The early 1990s were a period of great change in Europe, but also an era of collaboration. At international and European conferences of the (then) International Le***an & Gay Association, ILGA, European Pride organisers began to have discussions about forming a European network. In 1994 this was formally agreed, and the first Conference of the European Pride Organisers Association was held in Cope
nhagen in 1995 and the first board was elected. The Association then took on the role of licensing EuroPride which, in the beginning, was its primary activity. Over the years that have followed EPOA has evolved a great deal. Whilst licensing EuroPride remains one of our most important activities – and certainly our most public activity – today we are also focused on advocating for the Pride movement in Europe, and supporting our members who now number over 100 Pride organisations in more than 40 countries. We remain an entirely volunteer-run organisation, with all eight board members being elected by our members and all having a role with their own Pride organisation. Our work today
We hold the rights to the trademark EuroPride and our purpose of EPOA is to promote le***an, gay, bis*xual, transgender and inters*x Pride on a pan-European level and to empower and support local and national pride organisations in their efforts of planning and promoting Pride both as a celebration but also as a vital human rights movement. EPOA also works to facilitate networking and skill-sharing among members and we do this through our AGM and annual conference, and other trainings, seminars and webinars. We also advocate for the Pride movement at national and international level, including at the European Parliament. How we are run
The Board runs the organisation year-round and makes sure that it stays financially solvent. The board also makes sure that the organisation is properly represented towards the media and other organisations and that the money is spent prudently and in line with the goals of EPOA. It reaches out to new organisations to encourage them to join and to come to the annual conference. The board also works closely with EuroPride organisers to help them manage and promote the event inside and outside of EPOA.
