“Sexual and Gender Minorities in International Law and European Union Law: Thomas Giegerich’s Farewell Conference”
On 12 and 13 March 2026, the Europa-Institut of Saarland University hosted an international conference dedicated to the legal situation of sexual and gender minorities in international and European Union law. Organized on the occasion of Prof. Dr. Thomas Giegerich LL.M.’s retirement, the event brought together leading experts to reflect on current developments, challenges, and future directions in this dynamic field.
Day 1 – International and European Perspectives
The conference opened with introductory remarks by Thomas Giegerich, who addressed the relationship between sexual and gender identity, human dignity, and contemporary binary‑cisgender backlash.
The first panel, presented by Elif Askin and Ralf Alleweldt, examined hard and soft norms in international law and their role in protecting sexual and gender identities. This was followed by an analysis of the European Court of Human Rights’ case-law by Julia Jungfleisch and Ivana Jelić.
After a coffee break, the focus shifted to individual rights within the EU. Kristina Müller and Marco Evola discussed free movement and privacy, while Luigi Malferrari and Darren Harvey explored the systemic significance of EU values, particularly dignity and equality under Article 2 TEU.
Following the lunch break, Sara Poli and Frank Hoffmeister addressed the position of sexual and gender minorities in the EU’s external action, highlighting diplomatic, legal, and policy dimensions. The day concluded with a high-level panel on the “Way Forward”, featuring Władysław Czapliński, Iris Goldner Lang, Dagmar Richter, and Andreas Ziegler.
Participants later gathered for a conference dinner at Brauhaus am Stiefel.
Day 2 – Sports, the United States, and Transatlantic Insights
The second day began with a panel by Annika Blaschke and Björn Schiffbauer on the status of sexual and gender minorities in international sports, addressing regulatory frameworks and the challenges faced by athletes and governing bodies.
After a coffee break, Gregory Fox and Russell Miller provided a comprehensive US perspective on minority rights, discussing constitutional developments, federal and state-level dynamics, and recent legal trends.
Throughout the conference, participants paid tribute to the academically achievements of Prof. Dr. Thomas Giegerich LL.M., who has significantly shaped the Europa-Institut through his work on European law, international law, human rights, anti-discrimination, and diversity. His contributions as a Jean Monnet Chair and long-standing member of the academic community were warmly acknowledged.
The two-day conference offered a rich and multifaceted examination of the legal landscape surrounding sexual and gender minorities. By bringing together experts from various jurisdictions and disciplines, it fostered meaningful dialogue and opened new avenues for research and cooperation. The discussions underscored both the progress made and the challenges that remain, highlighting the continued importance of academic engagement in this evolving field.