The SPHERE+ (Cooperation Against LGBTIQ+ Hate Speech in Political and Public Spheres) project is an EU-funded initiative under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme. It brings together a diverse partnership of civil society organisations, public authorities, and educational institutions across Europe to address the growing challenge of hate speech, particularly targeting LGBTQI+ communities, in political and public discourse.
The core mission of SPHERE+ is to strengthen the capacity of policymakers, public officials, and civil society actors to recognise, prevent, and respond to hate speech in a way that promotes inclusive, respectful, and rights-based communication. The project is grounded in an evidence-based approach, beginning with comprehensive research to understand current knowledge gaps, attitudes, and experiences related to LGBTQI+ issues and hate speech across participating countries.
Building on this evidence, SPHERE+ develops targeted training programmes and practical tools designed to support decision-makers in adopting more inclusive communication practices. These include microlearning resources, live training sessions, and the development of a digital platform to ensure accessibility and long-term impact. A key output of the project is the creation of a Code of Conduct, which encourages politicians and public officials to commit to ethical, respectful discourse in their professional roles.
In addition, SPHERE+ implements an awareness campaign to highlight the impact of hate speech and promote positive narratives that align with European values such as dignity, equality, and human rights. By fostering collaboration between civil society and political actors, the project aims to bridge existing gaps, strengthen democratic engagement, and create safer, more inclusive public spaces.