Taipei to host record-setting LGBTI conference

2015/10/28

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association-Asia Regional Conference will kick off Oct. 28 in Taipei City, with more than 300 sexuality and gender-identity rights activists from 30-plus countries gathering for the largest event of its kind in the region.

Organized by the Taiwan Tongzhi Hotline Association with support from the European Economic and Trade Office in Taiwan, the biennial conference will see participants discuss strategies to create a sustainable movement leading to equality throughout Asia.

According to event co-chair Ashly Wu of TTHA, Taiwan has made tremendous progress in ensuring gay rights through legislation. “This conference provides a great opportunity for the country to share its successful experiences with the rest of the world.”

Echoing Wu’s remarks, Madeleine Majorenko, head of the EETO, said she hopes to see Taiwan continue to be a regional leader in this regard, adding that the 40,000 euros given by her office in support of the conference underscores European support for equality and respect for difference.

With the theme Independent Souls and Bodies, this year’s conference will focus on empowering people, both physically and mentally, to break free from the struggles they have faced in the past due to fear and discrimination.

To be staged for the first time in Taiwan, the three-day event will feature a keynote speech, plenary discussions and workshops on topics spanning awareness raising, comparative legal analysis and political strategy.

In addition to a special opening night event co-organized by the Taiwan International Queer Film Festival, the TTHA has also arranged several activities on the sidelines of the conference.

These include a workshop exploring strategies to help support gender self-determination for those living in a wide variety of family types, and the Creative HIV/AIDS Prevention and Education for LGBT Youth in Asia presentation, both set for Oct. 29.

Another highlight will be the annual Taiwan LGBT Pride Parade scheduled for Oct. 31 in the northern metropolis. Themed No Age Limit, the procession is expected to attract more than 65,000 participants from home and abroad.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=238242&ctNode=2194&mp=9)