Visibility of LBT women in the UN

The Economic and social Council of the United Nations is holding the 54th Commission on the status of women (Beijing + 15) from 1-12 March 2010 in New York City.

One of the side-events organised by the Netherlands, Portugal and Belgium was held under the title LBT Women and Human Rights, on March the 2nd.

This side event was well attended (three fourths of women, one fourth of men) with some participants even sitting on the floor. It lasted 45 minutes more than what it was expected, despite of "non-expected" technical problems.

A number of participants regretted that still nowadays LBT matters are not included in the core agenda of the Commissions of the Status of Women. 

Representatives from different NGOs from all the continents voiced their concern on the situation of LBT women worldwide. A particular matter of concern was the situation of LBT women in Africa, underlined by the Coalition of African Lesbians and one representative from Uganda. 

Gloria Careaga, secretary general of ILGA expressed her views on behalf of ILGA on the situation of LBT women in South America and she delivered an informative manual on "sexual orientation and women's struggle" published by ILGA.

Representatives from Lambda Istanbul informed on their current struggle for LBT rights in Turkey.

The Asian-Pacific countries were covered by representatives from organizations in Fiji and India that expressed the need to take local culture into account when addressing LBT discrimination.

Justus Eifeld, FtM activist from Global Trans Advocates, underlined the importance of including the T in the general LGBT agenda and expressed his gratitude to the organisers of this side event for doing it.

Belgium, Portugal and the Netherlands made a presentation on their national legislation and policies to combat intersectional discrimination based on gender identity/sexual orientation and sex. They also expressed the need to increment the efforts worldwide to combat discrimination against LGBT persons.

A LBT caucus was called up to be held on March the 3rd at 18:00 in the UN.

A big number of LBT women are participating in the events held under this 54th Commission on the status of women, guaranteeing greater visibility, knowledge and awareness on LBT women worldwide.

Further info at: http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/beijing15/index.html