ILGA Word, alongside Iranti and Gender DynamiX, are hosting the 2024 ILGA World Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. The ILGA World Pre-Conferences have brought together global advocates to discuss intersectionality, solidarity, and empowerment within LGBTQI movements. From the Women’s, Intersex, Trans and Lesbian Pre-Conferences to a vibrant drag show celebrating queer culture, these events highlight the importance of unity in addressing shared struggles and celebrating our diverse identities.
Women Pre-Conference: A Call for Intersectional Advocacy
The ILGA World Pre-Conferences kicked off with the Women’s Pre-Conference. The discussions highlighted the importance of intersectional advocacy in bridging the gaps between the transgender and LBQ movements, while also addressing the ongoing disconnect with the broader women’s movement. With the rise of right-wing and anti-gender movements, these conversations are more urgent than ever. It is essential to collectively address the various forms of oppression that women face in all their diversity. By acknowledging our shared struggles, we can unite, pool our resources, and strengthen our collective fight against oppression.
Intersex Pre-Conference: Honouring Sally Gross’ Legacy
ILGA World hosted the Intersex Pre-Conference with a special gathering commemorating the extraordinary contributions of Sally Gross, a pioneering advocate for intersex rights. Sally’s work has been instrumental in advancing intersex liberation in South Africa, inspiring over 50 intersex-led organisations worldwide. The discussions focused on key issues affecting intersex individuals, including:
- Youth empowerment and inclusive education
- Economic empowerment and employment opportunities
- The past, present, and future of intersex persons, celebrating legacy and striving for a brighter future
These conversations underscored the importance of intersectional approaches in tackling systemic barriers and amplifying intersex voices. As we honour Sally’s profound legacy, we reaffirm our commitment to intersex liberation and celebrate the progress made while recognising the ongoing challenges.
Lesbian Pre-Conference: Building Solidarity Across Movements
The Lesbian Pre-Conference, led by the Global Lesbian Coalition, provided an enriching space for dialogue and solidarity. Delegates from around the world gathered to share their experiences, challenges, and strategies, forming a united front for lesbian advocacy. A key theme of the conference was the importance of an intersectional approach to LGBTQI issues, acknowledging that experiences of discrimination are shaped by various overlapping factors. The discussions highlighted the necessity of unity and collaboration in the fight for LGBTQI rights, both locally and globally.
Celebrating Queer Culture: The Drag Show Experience
On Monday evening, we attended a vibrant drag show that not only provided an entertaining and joyful experience but also highlighted the significance of queer culture in this space.
In a time when queer identities and expressions are under threat, events like these serve as an important reminder of the resilience, creativity, and power of the LGBTQI community.
The drag show celebrated freedom, self-expression, and solidarity, making it a fitting highlight of our time at the conference. It reinforced the importance of visible queer culture in fostering inclusion and promoting acceptance in spaces that might otherwise silence or exclude us.
These pre-conferences have reinforced the power of collective action and the importance of intersectionality in advancing LGBTQI rights. As we move forward, the connections made, and lessons shared will strengthen our fight for equality and inclusion.
