queerrights

Afghanistan – We stand in solidarity

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Dear Member Organisations,

Dear friends, 

International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) invites you to take part in the online event titled “Afghanistan – We stand in solidarity”.  The event will take place online on the 23 of November 2021 at 18:30PM CET (via Zoom platform). 

During the event, we would like to discuss the current situation in Afghanistan with the focus on women and children and other minority groups (for example, queer community) with invited speakers. We envision to conclude the discussion on how we as global community can support and what are the actual needs and expectations from the international community by engaging in group work and discussion. 

Flow of the event

The event will consist of two parts: panel discussion with speakers and groups work, sharing and exchange with the participants.

We will send the information on the speakers and facilitators as soon as we have all the confirmations. 

Registration

You can register for the event here: https://forms.gle/vzgoMrq63NfDbxkZA by 21 November.

You will receive the link to the event and technical information in advance.

Contact 

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions at iusy@iusy.org

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

Global Seminar 2020: (Post)pandemic Political Education and Youth Work

admin

Dear friends and comrades,

We have the pleasure of inviting you to the forthcoming Global Seminar 2020.

Overview

The Global Seminar 2020 will gather together IUSY member organisationsfrom all over the world to meet and share the challenges young people and youth organisations have been facing since the beginning of the pandemic. 

Two-day Seminar will be a space for sharing our realities from different thematic perspectives. We will try to make this event as dynamic as possible with the elements of panel discussion, contribution of guest speakers and group work. 

Together we will imagine and map the recommendations for young people and youth organisations having youth work and political education in their agenda. 

As in 2019, this year we again cooperate and create our programme with the International Federation of Liberal Youth (ILFRY). This event will be a joint Global Seminar bringing both organisations and activists together. 

The aim of the Seminar will be to provide to the Member Organisations and to the SSU representatives a platformto discuss and come up with recommendation on how we can battle the shrinking spaces of democracy and imagine a post pandemic space for political education and youth work. 

A secondary aim is also to strengthen collaboration with IFLRY on topics that we agree on. The seminar will be an opportunity for us to learn and reflect upon new ideas and partnerships in our work for a fairer and more equal world. 

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

With best regards,

Johanna Ortega                                           Ana Pirtskhalava

IUSY President                                            IUSY Secretary General 

Participation Profile & Selection Process

Each member organisation may register up to one participant for the meeting. 


The selection criteria will be based on
1. The questions listed in the application form

2. Gender Balance (both IUSY statutes and the global project require gender balance)

3. Regional Balance 

Participants must be able to attend the entire programme of the seminar.

It’s preferable that participants have an interest in workers rights, trade unions and decent working conditions. 

All participants must be aged 18-35 years old, with no exceptions. 

How to apply

Participants must apply by filling in the registration form that you can find here

 OR copy paste it to your browser: https://forms.gle/yEQcmWPrfgdnzVVa9

Deadline for registration is 1st of November 12:00pm CET.

Selected participants will receive the programme, the link to join the event and the technical information in advance.

Contact
iusy@iusy.org/ +4369913532960

Two day virtual event on Queer Fights and Labour Issues

admin

Dear friends, 

IUSY Queer Working Group has the pleasure to invite you to the two-day virtual event on Queer Fights and Labour Issues, which will take place on the 28th and 29th September at 13:00 CEST.

WHAT: Two-day event on Queer Fights and Labour Issues

WHEN: 28th and 29th September, at 13:00 CEST

WHERE: 28th September, IUSY Facebook page livestream 

               29th September, Zoom platform

The event will consist of two parts. 

Day 1, 28thSeptember:  Virtual talk on Queer Fights and Labour Issues with queer activists from all over the world. The talk will be livestreamed at IUSY Facebook page at 13:00 CEST. The event will be created on Facebook and shared with you in advance. 

Day 2, 29th September:  Meeting of queer activists from IUSY member organisation in Zoom platform for sharing and working on a common RESOLUTION. The meeting will take place at 13:00-15:00 CEST. 

We are planning to work together on identifying queer labour issues, showing a queer-socialist perspective to labour issues and the economic and climate crises socialism as the solution, solidarity of queer-socialists with all comrades from the socialist and queer movement in our work for a just economy for young people. 

Fill in the registration form by 28th of September, at 18:00 CEST and join the meeting. The link to join the Zoom meeting on the 29th of September will be send only to those registered. 

To fill in the registration form, please click HERE.

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!

Rainbow Rose and IUSY condemn Brunei for introducing homophobic laws

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Recent developments in the South East Asian state of Brunei, with plans to introduce discriminatory laws including the death penalty for being homosexual, have caused an outcry in many countries and outrage from NGOs such as Amnesty international. After the first announcement of the introduction of sharia law in 2013, many basic human rights have been restricted, such as the rights to freedom of expression, religion and belief. It also codified discrimination against women and girls.

From 3rd April 2019, new and restrictive laws such as the death penalty for homosexuality and adultery will be introduced. Rainbow Rose, the European network of socialist LGBTI organisations, and IUSY, the international union of socialist youth, show their deepest concerns about these recent developments, and condemn the continued attacks on human rights in the South East Asian country.

“LGBTI rights are human rights. The implementation of these penalties are a direct attack on the freedom and lives of LGBTI people.“, says Camila Garfias, President of Rainbow Rose. IUSY president Johanna Ortega adds: “When human rights are threatened we are obliged to act and call out on these injustices. The international community must act now.“

Rainbow Rose and IUSY condemn these laws and stand in solidarity with the people in Brunei.