First ever national – international LGBTTIQA2S Human Rights Conference to be held in Canada at Canada Pride 2017

MONTRÉAL – Over the course of three days, from Aug. 15-17, Fierté Montréal Pride will be hosting a National LGBTTIQA2S Human Rights Conference as part of the inaugural Canada Pride Montréal 2017. The conference will examine complex issues from Queer Representation in the Media, to Rape Culture + Sexual Violence in the Gay Community, to Parental Advocacy under Trump/Trudeau.

Canada Pride Montréal 2017, hosted by Fierté Montréal Pride, will be one of the most thought-provoking and ideologically complex events this year in Canada. Ranging from the national human rights conference and a dedicated Francophonie conference, to community activities, dances, concerts, and the parade, communities will gather together to both contemplate and celebrate.

At the National LGBTTIQA2S Human Rights Conference, the topics below will be explored by a variety of experts and seasoned community-builders with a focus on inclusion, building diversity into our communities, and better addressing difference from several perspectives, i.e. gender, race, sexuality, class, and more.

1. 1.     Resisting in Solidarity: Fighting the Gentrification of LGBTQ Neighbourhoods for all Queer Populations
2. 2.     Globalizing Prides: How can the Canadian Pride Movement Build Solidarity with Global Human Rights Struggles
3. 3.     An Overview of LGBTQ Rape Culture and Sexual Violence Among Gay-Identified Males
4. 4.     L Stands for Leader: Women and Leadership in Canada’s LGBTIQ2S Pride Movement
5. 5.     Parent Advocacy Under Trump/Trudeau: Affirmation, Access, Autonomy
6. 6.     On-Line and On Stage: Four Young Trans Artists Discuss Their Work
7. 7.     Creating Authentic Spaces: A Toolkit for Trans and Gender Diverse Inclusive Spaces

Some of the highlighted presenters involved in these provocative conference topics are: Olivia Nuamah (Executive Director of Pride Toronto, 25 years of experience in non-profits and government work building communities, pictured left), Doug Kerr (Vice President of Fierté Canada Pride Board of Directors), Mark Tewksbury, MSM (Canadian Olympic swimmer, and LGBT-sports activist, pictured below), Chase Ross (trans activist, speaker, educator, academic, and Youtuber, FTMTranstastic collaborator), Akiko Asano (CARE, Coaching, Animating, Recreating, Educating, advocate for trans youth), Kim Vance (ARC International, former president of Egale Canada, founded the Egale International Affairs Committee), Julie Hamara (Assistant Coordinator for the 519’s Trans Youth Mentorship Program), Michelle Emson (Toronto filmmaker, human rights activist, LGBTI advocate + educator), Kate Hazell (Specialist, Educations and Training at the 519), and more.

Interested parties may attend the conference by registering online here. Registration includes 3-day conference accreditation, access to all session and workshops, 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, an opening conference reception, and a closing dinner. Early registration goes until August 1st.

Aug. 18, Fierté Montréal Pride will be hosting the Equality + Legality: International Conference on Sexual + Gender Diversity in the Francophonie. This conference – the first of its kind –  will take place in French, and will tackle a range of topics centered on themes of activism, recognition, universality, solidarity, the Francophonie (living as minorities + majorities) and more.