STUDY SESSION
"LGBT YOUTH AND MEDIA"
14th to 21st March 2004
European Youth Center of Strasbourg, France
with support of:
  Directorate of Youth and Sport Council of Europe European Youth Fundation |
| Presentation | Application Form |
| Programme | Report |
| Practical and Financial Conditions | Photo-Gallery |
Candidates must fill in and send the application form by Thursday, February 5th, 2004.
Prep team: Jan Gill, Jasna Magic, Björn van Roozendaal??
PRESENTATION
The invisibility of homosexuality in the broader society, the lack of information in the educational system and repeated use of hate speech in the mass media all add to the general feeling of homophobia and therefore present a demanding challenge for the work of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth groups and all other youth organisations who fight for equal rights. That is why the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth and Student Organisation (IGLYO) strategic actions in the past two years have targeted ways to diminish this phenomenon.
In January 2002, IGLYO has held an international Hearing on the position and discrimination of LGBT youth in Central and Eastern European countries, focusing particularly on accession countries to the European Union. At this Hearing, IGLYO learned that despite of the legal protection offered by both European Union (EU) and Council of Europe, discrimination of LGBT youth in accession countries and EU member states is still widespread.
In June 2003, IGLYO organised a study session entitled Overcoming Homophobia: Towards an inclusive social policy for LGBT youth. Held at the European Youth Centre in Budapest it brought together youth from different organisations from across Europe with the main purpose to analyse already existent policies on LGBT issues and to set up better strategies to combat discrimination against LGBT.
IGLYO recognises that most of our member organisations are working towards promoting LGBT values through the media. Reality shows that media is also quite interested in LGBT issues, but unfortunately often portrays LGBT youth in a stereotypical or prejudicial way. This study session aims at developing the knowledge and skills of young LGBT activists on how to deal with media in or and achieve their goals.
This topic reflects very well the need for visibility and participation of LGBT people in society in general. As many LGBT youth organisations have to face a working environment which is not as inclusive as the environment given to many mainstream organisations, they appreciate the opportunity to network within IGLYO, exchange experiences of work and develop ideas for joint and cross-border projects. This conference will help IGLYO in developing a stronger LGBT youth network in Europe, promote values of tolerance and non-discrimination and increase participation of young LGBT people in the democratic decision-making processes in their country.
Overall aim
To develop and share the knowledge and the skills of young LGBT activists, officers and youth workers that work with(in) educational settings and provide the participants with a kind of theoretical and practical background on how to deal with bullying and harassment based on sexual orientation in relation to education.
Objectives
- To identify how written and visual media reports on LGBT issues from the participants personal and organisational experiences;
- To improve media skills in order to ensure a fair image of sexual minorities and to overcome stereotypes and prejudices fostered by media in society at large;
- To understand the concept of lobbying through media and to identify examples of good practice herein;
- To develop knowledge and skills on how to lobby and create room for change in society with the help of media.
General Programme
Working methods
The working methods will be varied and interactive with an emphasis on small working groups. IGLYO expects a great deal of input of experience from participants themselves (peer-to-peer education). The tools and resources developed during the conference will be made available to all organisations after the conference, so they can be multiplied in their local/regional/national/international youth communities.
Participants' profile
The course is aimed for IGLYO members, young LGBT activists, representatives of LGBT (youth) organisations and those with an general interest and passion for LGBT issues as part of Human Rights, persons who;
- Are between 18 and 27 years of age;
- Are interested in sharing experiences and committed to learn about the topic of the study session;
- Are able to work in English;
- Have some experience (even if little) related to the topic of the conference (we are looking for beginners as well as experts);
- Can act as multipliers within their own organisations and/or communities;
- Are committed to setting up follow-up activities after the conference;
- Are able to attend for the full duration of the activity.
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Practical and Financial Conditions
Working languages
The conference will be held in English. There will be no simultaneous translations provided.
Venue and dates
The conference will be held from 14th - 21st of March 2004 in the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg, further information will follow once the successful candidates have been selected and notified. All delegates are expected to be able to attend the duration of the conference. If you need to leave early or arrive late you must tell the prep team within this application otherwise you will risk losing your placement.
Financial Conditions
Participants are required to arrange their journeys in the most economical way (APEX tickets, student fare ... etc.). Successful participants will be reimbursed on the basis of the shortest and least expensive route between their place of residence and Strasbourg, France. Applications, which do not indicate the approximate price of the ticket, will not be taken into account. Visa costs will also be reimbursed.
Participation Fee
Registration fee for the conference is 80 Euro (for those from EU member states) and 50 Euro (for Non-EU countries). No exceptions will be made!
Accommodation and meals will be provided by the IGLYO in the centre. Please fill in the application for travel reimbursement if you want to be eligible for reimbursement.
Payment will be made either by bank transfer or in cash at the end of the conference. IGLYO highly recommends all participants to look for funding for their travel from external sources. The maximum reimbursement is that of 400 Euro.
Participants who come from disadvantaged areas will be given priority for reimbursements. In this respect the IGLYO team ask you wherever possible to check with other organisations/ funding groups/ charities/ NGOs etc for possible travel funds
IGLYO can assist in offering you support through a letter for possible funders!!
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