Conference convenor Barry Taylor From a lesbian elders village to personal perspectives of being a gay police officer, an incredibly wide-ranging programme has been announced for the 2nd AsiaPacific Outgames Conference. There will be a number of streams running concurrently under various topics, with each day kicked off by keynote speakers. The keynote speakers are: Professor Vitit Muntarbhorn (Thailand), Geetanjali Misra (India), Sunil Babu Pant MP (Nepal), Annette Xiberras (Australia), Professor Marilyn Waring (New Zealand), Elizabeth Kerekere (New Zealand), Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endemann (New Zealand), Grace Poore (Malaysia), Roger To'oto'oalii Stanley (Western Samoa) and Phylesha Brown-Acton (New Zealand). The three-day conference will offer a feast of information on many topics and the programme can be found here. "We are delighted with the quality of presenters and the extensive array of papers on offer" says Outgames Conference Convenor Barry Taylor. "With 113 presentations, grouped into six topic streams, the variety will provide food for thought for all attendees." Mr Taylor sees the Conference as an opportunity to celebrate what has been achieved and to be inspired for future challenges. "The programme is full of examples of LGBTI people coming up with creative solutions to address inequalities” he says. "With dogged perseverance and passionate leadership, in such settings as education and the workplace, we have made a difference to people's lives." One topic stream considers homosexuality and transgender from a legal perspective. "While in some countries we have achieved decriminalisation and protection from some discrimination, it is clear from the presentations that there is still much to be done to ensure that LGBTI people are able to participate fully as citizens and enjoy the same rights as everyone else," he says. On the final day there will be a special panel marking 25 years since Homosexual Law Reform. The 2nd AsiaPacific Outgames comprises eight days of sports competition, a human rights conference, shows and parties, arts and cultural events and exhibitions, and will run from 12–19 March 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand. The Conference will be held 16-18th March 2011 at Wellington Town Hall.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 30th November 2010 - 5:14pm