Contesting Gender Equality in Europe: Gender Identity and Gender Expression

This paper maps out contestations to gender equality in Europe, focusing especially on cases connected to gender identity and gender expression. What are positions taken by formal actors such as ECJ and EctHR in Europe? How do LGBTQ groups position and contest gender equality related to these issues? What is the focus of opposing groups and institutions, especially opposition by organised religion (most notably the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox and the Anglican Church) and Far Right political parties or organisations that are active in formal politics? Are these institutions and organisations similar in their opposition? What are the dimensions on which they differ? Is there any common ground between opposing actors?

The paper is partly conceptual, reflecting on the role of these actors in constructing the meaning of gender equality. The second part is empirical, based on an analysis of texts introduced in the political and policymaking process by these actors (using Critical Frame Analysis).