At the end of May, Väestöliitto (the Family Federation of Finland) one of COFACE Families Europe’s member organisations, hosted an event titled “LGBTIQ+ Rights Under Threat: Countering the Antigender Movement.”
LGTBIQ+ rights are being visibly restricted around the world, and the good progress made in the past is in danger of being reversed. Recently, trans people in particular have come under attack. The underlying antigender movement threatens the peace of individuals, communities and societies. The discussion highlighted courageous people and actions to defend and promote LGBTIQ+ rights.
Experiences and examples were shared by Terry Munansangu of the Zambian trans and intersex organisation, Julia Ehrt, the distinguished director of ILGA World, an advocacy group for sexual and gender minority rights, and Julian Honkasalo, docent researching anti-equality and anti-equity movements. The discussion was moderated by Elina Korhonen, Director of International Affairs at the Väestöliitto. She is known for her work on human development, equality topics and sexual health and rights.
Key speakers in the event included:
Julia Ehrt
Julia Ehrt is the director of ILGA World, an international organisation for the rights of sexual and gender minorities. She is highly respected for her work and has played a major role in promoting trans rights, particularly in Europe.
Terry Munansangu
Terry Munansangu is the founder of the trans and intersex association, Transbantu Association Zambia, where he currently works as a director with a focus on youth work.
Julian Honkasalo
Julian Honkasalo is a researcher and associate professor at the University of Helsinki. They are a professor in the Department of Gender Studies. His current research focuses on theories and concepts of democracy and on movements against equality and equity.
Elina Korhonen
Elina Korhonen is the Director of International Affairs at Väestöliitto. She is known for her work on human development, equality issues and sexual health and rights.
Read more about the event here.
