Across the world, a growing backlash against LGBTQIA+ people and rights is putting communities, activists and human rights defenders under increasing pressure. Civic space is shrinking, rights are being challenged, and hard-won progress is increasingly under threat.
Yet alongside these challenges, LGBTQIA+ movements continue to show remarkable resilience, creativity and solidarity. Grassroots organisations, activists and allies continue to develop strategies to defend rights, strengthen communities and networks, and advance equality despite growing pressure.
You are welcome to join this webinar to learn more about how LGBTQIA+ movements and their allies are responding to the global backlash and how global solidarity can help strengthen the movement for equality and human rights.
We will hear from speakers from Malawi, Nepal, Mozambique and the global LGBTQIA+ movement. This webinar will explore the realities facing LGBTQIA+ communities and activists, as well as the strategies, sources of hope and forms of solidarity that help movements continue their work.
What can we learn from LGBTQIA+ movements and from human rights defenders working on the frontlines of this backlash? How can organisations and allies in Finland (and beyond) contribute to global solidarity? And, in time of global backlash, where can we find hope and how do we turn it into action?
The discussion will feature perspectives from:
- Gift Trapence, Executive Director, Center for Development of People (CEDEP), Malawi (partner of Väestöliitto)
- Jenna Wahlstén, Vice Chair, Seta – LGBTIQ+ Rights in Finland, Finland
- Roberto Paulo, Executive Director, Associação LAMBDA, Mozambique (partner in the BRAVE programme of Plan International Finland)
- Rojan Pariyar, Dalit Freedom Centre Coordinator, Samari Utthan Sewa (SUS), Nepal (partner of KIOS Foundation)
The discussion will be opened by Julia Ehrt, Executive Director of ILGA World.
Vilja Härkönen, Advisor from Amnesty International Finland, will moderate the event.
Come and learn how we can strengthen the global LGBTQIA+ movement, build solidarity across borders, and stand together to strengthen LGBTQIA+ rights movements and resist the global backlash.