Bilbao is preparing to be the epicenter of a crucial dialogue on the challenges and progress of the LGTBIQ+ community in Europe. On November 13, the Euskalduna Palace will host the II Atlantic LGTBI+ Conference, an international event organized by Ortzadar LGTBI+ Elkartea that, under the motto “TRANSforming the future: sport and employment”, promises to be a space for meeting, analysis and debate.
A focus on trans challenges in sport and the workplace
In a European context where LGTBIQ+ rights face challenges, such as the situation in Hungary, this edition of the conference will place special emphasis on the realities and needs of trans people, a group that has been particularly questioned in recent years. Two fundamental areas will be addressed: sports and work, seeking to make experiences visible and provide solutions.
How can we build a more inclusive and equitable future for everyone, especially for trans people, in these very determining spaces of our society?
International voices that inspire and mobilize
The conference will feature the participation of prominent international leaders in the defense of LGTBIQ+ rights. Among them, they stand out:
- Gergely Karácsony, mayor of Budapest, and Hegedűs Máté, spokesperson for Budapest Pride, who will share their experience in defending freedoms against ultra-conservative governments, a testimony of courage at a crucial moment for human rights.
- Joanna Harper, trans athlete, scientist and former advisor to the International Olympic Committee, whose research has been key to understanding the challenges and achievements of trans people in sports competition.
- Valentina Petrillo, Paralympic athlete and the first trans woman to participate in the Paralympic Games, who will offer a first-person perspective on the resistance faced in sport.
- Roberte Piqueras, promoter of the Trans*laboral initiative, which works for inclusion and the creation of safe and respectful spaces in the workplace for trans people.
The presentation of the conference had the support of important Basque institutional representatives, such as Leixuri Arrizabalaga (Diputación Foral de Bizkaia), Itziar Urtasun (Bilbao City Council) and Txema Ezkerra (Basque Government), which underlines Euskadi’s commitment to emotional-sexual and gender identity diversity.
LGTBIQ+ Basque Sariak: Recognizing the struggle and commitment
Within the framework of the conference, Ortzadar LGTBI+ Elkartea launches the first edition of the LGTBIQ+ Basque Sariak, the first international Basque awards. These awards seek to recognize people and entities for their commitment to the fight, defense and visibility of the rights of the LGTBIQ+ community.
The awards will be divided into four categories: Resistance, Pride, Diversities and Honorific, covering activism, visibility and good practices. The period to submit applications will be open from September 26 to October 20 through the website http://www.ortzadarlgbti.eus/. An expert jury will determine the awards, in addition to an Honorary Award granted by Ortzadar LGTBI+ Elkartea.
The II Atlantic LGTBI+ Conference and the LGTBIQ+ Basque Sariak stand as beacons of hope and action, reminding us that the fight for equality is a continuous path that requires everyone’s commitment. What role can we each play in building a future where diversity is celebrated and the rights of all are guaranteed?
