queer

IUSY Queer Working Group Meeting 2021

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Overview

What: Queer Working Group Meeting

When: 20-21 April 

Where: Online meeting; ZOOM platform 

Age: 18-35 years

Deadline: 18th April 12:00 CEST 

Outline

IUSY Queer working group annual meeting aims to provide young activists from member organisations with knowledge on the theme of queer issues and rights aswell as develop, skills and competences to identify and counter homophobic and transphobic attitudes in their political activismand within their organisations. 

This years’ working group meeting is recap on the work done in 2020 such as reviewing the 2ndedition of the Guideline on how to be an Ally, presenting the resolution proposal on Queer Issues and Labour Rights and have the space to discuss on queer activism and mental health. 

Theme

The COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on queer people around the world it undeniable: from social isolation, domestic abuse, higher risk of infection by being part of the risk group (HIV positive, LGBTQI elderly) to online harassment. Among these many issues that queer persons and communities continue facing there is also a huge problem connected with mental health. This is one of the topics that is not widely discussed in our societies and within our organisations. This year, we want to bring our focus on the theme of queer activism and mental health. 

Objectives of the meeting

·               to acknowledge, define and share on the topic of queer activism and mental health;

·               to present the work done in 2020: Guideline on Allyship and proposal for resolution on queer issues and labour rights;

·               to continue building a network of queer activists;

·               to engage queer activists within the working group, across the different regions. 

Facilitators of the meeting 

The working group meeting will be facilitated by Laura Loew and Ivan Puh. 

Participant’s profile

This activity is aimed towards the activists of IUSY member organisations. Please note that it is required that the participants stay for the whole duration of the activity and also to contribute to the working group after the meeting. 

Participants should: 

·               Belong to IUSY member organisation 

·               Be aged 18-35

·               Has worked in a field concerning LGBTQI issues or is interested in the field 

·               Availability to contribute to IUSY queer working group activities in future 

How to apply

Participants must apply by filling the registration form here or copy/pasting the following link: https://forms.gle/hPKkRccxME2RnvaR9

Deadline to register for the working group is 18thApril, 12:00PM CEST. 

Online Meeting

The meeting will take place online, through the online platform Zoom.

It will be in English and without any participation fee. 

Participants once confirmed their participation, will receive the programme, more detailed technical information and the link and an entry code to the meeting room.

The event will take place during 2 days for about two hours a day. 

Exact time of the meeting will be confirmed as soon as possible. Initially it will start either 1PM or 2PM CEST. 

It is important to remember that our events are safe spaces and that we are mindful and respectful towards each other. 

Contact

iusy@iusy.org or gohar.ghandilyan@iusy.org

Call for Applications Queer Working Group 2019: Amplifying Queer Voices

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Overview

What:             Queer Working Group Meeting

When:             13-16 June, 2019 (including travel dates)

Where:           Vienna, Austria

Age/gender: 18-35 years old and gender balanced

Size:               Max 2 participants per region

Deadline:      OBS Extended deadline until 15 May 2019!

Outline

The Queer Working Group 2019 will bring together young activists of IUSY member organisations from all 7 regions. The aim of the meeting is to strengthen the Queer Working Group and enhance cooperation for the protection and promotion of queer rights. The meeting will offer a platform to discuss current political situations in the regions in regards to queer issues, give space to engage in a dialogue on common struggles and obstacles, and work together to come up with strategies to enact political and social change. Participants can look forward to meeting youth actors, be part of EuroPride, getting involved in political debates and discussions, sharing experiences and ideas and building up their international network. There will also be an added focus on skill building.

The theme of the Queer Working Group in 2019 “Amplifying Queer Voices“

73 Jurisdictions in the world still criminalises private, consensual same sex relationships between adults, 44 of them specifically criminalise sexual relations between women and 13 of them have the death penalty. In all too many countries queer people face discrimination, based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sexual characteristics. The inequalities are many and ranges from (but not limited to) being denied a job or housing to being physically attacked and sometimes even murdered. The discrimination and violence that are facing the queer community today is completely and utterly unacceptable. IUSY condemns all human rights violations towards the Queer community and vows to continue to work for a world where all people have their human rights are respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. IUSY supports every person’s right to their sexual orientation and gender identity, without restriction by the preconceived ideas and values of society.

