2025
Jensaniyat Launch | جنسانيات: Reimagining and Exploring Sexuality & Gender in Arabic Communities
On May 17, 2025, the Jensaniyat initiative (Arabic: جنسانيات) will be officially launched.
The name Jensaniyat is the Arabic equivalent of “Sexuality”, but it carries a nuanced and layered meaning within Arabic-speaking contexts. It refers to a broad and complex concept that extends beyond biological sex or sexual activity. In contemporary social sciences, Jensaniyat encompasses several interrelated dimensions, including:
- Biological sex (physical characteristics distinguishing males and females)
- Gender identity (how individuals perceive themselves in terms of gender)
- Gender roles (socially expected behaviors and roles for men and women)
- Sexual orientation (emotional and sexual attraction)
- Pleasure, intimacy, and desire
- Expressions, behaviors, values, and beliefs related to sex and gender
The initiative is dedicated to raising awareness and providing educational content on topics such as gender, gender identities, reproductive and sexual health, gender-based violence (GBV), and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). One of its core goals is to localize and contextualize definitions and frameworks in ways that are accessible and relevant to Arabic-speaking communities.
Preston IDAHOBIT Demonstration
Preston will mark IDAHOBIT with a protest highlighting ongoing LGBTQ+ struggles and celebrating queer resilience. Join us as we stand in solidarity against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia.
2025 European IDAHOT+ Forum: “Advancing SOGIGESC Equality and Inclusion in a Transforming Europe”
20 May 2025, Valletta, Malta – The 12th Edition of the European IDAHOT+ Forum will convene in Valletta under the theme “Advancing SOGIGESC Equality and Inclusion in a Transforming Europe,” hosted by Malta under its Presidency of the Council of Europe. Co-organised by the Government of Malta and the Council of Europe’s SOGIESC Unit, the Forum marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia, and Intersexphobia (IDAHOT), observed annually on 17 May.
The Forum will address emerging challenges and opportunities for advancing SOGIESC equality across Europe, focusing on strategies to counter the rise of anti-LGBTI narratives and protect existing gains. Discussions will also highlight the implementation of national and regional action plans aimed at combatting discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics.
As in previous editions, European LGBTI civil society organisations will present their annual maps and indexes, offering a comprehensive overview of LGBTI rights in Europe. The Forum will also feature discussions on promoting inclusive practices in sport, addressing intersecting forms of discrimination, and strengthening legal protections for LBTIQ+ women.
On 21-22 May, the Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (ADI-SOGIESC) will conduct its 3rd meeting in Malta to advance its work, including on a Draft Recommendation on Equal Rights for Intersex Persons and a review of Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)5 to member states on measures to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity (CM/Rec(2010)5)
LGBTQIA+ community in Tunisia ... Ongoing violations !
On the occasion of the International Day Against Queerphobia, (IDAHOBIT), the association Damj in Tunisia is organizing a dual event on May 17, 2025, aimed at denouncing the ongoing violations of the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals in Tunisia and urging the Tunisian state to uphold its international commitments.
The first event will be a national press conference, attended by dozens of Tunisian and international media outlets. During this conference, Damj will present its official response to the falsehoods and inaccuracies contained in the Tunisian state's reply, issued in October 2024, following the letter sent by four United Nations Special Rapporteurs in May 2024 regarding the violations suffered by the association Damj, its activists, and the broader queer community.
The second event will take the form of a forum bringing together 100 LGBTIQ+ activists as well as representatives from Tunisian human rights organizations. During this gathering, Damj will present its mid-term report on the implementation by the Tunisian state of the recommendations it accepted between November 2022 and March 2023 as part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) before the United Nations Human Rights Council, particularly those related to the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals.
UN-GLOBE IDAHOBIT Webinar - The power of communities
UN-GLOBE, which supports the rights of LGBTIQ+ UN personnel and dependents, is hosting a virtual panel discussion about queer community building within the UN. The webinar will feature 5 LGBTIQ+ panelists with a variety of intersecting identities sharing their experiences, as well as a Q&A portion for webinar participants.
“Herramientas para el abordaje y la inclusión de la diversidad”
El próximo viernes 16 de mayo, a hs 19, en el Centro Cultural de la ciudad de Juan Bautista Alberdi se realizará la jornada de actualización “Herramientas para el abordaje y la inclusión de la diversidad”.
