CONTENTS

• Foreword

• Methodology of the First Social Forum for Sexual

Diversity

• Proponed issues
• Organization of the LGBT Cultural Space
• ASF: Reminder about Cross-Cutting Themes

-----------------------------

Foreword

This newsletter for the First Forum for Sexual Diversity, to be held in Quito (Ecuador) from July 25 through 30, 2004, has the purpose of conveying information and facilitating exchange among organizations and movements interested in registering in the preparations, as well as participating in the event and process.

The newsletter is conceived of as an interactive clearinghouse to enable well-informed participation. It is geared toward interested stakeholders and sectors, and particularly for the LGBT movement. Its agenda is directly linked with issues regarding sexual rights, diversity, citizenship and developing alternatives to neoliberal globalization, which is the main theme of the Forum.

-----------------------------

Methodology for the First Social Forum for Sexual Diversity

The purpose of the First Forum for Sexual Diversity is to generate an opportunity for discussion and sharing in order to (1) bring together proposals regarding full recognition of sexual rights as human rights and (2) make room on the collective agenda of societal movements for the importance of including sexual diversity as a substantial democratic component in alternatives to neoliberalism.

Thus, the event will not only be geared toward reinforcing LGBT, feminist and other related ideas and initiatives, but will also attempt to underscore those that contribute to outlining specific and general strategies, since the Forum will take place in the context of the Americas Social Forum and, more broadly, within the WSF process.

The methodology for the Social Forum for Sexual Diversity calls for viewing the Americas Social Forum as a whole, and also as a strategic time and space for moving forward in both analyzing the issues relevant to sexual diversity within the context of globalization, and inter-relating this specific issue with the other proposed core themes.

Its agenda outlines themes covering the five main areas of the ASF: economic order, the violent side of the neoliberal project; power, democracy and the State; cultures and communication; and indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples. And it also proposes to emphasize the implementation of gender and diversities as cross-cutting themes.

In other words, the programming will examine activities from the whole rest of the Americas Forum, in all its spheres and modes. It will also have a physical opening, at the heart of the Forum, for specific activities, exchanging materials and information, and the LGBT Cultural Space activities.

Proposed issues:

Activities registered for the ASF will cover a thematic range including: alternatives to globalization; sexual rights; free trade; political and social participation; and other general issues, which will be addressed from a sexual diversity standpoint. It will also include specific or sectoral issues such as the future of LGBT struggles; gay marriage; the Venezuelan problem; and the LGBT cultural initiative, among others. Each has been registered by its proponents within one ASF theme, and is therefore part of the overall programming.

Additionally, the Organizing Commission is contemplating holding a convergence panel discussion on diversities, toward the end of the ASF, which will make interaction possible among the different stakeholders involved in these issues.

For further information about methodology: Phumi Mtetwa: dialogo@fedaeps.ecuanex.net.ec

Organization of the LGBT cultural space

This is a continual feature, open throughout the Forum, to highlight LGBT creativity. It will present contributions by those who propose relevant activities: photography; reading texts; poetry; showing videos, etc.

Those who wish to contribute to it or request additional information can contact Carlos Palermo:

admin@fedaeps.ecuanex.net.ec

The schedule will be
available by early July.

ASF: Reminder regarding cross-cutting themes

Diversities and gender are cross-cutting themes in the ASF. This means that these dimensions must be present throughout the Forum and in each and every activity, whatever the topic addressed.

Various methodologies will ensure this; nevertheless, the Organizing Commission urges all those who register activities to make sure that their contents are inclusive and that participation will be diverse.

Moreover, considering that diversity can also be manifested in different forms of expression, we invite applicants to include, insofar as possible, short cultural or symbolic demonstrations at the beginning of their activities.

The Social Forum for Sexual Diversity is a broad, pluralistic, inclusive initiative. It is organized by the LGBT South/South Dialogue, FEDAEPS, the Women’s World March, the Latin American Network of Women Transforming the Economy (REMTE) and by ALAI Women.

Information: dialogo@fedaeps.ecuanex.net.ec Tel.: (+593 2) 222 3298 / 255 6964

Information on the Americas Social Forum: http://www.forosocialamericas.org

LGBT Contact in Ecuador: FEDAEPS: Abelardo Araya admin@fedaeps.ecuanex.net.ec

Subscriptions to the Sexual Diversity Forum Newsletter
To request new subscriptions, please write to:

Indicating as the subject "Suscribir informativo FSDS”. Please indicate whether you prefer to receive it in Spanish or English.