Meet the Speakers & Presenters of the Conference!
This page is still being updated with new speakers and presenters!
Rú Ávila Rodríguez (They/them), Belgium & Spain
IGLYO — The International LGBTQI Youth & Student OrganisationRú began their activism in 2001 at Spanish LGBTQI NGOs. Since then, they’ve been navigating queer spaces by volunteering, working and marching. They are currently IGLYO’s Deputy Executive Director and Advocacy & Research Manager. They’ve expanded IGLYO’s advocacy work in areas such as education, health, and safety, and work closely with the ED on the strategic oversight of the organisation. They are also IGLYO’s contact point towards EU institutions, the Council of Europe, and other international organisations.
During the conference, Rú will notably present the Third Edition of IGLYO’s LGBTQI Inclusive Education Map & Index that will be launched in May 2025 on a brand new website, as well as other insights into IGLYO’s extensive work on LGBTQI Inclusive Education.
Lan Aidan Remec (He/him), Slovenia
President at Društvo DIHLan Aidan Remec is the president of DIH - Equal Under the Rainbow, an NGO empowering and supporting queer individuals in Slovenia. He has been involved in queer activism since 2019, working on and developing projects for queer youth, with particular emphasis on transgender and bisexual individuals. Lan is also a psychology student at the Sigmund Freud University, focusing on behavioural addictions. An overly curious, action-oriented idealist, he's passionate about building a community rooted in solidarity and collective care.
Lan's presentation will share findings from the 'Quality of Life of Queer High School Students' study, offering guidelines for creating a queer-friendly high school environment. It will explore the challenges queer students face in family relationships, school life, self-perception, attitudes toward life, and their queer identity.
Marta Alonso, Spain
Secretary General at FELGBTI+This speaker's bio will be updated shortly!
Sarah Arsane (She/her), France & Algeria
Activist, author and president of the QueeriséEs associationSarah is an activist, author, filmmaker, and president of the QueeriséEs association, which has been fighting for the rights of queer and racialised people for 10 years. Her intersectional battlegrounds include Islamophobia, racism, colonialism, all LGBTQIA+phobias, and all forms of discrimination between them.
Sara will present the results of a study on the impact of discrimination on the employability of racialised LGBTQIA+ people, including concrete recommendations to improve inclusion in employment and education.
Talya Aydın (She/her), Turkey
Political Organizer at Workers' Party of TurkeyTalya is a politician and an activist from Turkey. Having a background in philosophy and history of art, she worked in a variety of sectors ranging from finance to curatorial work. She now works to further the LGBTI+ rights movement in Turkey, both through volunteer work with NGOs and by leading WPT's LGBTI+ Bureau, the first of its kind in a political party in the Turkish Parliament. She was one of the first openly queer MP candidates in Turkey.
Talya will present on the formation and expansion of a queer inclusive educational programme within the Workers' Party of Turkey. She will share how presenting a holistic approach to sex and gender that is inclusive of all gender identities, expressions, and sexual orientations were critical in being part of the party's new member programme, as it solidified its position regarding the LGBTI+ rights movements among all its organisational base.
Miquel Àngel Muñoz, Spain
LGTBIQ+ Research and Project Responsible at GALEHI - LGTBIQ+ Families Spanish AssociationMiquel has over 25 years of activism and professional experience aiming to contribute to building a more inclusive society. In particular, Miquel has developed projects and studies for the social and labor integration of vulnerable groups. Currently, Miquel is also committed to promoting diversity in organisations and combating all types of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender. All of this is based on the design of educational, awareness-raising, and intervention programs and actions.
Miquel's presentation will share the first lessons learned from the pilot experience of the project Familias de Colores (Colour Families), which implements Anti-Rumour Strategies on family diversity and affective-sexual relationships from an LGBTQI perspective in primary, secondary, and high school educational centres. The main objective is the reduction of rumours, stereotypes and misconceptions regarding LGBTQ+ population/families, in order to prevent discrimination and violent attitudes towards students, families, or other LGBTIQ+ stakeholders of the school community by fostering critical thinking, enhancing coexistence and providing real and accurate information.