During the Queer Working Group meeting we will focus on two main topics, firstly, the different types of discrimination that face the queer community today and secondly, what types of allies we need to help create change without silencing queer voices. The aim is for our queer activists to develop a do’s and don’t’s guideline on allyship that we can spread to the rest of our MOs in order to strengthen the organisations work on queer rights as well as to develop a yearly work plan with action days for joint activism.

We will therefore, explore different types of discrimination, focus on how we as young politicians can help to limit the discrimination faced by the queer community, developing our queer activism and determine what requirements we need from an ally. We will also share experiences from our own countries, take part in the EuroPride Parade and have important discussions with the overall aim to strengthen queer activism and political participation within IUSY.

For any questions or remarks please don’t hesitate to contact the IUSY Secretariat at iusy@iusy.org

We are very much looking forward to seeing you!

WHO CAN APPLY? PROFILE OF PARTICIPANTS

This activity is not aimed towards the leadership of IUSY member organisations; it is addressed to youth activists. Please note that it is required that the participants stay for the whole duration of the activity and also to contribute to IUSY activities after the activity.

Participants should:

  • Belong to IUSY member organisation.
  • Be aged 18-35
  • Have been active/working/studying in the field of queer rights
  • Be willing to continue to work with the Queer Working Group and be active in the field of queer rightsafter the activity has taken place
  • Be willing to plan and conduct follow-up activities to the training at local and national level
  • Have availability to contribute to IUSY activities in the future
  • Have a proficient level of English (the only working language during the activity)

We’re aiming for participants from all regions and from a variety of member organisations.

According to the IUSY statutes, we’re also looking to achieve a gender-balanced training so we reserve the right to select participants based on gender criteria if needed.

HOW TO APPLY

Due to limited space for participation there will be an application process. To apply you must complete the following form by 05 May. Please follow the link below. It is essential to fill in the parts that reflect your experience, background and motivation in joining the activity.

Link to the registration: Please copy and paste it into your browser.

https://forms.gle/UKDDgPNDhFnK7e8c8

NOTE: No registration will be accepted after the deadline.   

Participation fee

The participation fee for the activity is 30€ per person and must be paid by 31 May 2019. The participation fee will cover accommodation, meals, refreshments and programme for the duration of the event. Any additional nights’ accommodation must be arranged and paid by participants.

Once you have made the bank transfer, please send a payment receipt to iusy@iusy.org. Please be aware that IUSY cannot take responsibility for any bank fees. If you are unable to make a bank transfer in advance you must inform us before 18 April 2019.

Outstanding membership fees and/or debts

Please note that only organisations without outstanding membership fees or debts are entitled to receive travel reimbursement. Therefore, we would ask for organisations to transfer their outstanding fees or debts by bank transfer as soon as possible.

If you are unable to pay your membership fee and/or debt, please contact the IUSY Secretary General Ana Pirtskhalava (ana.pirtskhalava@iusy.org) and IUSY President of Control Commission (roland.gur@iusy.org) to discuss possible options.

Travel reimbursement

IUSY will cover your flight ticket up to a fixed reference price. The maximum amount for travel reimbursement will be sent to you together with a confirmation letter.

Please note you should not buy any flight tickets before your application is approved!!!

Visas

The IUSY Secretariat will support visa applications for the event. If you require a visa, please send a copy of your passport to iusy@iusy.org as soon as possible, so the secretariat can draft a visa invitation letter for you. Please note that you will have to book your appointments and conduct the visa process by yourself.

Travel

Arrivals and Departures

Day of arrival for the IUSY Queer Working Group is 13 June and the day of departure is the 16 of June 2019. Please make sure to arrange your travel accordingly and do not forget that IUSY will NOT be able to cover accommodation or any other additional expenses for delegates who need to stay additional nights in Vienna.

How to get to the hotel

Details on the how to get to the hotel and venue will be provided at least two weeks before the event. Please note that we will not provide airport transfer.

Accommodation and meeting venue

Detailed information about the hotel and meeting venue will be sent to all participants nearer the time, at the latest two weeks in advance of the event.

Cancellations

There will be a 30€ cancellation fee charged to each organisation whose participant withdraws after 01 June, 2019 without a valid reason.

Contact

Amanda Lilliefeldt

IUSY Project Manager

Email: iusy@iusy.org or amanda.lilliefeldt@iusy.org

Phone: +43 699 135 32 970

We are looking forward to receiving your registrations!