“Dear Ladies, Gentlemen… and Others!” This greeting launched the 2nd European Transgender Council 2008, underlining the need to focus explicitly on the inclusion of all gender variant people. The project “…and Others!” picks on the major aspect of visibility in the work of transgender activism towards full inclusion.
Argumentation toolkit
As a project result the toolkit “…and Others!” Argumentation Training for Transgender Inclusion in Europe – A ‘Good Practice’ Toolkit for Trans* Activists and Allies Working for Trans* Equality, Rights and Inclusion” was developed intended to provide guidance and inspiration when arguing for trans inclusion. The toolkit is availabe for download and can be ordered as hard copies. Check it out and let us know what you think!
Finalization of the project
After two years, the pioneer project “…and others! Argumentation Training for Transgender Inclusion in Europe” ended with the presentation of the activist toolkit in Edinburgh on 10th September. Read more…
Project Background
In the GRUNDTVIG Learning Partnership project “…and Others!” five European transgender equality organisations cooperated from 2009 – 2011 to strengthen their capacities in arguing for inclusion and increase the visibility of transgender people. The partners take turns in hosting working meetings of transgender-activists (staffers and regular volunteers). At these meetings transgender-activists from each of the participating organisations come together to exchange good practices and train their argumentation skills on transgender inclusion. Additionally, the framework of a photo/audio exhibition is used by the transgender activists to improve their advocacy skills by meeting with visitors of the exhibition and discussing trans equality inclusion.
As a result of the GRUNDTVIG Learning Partnership project a best-practice tool-box for trans activists is developed, with a focus on advocating for trans equality, rights and inclusion. In the course of the working meetings, this tool-box is tested and approved by different European cultural settings.
Finally, the toolkit “…And Others!” Argumentation Training for Transgender Inclusion in Europe“ was developed to give transgender advocates all over Europe a powerful tool in their struggle to get the so-called “others” included in national and European policy making.
Project Schedule
2009
Malta
Oct 26 – Nov 1
Vernissage at the Trans*Rights Conference
2010
Edinburgh
Feb 27 + 28
Dublin
Apr 24 + 25
Strasbourg
May 17 – June 14
Council of Europe, Palais de l’Europe
Malmoe
Sept 29 – Oct 03
2011
Amsterdam (Gallery Melkweg; click for travel instructions)
Jan 26 – February 13
Opening reception Feb 3read more here
Edinburgh
Sept 10
launch of the toolkit
the audio-sound installation “Serious Game”
Read here what the artists Anja Weber and Sabine Erklentz say about art in activism.
Find an abstract about the art installation Serious Game here
project partners
Transgender Europe – TGEU
Transgender Equality Network Ireland – TENI
Transgender Network Netherlands -TNN
Scottish Transgender Alliance and the Equality Network
TransInterQueer – TrIQ
Transgender Europe is cooperating with Support Transgenre Strasbourg and diskursiv.at in the implementation of this project.
art in activism
impressions from exhibitions
Malta
26 Oct – 1 Nov 2009
St James Chavalier Centre for Creativity
Artists Anja Weber (photos) and Sabine Erklentz (sound; right) opening the exhibition
The opening of the exhibitionThe St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity
Strasbourg, Council of Europe, Palais d’Europe
17 May – 14 June 2010
The 25 portraits feature prominently in the entrance of the Council’s main building.
On 17th May 2010, International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia – IDAHO, the Council of Europe and the European Parliament held a Round Table debate on the subject of homophobia and transphobia.Approximately 30 people attended the debate, including:
– France DANGEL (Chair) – Director of Human Rights, Council of Europe
– Ulrike Lunacek (MEP, Austrian Green group)
– Hans Ytterberg (Committee of Ministers, chair of DH-LGBT who prepared recommendation CM(2010) of the Committee of Mnisters on measures to combat discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation & gender identity.
– Lydie Err (Parliamentary Assembly, member of the committee of Legal Affaires and Human Rights which prepared the PACE report “Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity”.
– Lauri Sivonen (Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights)
– Rosa Brigone (Head of Equality & Diversity Unit at the EP)
– Renée Moritz – (Head of the Equal Opportunities Unit, Council of Europe)
Unfortunately, James Morton (TGEU) was unable to address the Round Table, due to flight restrictions due to volcanic ash. Emma Smith from Support Transgenre Strasbourg attended the Round Table together with a number of local LGB organisations representatives.
During the two hour debate, time was given for Emma Smith to present the Serious Game exhibition, and to invite those present to a champagne cocktail following the debate.Most of those at the debate proceeded to the exhibition hall and spent time at the Serious Game exhibition. A number of very good contacts were made, notably with other members of Council of Europe staff (outside the immediate LGBT sphere) and an excellent dialogue was made with Lydie Err (Luxembourg MEP).The exhibition was on show in the Palais from 17th May until 4th of June.TGEU would like to express its gratitude to the CoE LGBT-Employee Group and particularly to Emma Smith from Support Transgenre Strasbourg.
Disclaimer
GRUNDTVIG Learning Partnership (Austria): http://www.lebenslanges-lernen.at/