Linda Bardeggia (They/She), Italy & Germany
Student, ActivistLinda is a student and activist who focuses on how sports spaces and cultures interact with gender and sexuality. Their current research explores the experiences of trans and non-binary identities in non-professional sports and physical activity. Through activism practices, they engage in queering the sports spaces they actively participate in. They also enjoy playing: throw them a ball, and you have their attention!
On the backbone of the qualitative research conducted for their Master’s Thesis, Linda will talk about the involvement of trans and non-binary identities in the broad context of non-professional sports. Spanning within belonging and exclusion, dysphoria and euphoria, barriers and facilitators, they will introduce the participants to these multifaceted experiences.
Jac Bastian (He/him), UK & Spain
Chief Education Officer at Diversity Role ModelsJac has worked in the education sector for over a decade, engaging young people in political and social issues and is committed to empowering students, staff, and the whole school community to create truly inclusive schools. Since joining Diversity Role Models in 2016 he’s delivered anti-bullying workshops and training sessions to students, staff, governors, parents/carers, and workplaces in a wide range of settings. Originally from Swansea, he is passionate about politics and grassroots campaigning and is currently (slowly!) learning Spanish.
Amidst a backdrop of rising hostility towards transgender communities, Jac's presentation will explore how educators in England are creating rights-respecting classrooms that empower active citizens who advocate for trans equality, with implications for other countries. Building on one of their recently published article in the International Journal of Human Rights Education, Jac will share insightful lessons from a year-long mutual knowledge exchange project between Diversity Role Models and student teachers and their mentors at the University College London’s Institute of Education.
Lorette C (She/They), France
SOS homophobie at International Commission Co-RepresentativeLorette is a volunteer at SOS homophobie and one the International Commission's co-representative, as well as a member of the Annual Report on LGBTIphobia Commission. Through their work in the International Commission, they aim to fight against a growing international anti-rights movement, to pay attention to LGBTIphobia worldwide and not just in Western countries, and to promote SOS homophobie's work.
Lorette will present the design of SOS homophobie’s awareness-raising interventions in French schools with trained volunteers, moderating discussions between students aged 13-17 on topics such as discrimination, sexism, and LGBTIphobia.
Gabriella Calleja, Malta
Policy Officer at CoE SOGIESC UnitThis speaker's bio will be updated shortly!
Cristian Carrer Russell (He/Him), Catalonia
Social Psychologist and Activist at Observatori Contra l'LGTBI-fòbia / Universitat Autònoma de BarcelonaCristian is a social psychologist and activist, is dedicated to the development of projects, coordinates the psychosocial accompaniment service of the Observatory Against LGTBI-phobia to people who have suffered discrimination and provides training on affective, sexual and gender diversity to different social and institutional agents. Likewise, her field of research focuses on the management of bullying for reasons of sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression.
In this presentation Cristian will explore doctoral research which highlights the relevance of the concept of device to analyze school bullying due to sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, and proposes affective sexual and gender diversity as an alternative paradigm to the hegemonic cisheteronormative discourse, proposing a conception of distributed or non-localized difference as a transformative way to address school bullying due to sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression from an emancipatory perspective.
Ana Carretero (She/her), Spain & UK
LecturerAna has a background in international and community development and volunteering with young people. She is interested in depathologising LGBTQ+ identities, wellbeing issues of LGBTQ+ youth. Ana has done research using qualitative/sensoethnographical methods to investigate indigenous understandings of gender/sexuality in postcolonial settings, and she is keen on using narrative and participatory methodologies to decolonise academic and activist settings focusing on social justice and intersectionality.
Ana's presentation will introduce examples from her decolonial/intersectional practice to challenge cisheterosexist assumptions to teaching gender and sexuality and other contents. She plan to do this by providing examples from her teaching and some reflections from interactions with students and staff as well as some of the conundrums encountered in class. Finally, she will propose a reflective critical approach to further challenge anti-LGBTQI education that ends up marginalising and ostracising LGBTQI students, particularly in the current UK context, where recent legal decisions are once again targeting trans individuals.
