Homophobia and Discrimination on

Methodology
The present analysis relied on background material collected through the following desk
<strong>and</strong> fieldwork research activities, which were followed up by data verification <strong>and</strong>
analysis:
Literature review
The research started with a detailed review of the relevant literature. This facilitated the
subsequent development of the guidelines for the fieldwork <strong>and</strong> the country reports.
Country reports
A sociological report on the current situation was commissioned to independent experts
in each Member State providing rich contextual information, official data <strong>and</strong> information
on academic <strong>and</strong> other research.
Electronic stakeholder survey
LGBT NGOs, National Equality Bodies <strong>and</strong> public authorities were surveyed through an
electronic questionnaire with the purpose of collecting a ‘stakeholder assessment’ of the
social situation. 343 questionnaires were sent out. Of those 84 were fully answered, 132
partly answered (total of 216) <strong>and</strong> 127 were not answered. The responses provide a
valuable insight into the main areas of concern of key stakeholders across the EU.
Fieldwork
To supplement the data collected in the country reports <strong>and</strong> the e-survey, in depth
interviews were carried out across the EU with representatives of LGBT NGOs, public
authorities <strong>and</strong> National Equality Bodies.
Consultative roundtables
Good practices <strong>and</strong> recommendations for improving conditions for LGBT persons
identified during the data collection <strong>and</strong> the fieldwork were further discussed with NGOs
from across the EU at two consultative roundtable meetings in Copenhagen in June
2008, which facilitated knowledge exchange <strong>and</strong> the development of synergies. The
roundtables also served to provide the project team with more information for analysis.
Part II - The Social Situation
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