Egalité – an association for LGBTIQ staff working within the EU institutions – was set up in 1993 for the purpose of combating any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.

Membership is open to everyone who is, or was employed for, by or at an EU institution, body, office, agency or European School – anywhere in the world – and who supports the aims of Egalite.

It seeks in particular to ensure that LGBTIQ colleagues (including same-sex couples) are treated without discrimination within EU bodies and institutions, and it also campaigns for LGBTIQ rights in Europe.

Over the years since it came into being, Egalité has achieved a great deal in fields such as the recognition of same-sex marriages and partnerships, the granting of welfare benefits to same-sex couples and the framing of EU legislation to take into account LGBTIQ concerns.

Current areas of activity include awareness-raising within the workplace and addressing the needs of rainbow families and of LGBTIQ staff working in delegations outside the EU.

Égalité also organises social events for its members in Brussels, Luxembourg and elsewhere.