Cape Town, South Africa – 6 November 2024 – ILGA World has announced a distinguished lineup of speakers for the 31st ILGA World Conference, one of the largest global gatherings of LGBTI changemakers. The event will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 11 to 15 November 2024, hosted by local human rights organisations Iranti and Gender DynamiX.

Notable Speakers at the 2024 ILGA World Conference

Among the confirmed keynote speakers are:

• Menaka Guruswamy and Arundhati Katju, celebrated advocates who led the successful court challenge to decriminalise consensual same-sex sexual acts in India.
• Jeff Cagandahan, a human rights defender for intersex people.
• Jordania Ureña Lora, Deputy General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

Returning to Africa for the first time in 25 years, this prestigious conference will unite over 1,200 LGBTI human rights defenders, development experts, policymakers, government representatives, and allies from more than 100 countries. Participants will engage in global, cross-movement solidarity to address the ongoing pushback against rights and promote equity.

Focus of the Conference Programme

Over the course of five days, the conference programme will tackle pressing issues affecting LGBTI people worldwide. Topics will include human rights, advocacy, and strategic responses to current global challenges.

Additional Confirmed Speakers

Other prominent figures set to speak include:

• Mpho Tutu van Furth, Reverend and activist.
• Graeme Reid, United Nations Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.
• Symmy Larrat, National Secretary for LGBTQIA+ Rights of Brazil.
• Dr. Alvaro Bermejo, Director-General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).
• Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, CEO of UK Black Pride.
• Geeta Misra, Executive Director of CREA.
• Artemis Akbary, Director of the Afghan LGBT Organization (ALO).

Special Events

The conference will also feature the International Pride Awards, a joint initiative by ILGA World and the UNDP, and a strategic summit focused on intersectional and inclusive democracies.

For more information, visit https://worldconference.ilga.org.

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About ILGA World
ILGA World is a global federation of more than 2,000 organisations from over 170 countries campaigning for the human rights of people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics. https://ilga.org

About Iranti
Iranti is a Johannesburg-based human rights organisation advocating for LBQTI rights in Africa, particularly focusing on lesbian, trans, gender non-conforming, and intersex persons. The organisation uses multimedia storytelling, research, and activism. https://www.iranti.org.za

About Gender DynamiX
Gender DynamiX is Africa's first registered public benefit organisation dedicated to the transgender and gender-diverse community. Established in 2005, the organisation has played a pivotal role in developing trans and gender-diverse movements across Africa. https://www.genderdynamix.org.za

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Social Media Post

Decriminalisation Advocates to Speak at 2024 ILGA World Conference in Cape Town
Join us in Cape Town from 11-15 November 2024 for the 31st ILGA World Conference! Key speakers include Menaka Guruswamy, Jeff Cagandahan, and Jordania Ureña Lora. A global gathering of LGBTI changemakers! ??️‍?

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