Conference of Latin American and Caribbean LGBTI Political Leaders
INTRODUCTION: The Conference of Latin American and Caribbean LGBTI Political Leaders is a space for reflection, dialogue and an exchange of experiences between Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) leaders and their allies that will allow participants to identify advances, challenges and best practices in the participation of LGBTI activists in the region’s political […]
INTRODUCTION:
The Conference of Latin American and Caribbean LGBTI Political Leaders is a space for reflection, dialogue and an exchange of experiences between Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) leaders and their allies that will allow participants to identify advances, challenges and best practices in the participation of LGBTI activists in the region’s political processes. The ultimate objective of the conference is to promote and make visible the political participation of LGBTI activists in democratic state institutions, regional democratic processes, as well as in international human rights bodies. The conference will be held in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, on October 2-3, 2015. Over 200 participants are expected to attend. Activities over the two-day period will include discussion, trainings, professional development activities, and the creation of new networks on key topics.
TIME AND DATE OF CONFERENCE:
The event will take place over two days, October 2-3, 2015, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
PARTICIPANT PROFILE:
The participants will be LGBTI leaders and their allies who are working toward greater political participation by LGBTI people in Latin America and the Caribbean. Participants will include elected officials, public servants, members of political parties, former, current and future candidates for political office, as well as members of civil society and the business community.
The Conference will include simultaneous translation in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE CONFERENCE:
Up until five years ago the number of openly LGBTI persons working as elected official or public servants could be counted on one hand. Today there are over 70 LGBTI persons serving in these position in Latin America and the Caribbean, and their numbers are rapidly on the rise. These leaders represent the first line of the struggle. History tells us that together we can make great things happen. Conference participants will leave the meetings with new ideas for greater political participation and to advance the struggle toward equality. They will share and learn from other leaders working within the democratic process, and will gain new skills that will increase their leadership capacity and serve to work with others in the movement who share their aspirations: to participate in the transformation of our communities and work toward a more just and egalitarian society.
