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Politics, they say, is in every area of life and sporting life is no exception.
The nature of the GLBTI community being as politically charged as it is, it’s no coincidence that major GLBTI events still have a strong human rights focus.
The Copenhagen 2009 World Outgames is no exception holding it’s Second International Conference on LGBT Human Rights on July 27 -“ 29, with around 1000 delegates expected to take part.
The catchcry of this year’s three-day conference is Love of Freedom -” Freedom to Love, calling on the world to reflect on freedoms the global GLBTI community has gained to live without fear of discrimination and others yet to be afforded.
Keynote speakers at the conference will include Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Muslim gay filmmaker Parvez Sharma (documentary, A Jihad for Love) and New Zealand’s Georgina Beyer, the first transsexual in the world to be elected mayor and a member of Parliament.
Speakers will discuss human rights and politics, education, sport, family and relationships, business, history, culture and media, and health, among other topics. The aim is to share ideas to develop best practice in tackling discrimination among NGOs.
The event also provides a platform to discuss the impact of homophobia, especially in sport where it remains a problem.
For those looking to go to Copenhagen, registration is open until April 30.
For those thinking about joining a sports team locally, the Queer Melbourne Sport Alliance is the state’s umbrella group for all clubs and groups involved in queer sports.
QSAM provides details of all clubs and individuals and is a member of the Gay and Lesbian International Sports Association and the Federation of Gay Games.
The group encourages members of the community to get involved with sport and create a safe place for members and friends of the queer community.
info: www.copenhagen2009.org
Tags: International Conference on GLBT Human Rights, Love of Freedom - Freedom to Love, Parvez Sharma, Thomas Hammarberg, World Outgames
