LGBT+ rights movements come together to protest Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
A number of high-profile UK and global LGBTQIA+ rights movements are coming together this week in a series of events and protests while The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) takes place in the UK, to demand that they put LGBTQIA+ rights at the top of the agenda.
CHOGM leaders have previously always refused to discuss or support LGBTQIA+ issues and concerns.
Hosted by groundbreaking Botswana-born Trans* ARTivist, Katlego Kai Kolanyane-Kesupile, who is the first outspoken transwoman from Botswana, and in association with In Place of War, African Rainbow Family, African Equality Foundation, Rainbow Pilgrims, Peter Tatchell Foundation, Queer Tours of London and more, the week of action includes vigils, street-interventions and performances.
We are proud to present: UNFINISHED BUSINESS – LGBT+ VOICES OF THE REVOLUTION at @RichMixLondon https://t.co/B6eVgfbvKs
— QueerToursLDN (@QueerToursLDN) April 9, 2018
“The laws in Commonwealth states speak in languages inscribed on LGBT+ bodies as bleeding scars”, said Kat Kai Kol-Kes.
“The time has come for states to see these scars and for the cause of the Commonwealth to take responsibility for enabling the recovery process.”
Walking tours will march across London’s key embassies – which maintain homophobic legislation – with speeches and creative civil disobedience by activists who have fled homophobic persecution.
There will be a vigil and protest on Thursday 19 April entitled Stop LGBTQIA+ Persecution in the Commonwealth Protest – find out more here.
The week will then end with, Unfinished Business, a performance showcase that brings together an inspirational lineup of LGBTQIA+ artists from the UK together with countries where it is illegal to be LGBTQIA+ to celebrate and support the next generation of artists, activists and change-makers dedicated to ending homophobia, transphobia and all forms of oppression.
It will provide public cultural platforms that will raise awareness outside the CHOGM conference walls agitating for a global movement of creative activism to decriminalise homosexuality everywhere and provide true freedom for all.
To find out more or to get involved click here.
