17 May – BOZAR & the Colors of the Rainbow

17 May – BOZAR & The colors of the rainbow

1. Introduction: The Centre for Fine Arts, gender and LGBTIQ. (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Trans-sexual, Intersex and Questioning).

As part of its international mission, the Centre for Fine Arts Brussels (BOZAR) aims to show and establish exchange with cultures from all over the world, to promote cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue and to advocate the role of culture as a catalyst for creativity.

BOZAR does not only show art for art’s sake. We believe in debate, and in the community building capacity of the arts. As a cultural organization with a large variety of artistic disciplines ranging from literature and music to discussion platforms, we have always strived to offer a programme that is highly ranked on an artistic level but at the same time widely accessible to our 1.3 million visitors per year. In doing so, the CFA aims to reflect the multi-cultural reality of the hyper-diverse city of Brussels. We have had the honour of welcoming personalities such as Salman Rushdie, Barack Obama and the Dalai Lama. Exceptional events like these have only solidified our involvement in social and political issues as well as our leading cultural role in Belgium.

We aim to combine art and society to offer a nuanced vision.

In 2014, the central Summer of Photography exhibition at the Centre for Fine Arts examined the role of female artists in the second wave of feminism, WOMAN: The Feminist Avant-Garde of the1970s: Works from the SAMMUNG VERBUND, Vienna curated by Gabriele Schor. Initially, it was Europe and the United States that set the tone, but today’s struggle for woman’s rights is worldwide. New topics present themselves in the gender debate: the representation of women on the internet, the right of lesbian women to have children, women’s rights in other cultures and so on.

In 2015, after the dramatic attacks on freedom of expression in Paris, Copenhagen and Dhaka, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, BOZAR organized its first Difference Day together with The Brussels Platform for Journalism, a joint initiative involving Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Erasmushogeschool Brussel (EHB), the Evens Foundation and iMinds. Freedom of expression also implies respect for the opinion of others and the recognition of diversity. BOZAR has also been focusing more on LGTBIQ questions recently. In December 2016, we had a study day about stereotypes on television with the University of Leuven as a partner. We discussed to what extent television confirms and challenges social stereotypes. Several international speakers hosted discussion sessions afterwards, where one in particular (Frederik Dhaenens) talked about the diverse ways LGBTIQ characters can be represented in the media.

May 2017, for the very first time, the much talked about IDAHOT Forum is coming to Brussels, on 18 and 19 May 2017. At this conference, politicians, policy-makers, poets and thinkers draw up the State of the Union of LGBTIQ rights in Europe. This year, its main focus will be “families”. The conference follows the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on 17 May, on May 20th the Belgian Pride parade marches through Brussels from the point of departure at the Kuntsberg/Mont des Arts. All good reasons for BOZAR to put the spotlight on LGBTIQ rights.

2. International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

This day is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 countries where same-sex acts are illegal, with 1600 events reported from 1280 organizations in 2014. These mobilizations unite millions of people in support of the recognition of human rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. It is not one centralized campaign, but a momentum that forms the basis of many individual initiatives that take place annually around the globe . May 17th was chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.

3.Programme at the CFA

10:00 – 22:00 (Fumoir) Photography Exhibition: Lolendo – Régis Samba Kounzi

10:00 – 22:00 (Bertouille) Photography Exhibition: Underwater love – Kris Micallef

10:00 – 22:00 Exhibition: 40 years çavaria

10:00 – 16:00 (Hall M) Study Day: çavaria Toward a Bright LGBTIQ+ Future

17:00 – 18:00 Remembrance service for the victims of hate crimes

18:30 – 20:00 (Hall M) Colors of the Rainbow Debate on the creation of an LGBTIQ inclusive society

4. Programme in detail

10:00 – 22:00 (Rooksalon) Expo Lolendo – Régis Samba-Kounzi

As has been shown by research in the social sciences and human sciences, homosexuality certainly existed in Africa during the pre- colonial and imperial periods. Historical, sociological and anthropological research has since allowed a greater understanding of the position held by homosexuality in African societies at different points in time. This research, part of the gradual recognition of equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people (LGBTIQ) in North America and Continental Europe has also documented the increasingly pronounced stigmatisation of the LGBTIQ community in Africa.