La jornada es organizada por la legisladora provincial Sandra Figueroa, vicepresidenta de la Comisión de protección de los derechos de mujeres, género y diversidad de la Honorable Legislatura de Tucumán, en el marco del 13vo aniversario de la sanción de la Ley de Identidad de Género y del Día Internacional de lucha contra la discriminación por orientación sexual e identidad de género. El formato del encuentro será de actualización en contenidos y está dirigida a estudiantes y profesionales de tareas de cuidados, educación y áreas sociales.
La jornada consiste en la exposición de profesionales que abordarán las temáticas de las Familias Elegidas y las vejeces LGBT; las despatologización de las identidad de género y las denominadas Terapias de Conversión. El conocimiento de estos temas contribuye a que desde las diversas disciplinas convocadas, se pueda brindar asistencia y acompañamiento para la inclusión de personas pertenecientes a esta comunidad. El evento contará con la participación de referentes de La Grupa Trans, Familias Diversas, la biblioteca popular Crisálida de género y diversidad afectivo sexual de la fundación Bienvenides, la Casa Caracol para vejeces LGBT, el espacio de primera escucha amigable Mariana Alarcón y la fundación LesWarmi. Entrada libre y gratuita, se darán certificados de asistencia.
Cine debate: Los lirios no son para mi
El 17 de mayo se celebra el Día Internacional de lucha contra la discriminación por Orientación Sexual e Identidad de Género, Es una fecha promovida por la Organización de las Naciones Unidas (ONU) desde 2004 para generar conciencia sobre la discriminación basada en la orientación sexual e identidad de género. Este día conmemora la eliminación de la homosexualidad de la lista de enfermedades mentales por parte de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) el 17 de mayo de 1990.
Para aportar a la reflexión de esta fecha, el sábado 17 de mayo veremos la película «Lilies not for me» (2024) (Los lirios no son para mi), dirigida por Will Seefried y protagonizada por Adrienne Pearce, Aidan Scott, Albert Pretorius. En 1920, un novelista gay y su enfermero psiquiátrico estrechan lazos a través de una serie de ‘citas’ ordenadas por un médico, mientras él cuenta la historia de una amistad que se descontroló cuando recurrieron a un arriesgado procedimiento para curarse de sus sentimientos mutuos.
Esta película que transcurre en 1920 muestra el paradigma existente antes de 1990. Si bien hubo un cambio significativo, estos avances no son suficientes, ya que en la actualidad, en más de setenta países, las personas LGBTIQ+ sufren discriminación, violencia y en algunos casos, penas de cárcel o incluso la pena de muerte por su orientación sexual o identidad de género.
Para participar, completa el formulario en https://www.crisalidatucuman.org/2025/05/12/cine-debate-los-lirios-no-son-para-mi/
Khumbulani Pride 2025
Khumbulani Pride is an annual event that is held in commemoration of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphopia, Intersexphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) (17th May 2025). The event is rooted in remembering Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer and Gender non-conforming (LBQ GNC) persons who have lost their lives or have experienced homophobia within their communities.
'Khumbulani' means to remember and this year we ill be celebrating the life and legacy of Imam Muhsin Hendricks. Imam Hendricks, the first gay Imam, was assassinated in South Africa in February 2025. The march will be held in Strand, Western province.
Celebrating IDAHOBIT: The Power of Communities
On Thursday 15 May 2025, our Junior College Foyer will be transformed into a vibrant celebration of diversity, unity, and inclusion as we mark IDAHOBIT – the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. This year’s global theme, “The Power of Communities,” invites us to reflect on the strength, resilience, and support found in LGBTQIA+ communities and allies.
Students and staff are welcome to immerse themselves in a festival of activities designed to raise awareness, promote acceptance, and celebrate queer identities. Highlights of the day include:
🎬 Mini Cinema Zone – Grab some popcorn and enjoy short films that celebrate LGBTQIA+ lives and stories.
📜 Queer History Walk-through Timeline – Travel through decades of milestones, struggles, and triumphs in queer history.
🧁 Bake Sale & Merchandise – Indulge in delicious treats and browse through a variety of LGBTQ-themed items in support of the Junior College Diversity Committee.
🤝 Civil Society Participation – Meet and engage with local organisations working tirelessly for equality and human rights.
Whether you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally, this event is an opportunity to stand together, celebrate love in all its forms, and recognise the power we have when we come together as a community.