LGBT SOUTH-SOUTH DIALOGUE
TOWARDS THE I AMERICAS SOCIAL FORUM
25 – 30 July 2004, Quito, Ecuador

News Bulletin No 1: 21 April 2004

CONTENTS

▼ Foreword
▼ Invitation to the First Social Forum for Sexual Diversity
▼ Invitation to the LGBT Cultural Gathering
▼ LGBT preparations for the Americas Social Forum and the First Social Forum for Sexual Diversity
▼ General information on the Americas Social Forum
▼ Subscribing to the News Bulletins

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FOREWORD

This newsletter for the First Sexual Diversity Social Forum, to be held in Quito (Ecuador) July 25 – 30, 2004, aims to share information and facilitate exchanges among organizations and movements that are interested in getting involved in the preparatory dynamics, and in participating in the actual event and process.

The Bulletin wants to be an interactive space for a well-informed participation. It targets stakeholders and interested sectors and especially the LGBT movement. Its agenda is directly linked with issues regarding sexual rights, diversity, citizenship and the developing of alternative proposals to neoliberal globalization, which is the Forum’s central thrust.

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INVITATION TO THE FIRST SOCIAL FORUM FOR SEXUAL DIVERSITY

Sexual diversity is directly related to the construction of the “Other Possible World” proposed by the World Social Forum, which has to do with the development and implementation of inclusive and plural approaches, that permit the expression and the exercise of rights and full citizenship by all persons and communities.

The I Forum for Sexual Diversity, to be held in the framework of the first Americas Social Forum (25 to 30 July 2004 in Quito, Ecuador), has the purpose of generating a space for debate and proposals to enforce the urgent social and personal changes, and promote full recognition of sexual rights as human rights. It also proposes to place in the debate of all social movements the importance of recognizing, in speech and practices, sexual diversity as a key component of the so long sought equality.

The I Forum for Sexual Diversity is a space to contribute with ideas to denaturalize the heterocentric, androcentric and racist “unique thought”, and enable critical thought and diverse practices, which are part of the polychromatic foundation of an equalitarian world.

Co- conveners: LGBT South-South LGBT Dialogue, World March of Women and Latin American Network of Women Transforming the Economy (REMTE)

Activities registration: http:// http://www.forosocialamericas.org

Information: dialogo@fedaeps.ecuanex.net.ec

Phone: (+593 2) 222 3298 / 255 6964

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INVITATION TO THE LGBT CULTURAL GATHERING

The LGBT Cultural Space will bring together the contributions of artists and creators from every field who wish to take part with their artwork, musical compositions, photos, and all forms of expression related to the LGBT struggle and for a diverse world with social justice.

Other LGBT cultural and intellectual forms of creation such as publications, magazines and graphic materials will also be displayed.

Information: admin@fedaeps.ecuanex.net.ec

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LGBT PREPARATIONS FOR THE FIRST AMERICAS SOCIAL FORUM

The First Americas Social Forum (ASF) is part of the World Social Forum (WSF) process, which began in 2001 and has become the most open space for articulating social initiatives, developing critical thinking and constructing alternatives to the neoliberal order, under the shared conviction that “Another World is Possible”.

Different organizations within the LGBT movement in the Americas have responded enthusiastically to the invitation to the First Americas Social Forum, and particularly to the Forum for Sexual Diversity.

The broad, diverse and inclusive nature of the event and process will make it possible to visibilize and promote the different initiatives for participation and development of proposals, that reflect the vitality of this new movement and bring challenges for social transformation at all levels.

Proposed issues include a broad range of topics related to the five articulating themes of the ASF: economic order, the violent face of the neoliberal project; power, democracy and State; cultures and communication; indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples; and the crosscutting themes of gender and diversities. All these themes touch on issues that are considered specific, as well as on the interrelationship among them.

Precisely this last aspect is one of the main challenges of the Social Forum for Sexual Diversity. In line with the ASF’s articulating themes, the idea is to enable and encourage reflection, as well as proposals and strategies that will make it possible to propose alternatives to neoliberal globalization.

The proposed topics, therefore, include a specific analysis of the interrelationship between globalization and discrimination based on sexual orientation; intersections among the different forms of discrimination affecting LGBT people, and initiatives to change excluding dynamics; new approaches toward genders; free trade and LGBT exclusion; human and sexual rights, among others.

