Municipal Elections 2026: A United Stand for a Trans-Inclusive Future
Candidates across France commit to concrete measures supporting trans and queer rights
As France prepares for its 2026 municipal elections on March 15 and 22, a coalition of candidates has signed a powerful manifesto, published in têtu· magazine, pledging action to improve the everyday lives of trans individuals and queer families. Against a backdrop of rising transphobia driven by conservative, far-right, and masculinist ideologies, the upcoming elections are shaping up to be a crucial battleground in the ongoing struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights at the local level.
Why Local Governments Matter in the Fight for Equality
While municipalities don’t create laws, mayors play a pivotal role in applying and interpreting them on the ground. From the introduction of civil unions (PACS) to the symbolic same-sex marriage in Bègles in 2004, local officials have often paved the way for national legal changes. The candidates behind this manifesto believe municipalities can once again lead the charge—particularly when it comes to advancing the rights of trans and intersex individuals.
Tackling Institutional Transphobia in Local Services
The manifesto firmly denounces systemic discrimination against trans and intersex people, especially within administrative systems. Despite a 2016 legal shift in France allowing individuals to change their name and gender marker without medical intervention, the process remains complex and uneven. Signatories are pushing for streamlined, self-determined procedures accessible to all—including minors, incarcerated persons, and those facing social marginalization.
Candidates also advocate for aligning practices with European law and human rights standards—such as GDPR regulations, key rulings by the European Court of Justice, and recommendations from the Council of Europe. The adoption of the term “gender marker correction,” as used by the Court of Justice, is proposed to ensure clarity, respect, and uniform application.
Ensuring Equal Access to Public Services for All Families
Another key priority is guaranteeing equal treatment for LGBTQIA+ families. Many trans parents face barriers to having their parental status recognized on civil documents. The manifesto calls for fair, simplified administrative processes for all families—regardless of whether they were formed through same-sex relationships, trans parenthood, or assisted reproduction abroad.
In addition, candidates speak out against medically unnecessary surgeries performed on intersex children, calling such practices harmful and outdated. Municipalities are encouraged to adopt inclusive language in forms, recognize non-binary or alternate gender identities, and provide parents with accurate information about the possibility of delaying the sex designation at birth—standards already embraced in progressive healthcare and legal systems globally.
Advancing Real Equality at the Grassroots Level
The vision set forth by the signatories includes harmonizing municipal practices with the most progressive international standards on gender identity and sexual orientation. Local services will develop anti-discrimination plans aimed at both public service users and employees, particularly in hiring practices and workplace culture.
Moreover, candidates reaffirm their ongoing commitment to supporting LGBTQIA+ organizations and grassroots initiatives. Equality, they argue, must be visible and felt at the community level—making the 2026 municipal elections an important moment in the broader movement for inclusion and human rights.
Who’s Signed the Manifesto?
This commitment has drawn support from elected officials and candidates from various political formations, reflecting a broad consensus for change. Signatories include:
- Emmanuel Grégoire (Socialist Party, Paris)
- David Belliard (Green Party, Paris)
- Ian Brossat (Communist Party, Paris)
- Grégory Doucet (Green Party, Lyon)
- François Piquemal (La France Insoumise, Toulouse)
- Ronan Loas (Horizons, Ploemeur)
- Michaël Delafosse (Socialist Party, Montpellier)
- Juliette Chesnel Le Roux (Green, Socialist & Communist Coalition, Nice)
- Nathalie Appéré (Socialist Party, Rennes)
- Nadège Azzaz (Socialist Party, Châtillon)
- Mathieu Hanotin (Socialist Party, Saint-Denis)
- Johanna Rolland (Socialist Party, Nantes)
- Léonore Moncond’huy (Green Party, Poitiers)
- Régis Godec (Green Party, Toulouse)
- Stéphane Baly (Green Party, Lille)
- Katy Vuylsteker (Green Party, Tourcoing)
- Claire Zytka-Taranto (Green Party, Lomme)
- Simon Jamelin (Green Party, Hellemmes)
- Pierre-Yves Bournazel (Horizons, Paris)
- Pierre Jakubowicz (Horizons, Strasbourg)