Tatiana Casado de Staritzky, Spain
Teacher and Researcher at University of the Balearic Islands (UIB)Dr. Casado has a Degree in Social Work and a PhD in Psychology (UIB). Her research covers different topics, including LGTBI+ over 50 years old, and collaborative practices in social work with families in special distress.
Gabriela, (He/him; She/her), Poland
Activist & Art Educator at Warsaw PrideGabriela is an artist, activist and art educator. He works with people ages from three to ninety in cultural institutions and schools. She specalisies in textile art, a skill passed down from her grandma. She is currently doing her Master's in Art Education. He firmly believes that people need art as much as art needs people.
Gabriela's workshop will provide a brief history of textile protest art and Gabriela's experience with grassroot organising in Poland trough the medium of art, by making a collective protest art piece which can later be recreated by participants in their own capacity.
Serap Cinoğlu (She/They), Turkey
Student at UniKuirSerap is a senior politics student. She has been engaged with various rights movements throughout her studies in university. Thus, she calls herself an intersectionalist activist. she believes that there are millions of ways to fight against authoritarianism. She plans to be doing master's and imagine contributing to create an inclusive academia.
In her session Serap will attempt to initiate a conversation between UniKuir's reports and academics events, and its international associates in order to enrich our understanding and develop our programs for a stronger academic environment for LGBTQI youth in Turkiye around the right questions.
Gerard Coll-Planas (He/him), Catalonia
Professor at Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de CatalunyaGerard Coll-Planas, PhD in sociology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, is a full professor at the University of Vic. He directed the Center for Interdisciplinary Gender Studies (2014-2024). His publications include Illustrating Gender (2013), La carne y la metáfora (2012), and La voluntad y el deseo (2010). He has coordinated projects on intersectionality in public policies, gender violence prevention, secondary and higher education, and is currently coordinating the project Zoom Out on children's literature and inequalities, co-funded by the European Commission.
Handegül Demirhan (She/They), Spain & Turkey
Researcher — Gender, Translation and Cultural StudiesHandegül is a researcher, writer, and translator working at the intersections of translation, gender, and children’s literature. Her work traces the cultural travel of feminist and queer narratives, challenges normativity, and includes editing gender-inclusive and feminist children’s books. She is committed to creating critical, anti-normative knowledge beyond institutional borders.
Handegül will present a study on the use of feminist and gender-friendly children’s literature to queer educational spaces. The presentation explores how such literature challenges gender norms, promotes inclusivity, and fosters gender awareness among children, with recommendations for integrating these materials into curricula to support gender knowledge and queer pedagogy.
Vasilena Dimitrova (She/her), Bulgaria
Project Manager/LGBTI Activist at Single Step FoundationRepresenting Single Step Foundation, Vasilena is passionate about creating inclusive and welcoming spaces for LGBTI youth through art, culture, and sport. With a background in the areas of psychology and social services work in Bulgaria and abroad, Vasilena's work focuses on community building, youth initiatives, communications and advocacy.
In Vasilena's workshop, participants will collaboratively map challenges faced by LGBTQI+ students and allies using real data. Through scenario planning, they'll develop practical action plans to foster LGBTQI+ inclusion in diverse educational settings, promoting collaborative learning and concrete strategies.
Oliver, Dominican Republic (based in Spain)
Student at Do'Pájaro' / CuirFestOliver is a student committed to creating spaces where gender-expansive individuals feel seen, respected, and valued. They actively engage with the queer community, fostering connections that celebrate diversity and promote understanding. Driven by a vision of collective liberation, Oliver aspires to contribute to a world where everyone can live authentically and freely.
Oliver's presentation will provide reflective and interactive space where participants are invited to question and reimagine their understanding of gender, particularly gender-expansive (non-binary) identities, from a decolonial perspective.
