Global Equality Caucus to present series of unique digital events
The Global Equality Caucus is to present a global series of unique digital events, which will connect parliamentarians and elected representatives with civil society and the public to discuss the challenges that LGBT+ people are facing.
Lawmakers for LGBT+ Equality, presented by the Caucus and supported by Google, will be a virtual series of six live discussions, one for each region of the world.
Each regional event will feature elected representatives local to the region, who will discuss topical issues affecting LGBT+ people in their part of the world. This will include an opportunity for contributors to address legislators directly in a ‘town hall’ style segment.
There will also be special guest contributions from prominent people in the region about why equality matters so much to them.
The goal of the events is to encourage and support legislators in taking action, and the Caucus will support representatives in feeding back the issues to their national governments, parliaments, and in international discussions such as the upcoming Equal Rights Coalition conference.
The six events will be in Oceania, Central & South America, Europe, Asia, North America & the Caribbean, and Africa. All events are free and open to the public and will be broadcast on YouTube Live, starting with Oceania on 9 November (17:00 AEDT).
Lord Herbert of South Downs (UK), Chair of the Caucus, said, “These timely events will be a platform for the equality issues that have been overlooked during the global COVID-19 response, and the Global Equality Caucus will be leading a call to arms to ensure governments all over the world are protecting LGBT+ people at a time they need it most.”
Randy Boissonnault (CA), Co-Founder of the Caucus, said, “The Lawmakers for LGBT+ Equality series will elevate unheard voices and ensure that elected representatives listen, take action, collaborate with civil society, and - most importantly - secure positive change for LGBT+ people.”
Louisa Wall (NZ), Co-Founder of the Caucus and panellist for the Oceania event, said, “This event series is a fantastic opportunity to link civil society and the public with their elected representatives so we can drive forward important work on equality. I’m excited to connect with voices from across the Oceania region in next month’s event where we can identify the issues that matter to LGBT+ people.”
Pedro Pina, VP@Google said, “At Google we believe that the starting point to LGBTQ+ equality is the law, which in each and every country around the world should provide equal protections and rights to all citizens irrespective of gender identity or expression. That's why we are delighted to help create a space for activists, lawmakers and citizens in general to come together and agree on a path forward to fight discrimination, abuse or persecution. The Covid crisis has made the struggle for LBGT+ equality no less urgent, and whilst it means that we are unable to come together in person, we're excited to enable communities to connect virtually and engage those who can make a real difference to the rights of marginalised communities everywhere.”
Those interested in the events can register at www.equalitycaucus.org/lawmakers-for-lgbt and can subscribe to the Caucus YouTube channel.