rjh1@midway.uchicago.edu (robert j hinde) (06/14/91)
This is a repost from alt.politics.homosexuality that I thought deserved attention from readers of misc.activism.progressive. Beware, it's long... ----------------------------------------------- Article: 368 of alt.politics.homosexuality From: LT@fek.su.se (Lewis Taylor) Newsgroups: alt.politics.homosexuality Subject: Information about the ILGA Message-ID: <5E9417D3327F201168@njord.fek.su.se> Date: 13 Jun 91 23:00:55 GMT Lines: 107 The International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) is a worldwide federation of national and local groups dedicated to achieving lesbian and gay rights around the globe. Founded in 1978, it now has more than 200 group members plus many individual members. Every continent and more than 40 countries are represented. ILGA'S member groups range from small collectives to national networks and entire cities. ILGA helps members achieve their rights through worldwide cooperation. We focus public and government attention on lesbian and gay rights by supporting programs and protest actions, asserting diplomatic pressure, providing resource information, and working with the international media. ILGA's Bulletin helps groups exchange news of their successes and setbacks--all aimed at assisting the many lesbian and gay communities to learn from each other and identify global resources. Many of ILGA's international campaigns have helped win major victories. Our pressure contributed to the legalization of homosexuality in New Zealand, repeal of the discriminatory US immigration policy, compliance by various nations with the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and growth of a democratic multiracial lesbian and gay movement in South Africa. In many countries, notably throughout Eastern Europe, ILGA has supported the emergence of the first autonomous lesbian and gay groups. ILGA also highlights the vicious oppression of homosexuals in countries where it is too dangerous for any organized movement to exist, such as Iran. We have participated in many conferences, including ones sponsored by the World Council of Churches, the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the World Health Organization. ILGA represents lesbian and gay interests in the work of international bodies such as the United Nations, to whom we have applied for consultative status. ILGA is campaigning to make Amnesty International accept lesbians and gay men imprisoned for their sexuality as prisoners of conscience. We ensure our communities are not forgotten by those who formulate international human rights demands. Our Annual World Conference attracts delegates from all over the globe--from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Pacific. International activists have an opportunity to learn from other cultures, present achievements, collaborate with companion groups on national and worldwide projects, and help set the international lesbian and gay agenda. The conferences are also a celebration of our diversity! Regional conferences are also encouraged. Regions can make decisions affecting their area within the policies set by the World Conference. So far, regional conferences have been held in Europe, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Asia. Others are in the planning stage. Through our Information Secretariat's bimonthly Bulletin, members around the world share information, call for support, and exchange views. The Bulletin is mailed to all members, to the lesbian and gay media, and to international human rights organizations. The ILGA Bulletin is an indispensable source of global information and contact names and numbers. ILGA's ongoing work is organized by various "secretariats" or departments. Th Information Secretariat produces the Bulletin, disseminates information, and works with the media. Lesbian visibility and participation is ensured by the Women's Secretariat. The Action Secretariat coordinates international protests. The Financial Secretariat takes in fees and donations, maintains memberships, and is responsible for fundraising. ILGA is officially represented by a lesbian and a gay Secretary General. All these posts are elected at the World Conference. Full membership is open to all non-commercial lesbian and gay groups that support the aims of ILGA. Associate/individual memberships are also available. ILGA's Twinning Program helps new or struggling groups join by putting them in contact with established members. All applications for membership are subject to approval at the World Conference, but applicants get mailings immediately. The annual group membership fee is 80 British Pounds (full or associate membership). The annual fee for individuals is 45 British Pounds. If your group is in the US, or would prefer to pay in US Dollars, please call us for details of payment. Only Full Members have ILGA voting rights. ILGA operates on a minimal budget and has only one part-time paid staff member. Donations are always welcome. For more information on membership, contact the ILGA Financial Secretariat, 141 Cloudesley Road, London N1, England (tel +44 71 278-1496). For more information on international issues or to publicize your work in the ILGA Bulletin, contact the ILGA Information Secretariat, c/o Antenne Rose & FWH, 81 rue Marche'-au- Charbon, B-1000 Brussels 1, Belgium (tel and fax +32 2 502- 2471). To call for an action, contact the ILGA Action Secretariat, c/o GLF-Ko"ln, Bismarckstrasse 17, D-5000 Ko"ln 1, Germany (tel +49 221 73-0504, fax c/o AIDS-Hilfe NRW, +49 221 25- 2495). For information on lesbian issues contact the Women's Secretariat, c/o Groep 7152/Schadee, Vivienstraat 49, NL- 2582 RS Den Haag, The Netherlands (tel +31 10 425-3812)