On 22 September 2025, the University of Siena will host the final conference of PrEcIOUS – Promoting pluralistic education in European universities to combat invisible discrimination related to LGBTQIA+, an Erasmus+ initiative designed to address “invisible” forms of discrimination and foster a genuinely inclusive culture within European universities. Born from the recognition that LGBTQIA+ people across Europe still face significant levels of discrimination, including in schools and universities, and that subtle forms of homophobia often go unrecognised even by young people themselves, PrEcIOUS has developed pathways and tools to tackle the structural roots of these issues, moving beyond the logic of “including them” towards a culture of genuine plurality.
The conference will take place at the Mattioli Campus (Conference Hall, 3rd floor, via P. A. Mattioli 10, Siena). It will open at 9:00 with welcome remarks from Alessandra Viviani (University of Siena). This will be followed by contributions from Irene Biemme (University of Florence), reflecting on the use of storytelling to foster gender equality from early childhood; Antonio Raimondo Di Grigoli (University of Siena) on deconstructing cis-heteronormative models in early education; Daniele Ferrari (University of Eastern Piedmont) on the relationship between language, intersectionality, and law; Rima Karosiene (Klaipeda University) on how academic institutions may perpetuate invisible homophobia; Francesca Scalzo (SOS Razzismo) on Omofobia e doppio stigma: l’identità LGBTQ+ nei contesti migranti; Silvia Volpi (Rete Educare ai Diritti Umani) on the need for an intersectional approach in non-formal education; and Debora Barletta (No Hate Speech Movement Italy) on how youth participation can build resilience to hate.
After the coffee break, the morning will continue with a session dedicated to students’ testimonies, the true heart of the conference, as participants from different countries share their experiences from the PrEcIOUS Summer School in Siena and international study visits, offering first-hand insights into the project’s educational and personal impact. This part will also include the contribution of Eduardo Santillan (CAD Spazio Sicuro – Arcigay Siena) on the challenges faced by LGBTQI+ asylum seekers from Pakistan and Afghanistan; Roberta Parigiani (Movimento Identità Trans) on invisible discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people through the legal system; and Michela Mariotto (Università degli Studi di Roma Roma Tre) Gender-free parenting: forms of existence and challenges beyond the binary.
In the afternoon, academics from the partner universities will offer research perspectives and theoretical analyses on the role of higher education in promoting inclusion and pluralism. Maryna Subota (Klaipeda University) will address LGBTQ+ advocacy in conservative societies; Justyna Struzik (Jagiellonian University of Kraków) will explore queer approaches to reimagining universities; Julia Michcik (Jagiellonian University of Kraków) will analyse the diffusion of queer theory from West to East; Angeliki Pantzartzidi (Aristotele University of Thessaloniki) will reflect on care-centred practices in higher education; and Victoria Georgopoulou (Aristotele University of Thessaloniki) will discuss the project’s potential legacy. The conference will conclude with closing remarks by Gaia Ciccarelli (University of Siena), drawing together the threads of the day’s discussions.
This conference marks not only a moment to share the project’s results with the broader public but also an opportunity to reaffirm the value of pluralism and respect for rights within the academic community, by giving voice to those who live university life every day.
The University of Siena coordinates PrEcIOUS Project in partnership with the Klaipeda University (Lithuania), Aristotele University of Thessaloniki (Greece), Jagiellonian University of Kraków (Poland), and OpenCom (Italy).