‘Colors of the Rainbow’

For the very first time, the much talked about IDAHOT Forum is coming to Brussels, on 18 and 19 May 2017. At this conference, politicians, policy-makers, poets and thinkers draw up the State of the Union of LGBTIQ rights in Europe. This year, its main focus will be “families”. The conference follows the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on 17 May, on May 20th the Belgian Pride parade marches through Brussels from the point of departure at the Kuntsberg/Mont des Arts. All good reasons for BOZAR to put the spotlight on LGBTIQ rights during the interdisciplinary program FOCUS ON MALTA. Malta, the smallest of the EU countries is a magnificent example of how LGBTIQ- equality is supported and framed by solid legislation. Malta is number one in the ranking drawn up by the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA).

The aim of the debate on May 17th to identify what elements must be present in a society to achieve this exemplary result. Speakers from the worlds of politics, culture and academia will be discussing with campaigners for LGBTIQ rights.

Introduction by: Vitit Muntarbhorn (UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity), 

Participants: Silvan Agius (Malta), Saskia De Coster (Belgium), Ann Wauters (Belgium), Sami Hamwi (Mahmoud Hassino) (Syria), Ds Wielie Elhorst (The Netherlands) and Geert Sciot (moderator).