After years of committed work and collaboration, the former IFLA LGBTQ Users Special Interest Group (SIG) has now officially become the IFLA LGBTQ+ Matters Section. This marks an important step in IFLA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusion, equity, and diversity across the library field.

The transformation did not happen overnight. It was the result of sustained advocacy, detailed documentation, and broad international support from more than forty  IFLA member institutions—public libraries, university libraries, national libraries and library associations—who recognised the importance of LGBTQ+ issues as a core part of library work worldwide. The SIG’s dedicated members prepared a comprehensive proposal outlining the Section’s purpose: to promote inclusive library services, collections, and workplaces that support LGBTQ+ users and staff; to encourage professional development and knowledge exchange; and to collaborate with other IFLA sections and international partners to advance equality and access to information for all.

Now, as the LGBTQ+ Matters Section, we are excited to build on this foundation. Our priorities for the coming year include establishing collaborations with other sections, developing resources and webinars, and ensuring that LGBTQ+ perspectives remain visible across IFLA’s programmes and activities. We also invite colleagues who share our commitment to equality and inclusion to reach out, join our discussions, and help us shape the Section’s first activities.

Our shared belief is simple: libraries matter because people matter — and by championing equality, we strengthen not only our institutions but the communities we serve.

Carlos Alberto Della Paschoa (Chair, Brazil)
Thomas Antignac (Secretary, France)
Michael Nordeman (Information Coordinator, Sweden)