Kerem Egilmez (He/him), France & Turkey
Human BeingKerem is a psychologist and youth worker, once on IGLYO’s advisory panel on youth, now wandering the spaces where art (especially cinema) meets resistance. He's exploring how stories of the oppressed, told through image, word, and sound, become a soft power to defy discrimination and challenge mainstream narratives.
Kerem's workshop will explore storytelling and filmmaking as transformative community tools for queering educational spaces through experiential activities grounded in non-formal education.
Ron Eis (They/them, Elle), Spain
Consent Educator, WriterRon is a queer, non-binary, polyamorous educator and facilitator rooted in somatic, queer, and decolonial practices. With a background in Political Thought from SOAS and training in consent education, they create spaces for connection, embodiment, and collective care. Their work reimagines consent beyond permission — as a relational, political practice that supports liberation and interdependence. Drawing from their academic work and lived experience, Ron helps communities unlearn domination and build relationships grounded in vulnerability, mutual respect, and queer world-making.
Ron's interactive workshop will explore queer-informed consent practices beyond the yes/no binary, providing educators, activists, and advocates with practical tools to support LGBTQI youth, and create safer and more inclusive learning and community spaces.
Þórhildur Elínardóttir Magnúsdóttir (She/her), Iceland
LGBTQIA+ specialist at Reykjavik City Human Rights and Democracy OfficeÞórhildur Elínardóttir Magnúsdóttir is an LGBTQIA specialist at Reykjavík’s Human Rights and Democracy Office. She leads initiatives to promote LGBTQIA inclusion across city services and institutions. Her work includes developing educational materials for teachers, school staff, youth workers, and after-school carers, implementing the city’s Rainbow Certification program in municipal workplaces, and overseeing research to inform inclusive policy and action. Through collaboration with diverse stakeholders, Þórhildur works to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for the entire queer community.
Þórhildur will introduce the Reykjavík Model — a holistic approach to fostering LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the educational environment of children and young people in Reykjavík, Iceland. The session will outline key actions taken in Reykjavík, how progress is measured, and invite discussion on potential improvements as well as the model’s adaptability to other contexts beyond Iceland.
Bella FitzPatrick (She/her), Belgium & Ireland
Executive Director of IGLYO — The International LGBTQI Youth * Student OrganisationAs IGLYO’s Executive Director, Bella is managing the IGLYO Secretariat and overseeing the daily operations of the organisation. Before IGLYO, Bella was the CEO at ShoutOut, an organisation working on LGBTQI equality in schools in Ireland. Bella focuses on youth issues, and she is passionate about the power of education in tackling discrimination.
During the conference, Bella will shed light on IGLYO’s work in LGBTQI Inclusive Education as well as on her extensive experience in the field.
Marina Garcia Castillo (She/her), Catalonia
PhD student at Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de CatalunyaMarina Garcia-Castillo is a researcher and PhD candidate in Gender Studies at UVic. She holds a BA in Global Studies (UPF) and an MA in Gender Studies (IIEDG). Her work focuses on the application of intersectionality in public policy (including equality policies, education, security, etc.) and specifically on the intersection of gender and sexual diversity with religious and cultural diversity.
Marina's presentation explores tensions in implementing LGBTIQ equality policies within culturally diverse educational settings in Catalonia. Drawing on intersectionality theory and qualitative research, it identifies four key tensions and advocates for inclusive strategies. The findings offer practical insights for policymakers, educators, and researchers to advance equity in international education contexts.
Aaron-Lee Giardina, Malta
Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, & Sex Characteristics (SOGIGESC) Unit Human Rights Directorate of Maltese GovernmentThis speaker's bio will be updated shortly!
Carla Gómez Bedmar (She/Her), Spain
Teacher at Escola La MiradaCarla Gómez Bedmar, 29, is a primary school English teacher with a degree and a master’s from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. She designs creative lessons using ICT and explores topics like the SDGs. Carla is committed to making every student feel comfortable and respected, with a strong focus on LGTBIQ+ inclusion. She believes learning should be fun, meaningful, and curious. Her motto in and out of the classroom is “Risk it to get the biscuit!”
