This is the eleventh of a series of interviews with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). In this interview, we spoke with MEP Kim Van Sparrentak about the need for solidarity among marginalised communities and human rights organisations, the importance of inclusive and intersectional policies and giving a voice to minority groups in debates and discussions surrounding the upcoming European Elections.
We must look out for each other better
Question: As a Member of the Disability Intergroup and as Co-Chair of the LGBTI Intergroup of the European Parliament, your work covers both disability rights and broader human rights issues. How do you use this membership and your expertise to address the intersecting needs of individuals with disabilities who also identify as part of the LGBTI community, ensuring their concerns are addressed in European policies?
Answer: It is absolutely crucial to combine the knowledge of both communities and to support each other wholeheartedly. The human rights agenda is under attack worldwide, which means we must stick to each other and continue lifting each other up, to get further in achieving our common goal: an inclusive world, without discrimination. But this also means we must look out for each other better.
In my work as a lawmaker, I always try to think of the most disadvantaged people in our society and imagine what certain legislation would mean for them. The impact of legislative proposals is simply different for a rich able-bodied white straight cis male than for everyone else who does not fit into this narrow category. Taking that into account in every step of the legislative process makes for a better life for all.
Cooperation towards the EU elections
Question: Intersectionality and equality are a significant part of your work within the European Parliament. As a member of the Disability Intergroup, how do you collaborate with other MEPs and stakeholders to advance the rights of persons with disabilities, particularly those who face multiple forms of discrimination, including within the LGBTI community? How can both Intergroups and their members utilise the platform of the EU elections to build broader support for intersectional policies?
Answer: I have had good contact with the European Disability Forum, whose expertise has been invaluable in several files I have worked on. When it comes to the European Elections, I think the most important thing we can do is to stand up together instead of being divided into different groups.
We all want non-discrimination and our basic fundamental rights to be respected, let’s all fight for that together, united.
Politically, this means I think we can hold each other more tightly as well. When in certain calls a certain minority group is crossed out, that should be a red line for all groups supporting human rights and non-discrimination.
And when it comes to the tone, I think it is absolutely crucial we simply show we exist and get out there. Show the world that human rights activists are not a hypothetical homogenous group that wants some privileges. We are here, in this society and we just want to be able to participate in the same way as anybody else, without being discriminated against.
Marginalised groups together for a fully inclusive rights agenda?
Question: As the EU elections approach, how do you plan to engage with disability rights organisations and LGBTI advocacy groups? What are your plans to ensure their concerns and voices are heard, both within the European Parliament and in the debates and discussions surrounding the elections?
Answer: With the LGBTI Intergroup we have already started the work towards the European elections. Last month we organised a queer summit, with activists from all over Europe to discuss our common goals for the upcoming elections and the next mandate.
I think it would be amazing if disability rights organisations and LGBTI advocacy groups, but also organizations that work on gender or against racism, could sit together and draft a rights agenda for the upcoming elections to ensure we stick together in a world where marginalized groups are pushed aside more and more in a harsher political landscape.
Photo credit banner: © European Union 2023 – Source: Twitter account MEP Kim Kim Van Sparrentak