The project's primary objectives revolved around collaboration between three European organizations with diverse expertise to achieve three overarching goals: OU1: Establishing a sustainable network to support LGBT+ individuals in rural areas, encompassing a minimum of 9 European countries. OU2: Developing a digital platform as a valuable information resource for young LGBT+ individuals in rural areas. OU3: Empowering at least 15 LGBT+ individuals living in rural areas through a digital storytelling course, equipping them with valuable skills and self-expression abilities. The project aimed to address the needs of young LGBT+ individuals in rural areas, fostering connections, reducing isolation, and promoting a sense of belonging and support. Additionally, it intended to provide new professional and personal development opportunities through the REACH+ network. The project's core mission was to empower young people by enhancing the capabilities of youth organizations, developing digital storytelling skills, and sharing crucial support information through the REACH+ website.
We were driven to apply for this project due to the need to address the critical challenges highlighted in the EU Parliament's resolution regarding discrimination and hate speech targeting LGBT+ individuals, particularly pronounced in rural areas, where young people are facing heightened vulnerability to violence and discrimination. This pressing issue was further validated by data from the EU LGBTonline survey, which consistently reported instances of discrimination against LGBT+ individuals. Furthermore, the rankings of EU Countries based on their level of protection for LGBT+ individuals served as a stark reminder of the urgency of this project. Italy's low ranking, coupled with incidents in Spain and Ireland, underscored the imperative for a comprehensive EU approach to strengthen the inclusion of the LGBT+ community. This need is particularly acute in rural areas of the 3 partner organizations, where support and resources are often scarce. One of the most significant gaps that we aimed to address was the absence of a functional network dedicated to supporting young LGBT+ individuals living in rural areas. This network was notably absent, leaving a significant portion of the youth population without access to crucial resources