Carla's presentation will explore "A Celebrar la Diversidad", an LGBTQI+ inclusive project in a primary school in Barcelona, successfully implemented since 2022. Aligned with the curriculum, it promotes inclusion and diversity through a transversal approach, fostering empathy, respect, and understanding of sexual and gender diversity while creating a safe, inclusive environment for all students.
Paul Jansen, Spain
Senior Director for Global Programs and Grantmaking of Outright InternationalPaul Jansen works in Outright International as the Senior Director for Global Programs and Grantmaking since October 2017. Before that he was the Program Director for Salzburg Global Seminar in Salzburg, Austria, in the areas of education and sustainability issues. It was not his first post outside his home country, The Netherlands, as he worked as organisational sustainability advisor in APCOM in Bangkok, Thailand. Prior to this, he was the country director of the Hivos office in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Outright International is about to launch its latest global research on the Right to Education. The presentation will give a sneak preview of the highlights and lowlights of what we found, as well as recommendations to secure a right to education for everyone.
Iphigenia Kamarotou (She/her), Belgium & Greece
Youth Networker at IPPF ENIphi is the Youth Networker for IPPF EN, coordinating the YSAFE Network. A feminist and LGBTQIA+ activist, she has over five years of experience in youth engagement and campaigning, with a strong focus on social justice and advocacy for young people’s rights.
Together with Cristina, Iphi will introduce YSAFE’s pilot youth-led research that was carried out across nine countries in Europe and Central Asia, exploring young people’s needs in Comprehensive Sexuality Education. This presentation will share the initial findings and highlight the importance of youth-led research and amplifying youth voices in CSE.
Egle Kuktoraitė, Lithuania
Communications Manager at LGLThis speaker's bio will be updated shortly!
Sergio Lizana Casas (He/Him), Spain
School Teacher at Escola La Mirada (Departament d'Educació de Catalunya)Sergio Lizana Casas, 36, teaches primary school after graduating from “Universitat de València” in 2012. With 10 years in education, he's worked at a new school teaching both early childhood and primary levels, joining the leadership team in 2020. Sergio focuses on math, natural sciences, and social sciences in his 4th grade classroom. Outside work, he stays active in Barcelona's LGBTIQ+ community through various social and sports activities.
In this presentation Sergio will explore "A Celebrar la Diversidad", an LGBTQI+ inclusive project in a primary school in Barcelona, successfully implemented since 2022. Aligned with the curriculum, it promotes inclusion and diversity through a transversal approach, fostering empathy, respect, and understanding of sexual and gender diversity while creating a safe, inclusive environment for all students.
Darek M. Ciszek (He/him), United States
PhD Candidate, Educational Psychology at UCLADarek is a PhD candidate in Educational Psychology at UCLA researching LGBTQ-inclusive education. His research examines how inclusive curricular and instructional models can support students' social cognitive development, particularly understanding bias, perspective-taking, emotional recognition, and empathy. Drawing from his experience as a former school teacher and his doctoral fieldwork, Darek aims to bridge curriculum studies with social-emotional development to help school leaders and teachers foster safe and nurturing learning environments for youth.
Darek's session examines Scotland's groundbreaking LGBT-inclusive education policy through a qualitative case study. Specifically, he investigates how inclusive curriculum and instruction can support students' social and emotional development. The research bridges curriculum studies with developmental psychology to help inform school-based anti-bias programming.
Clelia Maria Dri (She/her), Italy
President at A Scuola Per Conoscerci ODVClelia Maria Dri is the President of A Scuola Per Conoscerci, a volunteering project that combats queerphobic bullying in schools. A proud bisexual woman and North Eastern Italian, she's also a member of the board of Alfi Lune, the transfeminist lesbian organization of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy.
Clelia will give an overview of the methodology & results of the A Scuola Per Conoscerci project (EN: Getting to Know Each Other at School), that combats queerphobic bullying in schools by organising meets between classes, psychologists, and LGBTQIA+ volunteers.
