 On Saturday, the four day event of the 22nd Annual conference of ILGA-Europe (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Association) ended which was hosted at the Belgian capital Brussels. According to the organisers,  over 550 LGBTI activists attended this year's conference for LGBTI equality and human rights in Europe and Central Asia.
The conference commenced on Thursday, October 24. The theme of this year's conference was "Politics for Change", which according to the organisers was an "opportunity to put out a loud call for action towards politicians, institutions, partners and other allies". Three organisations — Arc-en-Ciel Wallonie, Çavaria, and RainbowHouse — helped to organise the conference, the first of its kind in the Belgian capital.
On Thursday, Development Cooperation Minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo announced pledging €500 thousand for LGBTI organisations working for the rights of LGBT+. In his speech, he said "Even in Europe, there is still a gap between fundamental rights laid down in laws and the reality with which the LGBTI + community is confronted. LGBTI + persons are still too often the victim of discrimination, hate speech and physical violence. Belgium has always been one of the leading countries in the area of ​​LGBTI + rights. We will continue to take on this role, also internationally." 
Regarding the genital mutilation of intersex children, Yuri Guaiana, an Italian member of the association, told Gay News: "Although Western Europe is one of the most advanced corners of the world in terms of LGBTI rights, there are several issues that arise, such as those relating to the mutilation of intersex children and girls."  Guaiana went on to say, "Only Malta has a law that prohibits similar interventions of real mutilation, which should not be considered only as a function of the people who suffer them but on the basis of their gender bias and bias. This is achieved by investing specifically in the medical profession, but which must also be considered within the framework of public opinion. Keeping the bar of the claims high is certainly a way to prepare ourselves for the impact of the populist wave in the next Europeans."  Friday was the Intersex Awareness Day.
The 2020 ILGA-Europe Annual Conference is scheduled to be hosted in Bulgarian capital Sofia. Sofia had previously hosted the tenth annual conference in 2006.
Group photo for the Intersex Awareness day 26th October 2018 at ILGA conference 2018 in Brussels. Image: Jasmin Saskia. (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mehdi Kassou speaking at ILGA conference 2018 Image: Jasmin Saskia. (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Petra de Sutter at ILGA conference 2018 Political Town Hall Image: Jasmin Saskia. (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Petra de Sutter at ILGA conference 2018 Political Town Hall Image: Jasmin Saskia. (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Petra de Sutter at ILGA conference 2018 Political Town Hall Image: Jasmin Saskia. (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ryan Heath from POLITICO at ILGA conference 2018 moderating the political town hall Image: Jasmin Saskia. (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sophie in't Veld at ILGA conference 2018 Political Town Hall Image: Jasmin Saskia. (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Xheni Karaj at ILGA conference 2018 "Building Power" debate Image: Jasmin Saskia. (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Xheni Karaj at ILGA conference 2018 "Building Power" debate Image: Jasmin Saskia. (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ailbhe Smyth at ILGA Conference holding a talk on QueerEd Image: Jasmin Saskia. (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Malin Björk at ILGA conference 2018 Political Tow Hall debate Image: Jasmin Saskia. (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Malin Björk at ILGA conference 2018 Political Tow Hall debate Image: Jasmin Saskia. (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Marie Arena at ILGA conference 2018 Political Town Hall debate Image: Jasmin Saskia. (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Marie Arena at ILGA conference 2018 Political Town Hall debate Image: Jasmin Saskia. (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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22nd annual ILGA-Europe conference meets in Brussels: in pictures