to Zaragoza to take part in the training alongside participants from Spain. Altogether, 30 participants came together for four days of learning, dialogue, and collaboration, committed to fostering equality and respect for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The event opened with a welcoming session at SOMOS LGTB+ Aragón, setting the tone for an inclusive and supportive environment. Participants were introduced to the objectives of PRIDE EDU, followed by a workshop that challenged common myths and misconceptions about the LGBTIQ+ community. Through open discussions, they explored both positive and negative perceptions, encouraging critical thinking and empathy.
The following sessions deepened the dialogue by comparing the experiences of being LGBTIQ+ in different countries. Personal stories of coming out were shared, highlighting both struggles and victories, while fostering a sense of solidarity. The group also explored the importance of intergenerational connections within the LGBTQIA+ community, acknowledging the legacy of those who paved the way. A highlight of the day was a creative workshop where participants developed their own social campaigns designing posters, letters, drawings, and other materials as messages addressed both to older generations and to upcoming generations. This activity allowed them to channel their voices into tangible actions, fostering intergenerational dialogue and inspiring future allies.
Beyond the training sessions, participants enjoyed cultural activities, including a guided tour of Zaragoza, creating space for informal connections and celebrating diversity in the heart of the city.
The final day shifted the focus to activism, offering practical tools to strengthen young people’s engagement in defending LGBTQIA+ rights. Through interactive sessions at the Instituto Ikigai, participants explored strategies for social participation and sustainable advocacy. The event concluded with a reflective feedback session, where attendees shared their takeaways and expressed their commitment to continue promoting inclusion in their communities.
This Zaragoza meeting was more than a training: it was a collective step toward a more inclusive future, where education and activism go hand in hand to fight intolerance and discrimination.
