Judge, minister, cleric & activists for Africa’s 1st Global LGBTIQ+ Network Conference

The likes of Justice Edwin Cameron, writer Siya Khumalo and activist Ricki Kgositau are among those who will speak at Africa’s first Global LGBTIQ+ Network Conference.

Hosted by the Thami Dish Foundation, the conference will run from 10 to 12 October 2018 at Constitution Hill, in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The three-day event aims to unleash a unified global voice; championing issue-based responses, advocacy and interventions around matters pertaining to the LGBTIQ+ community.

It, will say the organisers, provide an opportunity for ordinary members of the LGBTIQ+ community to share their personal life anecdotes and debate the state of legislature as well as diverse issues faced by LGBTIQ+ people across different landscapes.

‘This platform will serve as the first initiative of its kind that seeks to bring together this community, blur continental lines and unleash an authoritative voice that advocates and celebrates the LGBTIQ+ life,” explains Jay Matlou Global LGBTIQ+ Project Manager.

He adds that such a gathering will assist in establishing a global community that collectively responds and reacts to the injustices and prejudice against LGBTIQ+ people – a voice that empowers and enables the community to be part of the global narrative that is seen as a contributing worldly member towards building global values and practices.

Notable speakers and facilitators will include:

• Sade Giliberti – Conference MC
• Ricki Kgositau – International Trans Activist
• Siya Khumalo – Published Author and Activist
• Reverend Nokuthula Dhladhla
• Tamara Mathebula – Member of the Commission for Gender Equality
• Buti Manamela – Deputy Minister of Higher Education, South Africa
• Judge Edwin Cameron – Constitutional Court of South Africa Judge
• Phindi Malaza – Co-founder of Soweto Pride
• Ghadir Shafie – The Young Feminist Fund, Palestine

With October marking the 28th anniversary of the first Johannesburg Gay Pride March, the conference will also pay tribute to anti-apartheid gay activist, Simon Nkoli, who through his dedication and voice pioneered gay rights campaigns in apartheid South Africa.

“Simon Nkoli was an ordinary community member, like you and I, who shared his daily challenges and through his bold unapologetic voice continuously spearheaded the rights of LGBTIQ+ across the globe,” said Matlou. “We draw strength from his activism and as such hope that this platform will unearth a global collective Simon Nkoli voice.'”

Ticket prices for delegates start at USD 80 for a South African student and USD 280 for a standard South African delegate.

To book your seat for Africa’s first Global LGBTIQ+ Network conference please register online at www.lgbtiqnetwork.com. Deadline for registration is 28 September and there is a limit of 150 delegates.