Elaine Murphy (She/her), Ireland
Education Manager at ShoutOutElaine is the Education Manager at ShoutOut, leading LGBTQI+ educational programmes for schools. With over eight years of experience in advocacy and community work, she helps schools in foster welcoming LGBTQI+ environments for all students. Elaine collaborates with the Education Coordinator, bringing expertise in facilitation, training, and social justice. Her work is grounded in a belief in the power of inclusive education to build a diverse, welcoming society where every student feel seen, valued, celebrated and supported.
Elaine's workshop will look at the hidden ways LGBTQI+ bullying shows up in schools and how educators can create genuinely inclusive spaces and make a real difference.
Maisy Neale (She/They), UK
Music EducatorMaisy is a freelance creative, musician and writer — unable to pick one career path they’ve found a love for discovering new ways that creative projects overlap. In her work as a music educator and facilitator, Maisy is passionate about thinking up new approaches to create inclusive musical spaces where participants can show up authentically. Outside of work, Maisy loves cold water swimming, sharing food with friends and a good cup of coffee.
Maisy's presentation will explore different LGBTQIA+ inclusive approaches to music education, sharing their experiences, learnings and ideas. These approaches can be adapted to other areas and sectors and include centring play, collaboration & co-design, and participant-led facilitation. It will also explore how music, as an extracurricular activity and within the curriculum, offers a place for belonging, representation, creativity and self-expression.
Maxwell Nitto (She/He/They), UK
Policy and Evaluation Officer at The Kite TrustMaxwell is the Policy & Evaluation Officer for The Kite Trust in Ely, England. She works to promote LGBTQIA+ youth voices wherever possible. He regularly runs specific workshops across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough for trans+ youth, bringing their voices and ideas to inform local and national policy. Maxwell came to the United Kingdom by way of a dual masters at the London School of Economics and Peking University. They are originally from New Jersey and is the youngest of four siblings.
Maxwell's workshop will explore educational policies and practices that empower trans+ young people, working together to improve education for all.
Catherine O'Sullivan, France
Expert CSE Report at CoE Committee on the Rights of the ChildThis speaker's bio will be updated shortly!
Ohotuowo Ogbeche (She/her), Nigeria & Canada
Global Researcher at Outright InternationalOhotuowo is a writer, lawyer, researcher, feminist, and LGBTIQ rights advocate. As Outright’s Global Researcher, she designs and conducts research geared towards the promotion of LGBTIQ people’s rights worldwide. With years of experience leading research projects, engaging in high-level advocacy, and advising international organisations, she has a deep understanding of how policies impact real lives, and how we can change them for the better. She works to conduct cutting-edge research, influence policy, and support marginalised communities.
Ohotuowo will put forward global findings on the experiences of LGBTIQ people in primary and secondary school settings with recommendations for inclusive education.
Kaj Poelman (He/him), Belgium
Policy Officer Education at çavariaKaj Poelman works at çavaria, the Flemish LGBTI+ umbrella organisation, where he focuses on inclusive education policy. With over 13 years of experience, he has trained educators and now builds partnerships across the Flemish education system to create LGBTI+ inclusive schools.
Kaj's roundtable will reconnect LGBTQI+ education organisations across Europe to strengthen inclusive education, offering a platform to share experiences, build lasting partnerships, and explore joint funding.
Milosh Ristovski, Belgium
European Youth ForumThis speaker's bio will be updated shortly!
Sylvain Seguy, France
Associate Programme Specialist at UNESCOThis speaker's bio will be updated shortly!
Yuliia Shypitko (She/her), Ukraine
Programme Manager at KyivPride NGOYuliia is a Ukrainian bisexual feminist, volunteer, and Programme Manager at the non-profit LGBTIQ+ organisation KyivPride. In the past, she was teaching History at a secondary school, and now works to improve accessibility and inclusion in education for all. Outside work, Yuliia adores music and participates in the LGBTQ+ Choir “Queer Essence”.