The event expects to include different initiatives involving LGBT and sexual diversity issues that wish to take part. The idea is to foster interaction among them and work towards a greater visibility for all their proposals.

LGBT CONTACT IN ECUADOR

The Ecuadorian Foundation for Social Action, Studies and Participation (FEDAEPS) is an organization devoted to research, advocacy and developing citizens’ actions, to work for full enforcement of human rights, diversity and plurality, gender equality, social justice and elimination of all forms of discrimination and exclusion, especially regarding sexual orientation.

FEDAEPS was founded and is coordinated by LGBT people, women, intellectuals and others committed to the causes it pursues. FEDAEPS is part of the LGBT South-South Dialogue and the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA), participates actively in the World Social Forum and is part of the Organizing Commission for the First Americas Social Forum, the Forum for Diversity and Plurality, the Campaign Against the FTAA, and other societal initiatives striving for an alternative and inclusive society.

As a member of the ASF Organizing Commission, and as the host organization coordinating the LGBT South-South Dialogue, the network coordinating the Social Forum for Sexual Diversity, FEDAEPS will keep an office operating throughout the Forum and beforehand, so that LGBT organizations can have a contact point for reference, holding specific meetings and getting the logistical support required for such events.

Please contact Abelardo Araya: admin@fedaeps.ecuanex.net.ec

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GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE AMERICAS SOCIAL FORUM

Registration and deadline for events

SELF-ORGANIZED EVENTS: We remind you that the deadline for registering self-organized initiatives for the Americas Social Forum, including those involving the First Social Forum for Sexual Diversity, has been EXTENDED UNTIL APRIL 30TH. You can register via the Website: http://www.forosocialamericas.org

LGBT organizations that wish to include their activity in the First Social Forum for Sexual Diversity are requested to send a copy of their activities registration to the following email address: dialogo@fedaeps.ecuanex.net.ec

Although the registration form lists five types of self-organized events (Seminars, Workshops, Displays, Celebrations and Cultural Activities) this does not exclude other types of events (forums, encounters, meetings, etc.). In such cases, please choose the type of event closest to your organization’s and include more exact information in the description or title. Conferences, panel discussions, testimonies and dialogue and controversy round tables will be handled by the organizing entities.

PARTICIPANTS: Registration is open for individual participants at the Forum Website: http://www.forosocialamericas.org (English and Spanish forms for now), the registration deadline is June 30th.

Individual participant registration: interested parties who do not belong to any organization may register and attend as participants. They will be entitled to attend most events, but may not organize events.

Registration fee (individual participants): Individual participants must pay a registration fee of at least US$ 1. The suggested fee is US$ 5, or more as a solidary contribution to the Forum. Payment shall be made when picking up the credentials in Quito.

OBSERVERS: Entities or individuals working with governments or political parties may register and attend as observers. Government officials and members of parliaments who accept the commitments of the Charter of Principles may be invited to participate on a personal basis (registration deadline, May 31st). The registration form for organizations will be used, and the same fee is payable.

Only organizations, networks and civil-society movements may register events.

PRESS: Registrations will begin soon (date to be announced).

YOUTH CAMP: Registrations will begin soon (date to be announced).

We remind you of the following registration deadlines:

April 30, 2004: to register events

May 31, 2004: to register delegations

June 30: to register participants.

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To subscribe to the Americas Social Forum News Bulletin

For new subscriptions, please write to: fsacomunica@fsmecuador.org In the “Subject” field, please indicate "Subscribe to ASF Bulletin". Please mention whether you prefer to receive the Bulletin in Spanish or English (we hope to have versions in Portuguese and French soon).

Subscriptions to the Bulletin for the Sexual Diversity Social Forum

For new subscriptions, please write to: dialogo@fedaeps.ecuanex.net.ec

In the “Subject” field, please indicate "Subscribe to SDSF Bulletin”. Please mention whether you prefer to receive it in Spanish or English. [We apologize for duplicating messages and trust that this will be resolved with your confirmations]

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Secretariat
LGBT South-South Dialogue
Baquerizo Moreno 166 y Tamayo
P O Box 17-21-1404
Quito; ECUADOR
Telefax: (+593 2) 222 3298 / 255 6964
E-mail: dialogo@fedaeps.ecuanex.net.ec
Web: www.movimientos.org/dss

The LGBT South-South Dialogue is an international space oriented at strengthening full citizenship of persons discriminated against because of their sexual orientation, and to developing alternative proposals in the context of globalization.