Yuliia's presentation will highlight the impact of the Ukrainian NGO KyivPride’s community-driven educational initiative that provided free digital and vocational training to 136 LGBTQI+ people and promoted inclusive professional development for LGBTQI+ people in Ukraine. It will share key insights and outcomes from the project, including best practices for creating safe learning environments and supporting professional growth.
Antoni Szczesny, Poland
Trans FuzjaThis speaker's bio will be updated shortly!
Cristina Sánchez Martín (She/her), Spain
Sexologist at SEDRA and YSAFECristina is a psychologist, gender equality activist, and soon-to-be sexologist from Granada. Based in Valencia, her activities focus on sexuality education, diversity, GBV prevention, and women’s well-being. She is a YSAFE Network representative and collaborates with SEDRA-FPFE, member of IPPF EN, facilitating workshops and youth-led research.
Together with Iphigenia, Cristina will introduce YSAFE’s pilot youth-led research that was carried out across nine countries in Europe and Central Asia, exploring young people’s needs in Comprehensive Sexuality Education. This presentation will share the initial findings and highlight the importance of youth-led research and amplifying youth voices in CSE.
Yasemin Taneri (She/her), Cyprus
Teacher/Activist at Queer Cyprus AssosiationYasemin Taneri is a primary school teacher, curriculum specialist, and activist from northern part of Cyprus. Her work focuses on gender, human rights, and inclusive education. She blends teaching practices with grassroots advocacy to challenge silence in schools and foster spaces where all children can thrive.
Yasemin's presentation will share insights from the Rainbow Project in the northern part of Cyprus, focusing on LGBTI+ inclusivity in education. She will cover teacher attitudes, curriculum analysis, training modules, and key challenges, offering evidence-based recommendations to create safer, more inclusive school environments for all students.
Marie-Anne Valfort, France
Senior Economist at OECDThis speaker's bio will be updated shortly!
Els Verbeelen, Belgium
Trainer and education professional at çavariaEls is an education trainer at çavaria. Before joining çavaria, she taught for years in secondary education, where she actively worked on LGBTI+ inclusive teaching and safe school climates. Today, she supports schools through trainings and guidance to build inclusive environments for all students.
Els' workshop will explore how to recognise and respond to resistance against LGBTI+ inclusive education. Using real-life examples and practical tools—like framing and depolarisation strategies—participants will learn how to navigate pushback and build resilient, inclusive school environments.
Daan van Engelen, The Netherlands
Program Officer CSE at RutgersDaan van Engelen is a member of the Rutgers team, working in Education and Parental Support. He’s all about making Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) accessible and effective for primary school kids. Daan also focuses on strengthening the capacity of educational professionals and teachers in training, helping them deliver impactful and informed CSE.
Daan will hold a panel with Bente van Gameren from Stichting School en Veiligheid titled "Empowering Educators in Open Conversation about Sensitive & Taboo Topics in the Classroom", where they will explore conversation techniques for discussing sensitive topics like sexuality in educational settings. This workshop aims to provide a theoretical framework emphasising diversity and intersectionality, inspiring inclusive teaching practices and reducing hesitation in addressing these topics.
Bente van Gameren (She/her), The Netherlands
Consultant/Trainer on Sexual Integrity & Social Safety at Burobente / Stichting School & VeiligheidBente van Gameren (burobente) works with Stichting School & Veiligheid (Foundation of School Safety). She focuses in consultancy and training on the prevention of sexually abusive behaviour and the promotion of sexual integrity and social safety in educational environments.
Bente will hold a panel with Daan from Rutgers titled "Empowering Educators in Open Conversation about Sensitive & Taboo Topics in the Classroom", where they will explore conversation techniques for discussing sensitive topics like sexuality in educational settings. This workshop aims to provide a theoretical framework emphasising diversity and intersectionality, inspiring inclusive teaching practices and reducing hesitation in addressing these topics.
Stay tuned — more speakers will be announced shortly!