The Lolendo series of photographs takes its name from the Lingala word for ‘pride’. The series presents portraits of LGBTIQ people, whose existence is currently denied in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There, homosexuality is not forbidden by the law, but, unlike in the past, Congolese society now views it with hostility, believing it to be something ‘immoral’, introduced from the West. The stigmatisation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people (LGBTIQ) takes the form of discrimination in access to healthcare even though the DRC is one of the countries with the highest incidence of AIDS.

Régis Samba-Kounzi is a French-Congolese-Angolan photographer. After his training in agronomy, he worked as a consultant before joining the fight against AIDS. He captures his experiences in documentary and artistic photography. Developing projects, interested in the living conditions of minorities, marginalized and vulnerable by race, class, validism, gender, HIV/AIDS, or sexual orientation. Documenting their relations with the rest of society and their strategies of survival and resistance. Currently, he lives and works between Paris and Kinshasa.

Partners: Rainbow House Brussels, Festival Massimadi Copyright images : Sylvie, Kimbanseke district, Kinshasa/RDC © Regis Samba-Kounzi, Courtesy of the artist, Paris

10:00 – 22:00 (Rotonde Bertouille) Expo: Underwater Love – Kris Micallef

Focusing on the beauty of the human body’s structure, often in its naked state, the series of photographs highlights mankind’s innate equality when stripped of social construct, the beauty of the bodies’ sinuous lines representing the higher ideals of equality and tolerance. The constant, dynamic use of fabric serves as metaphor for the historical and contemporary constrictions excercised upon the LGBITQ community and its will to break free from such limitations.

Kris Micallef’s “Underwater Love” is a commentary on the authenticity, vulnerability and freedom of LGBTIQ love. Crystalline waters act as backdrop for the unbridled expression of authentic self, unhindered by societal norms and judgement.

Kris Micallef, born in 1988 in Malta, began his career in photography through his fascination with beauty and the human form. Kris graduated in Architecture and Civil Engineering in 2011 after reading for his degree at the University of Malta. His architectural background influences his photographs - order, geometry, light and beauty are keywords synonymous with Kris’ photography.

Partners: The Maltese Presidency of the European Council Arts Council Malta

10:00 – 16:00 (Zaal M) Study Day: Toward a Bright LGBTIQ+ Future

Çavaria, the Flemish LGBT umbrella organization, celebrates its 40th anniversary by inviting activists, allies and partner organizations to think about how to tackle the future challenges together.

Closing reception and the opening of the exhibition 40 years çavaria between 16.00 and 17.00 by Minister Sven Gatz, Flemish Minister for Culture, Youth, Media and Brussels.

Speakers: Sabah Choudrey, Pieter Cannoot (UGent), Piet De Bruyn (NVA - member of Parliament), Miriam Van der have (activist), Koen De Feyter(Universiteit Antwerpen), Daina Rudusa (ILGA-Europe) –more to follow.

Partners: Brussels-Capital Region, Staatssecretariaat voor Armoedebestrijding, Gelijke kansen, Personen met een beperking, Grootstedenbeleid en Wetenschapsbeleid, Vlaanderen is gelijke kansen, çavaria vzw 17:00 – 18:00 Remembrance service for the victims of hate crimes

European Forum and BOZAR host a special event where religious leaders will speak about their commitment to peace and respect to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

The event will close with a multi-religious remembrance service offered for the victims of hate crimes. A special attention will be given to gays in Chechnya.

This ceremony is led by Ds Wielie Elhorst.

18:30 – 20:00 (Hall M) Colors of the rainbow Debate on the creation of an LGBTIQ inclusive society

Malta, the smallest of the EU countries is a magnificent example of how LGBTIQ- equality is supported and framed by solid legislation. Malta is number one in the ranking drawn up by the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA).

ILGA Europe is a worldwide federation of 1,200 member organizations from 125 countries campaigning for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans- and intersex rights since 1978. The latest Rainbow Europe Map, which reflects legal and policy developments, confirms that a few countries are still setting new standards for LGBTIQ equality and being propelled upward on the country ranking as a result.

ILGA-Europe Executive Director Evelyne Paradis noted “The countries who are on this upward curve tend to be the ones who have protected people from discrimination on the grounds of gender identity, or legislated to protect the bodily integrity of intersex people and who have ingrained this change in everyday measures such as equality actions plans.

Malta’s rise to the top of the Rainbow Europe rankings for the first time is a prime example of this standard-setting in action. These advances represent a very welcome progress”

The aim of the debate on May 17th is to identify what elements must be present in a society to achieve this exemplary result. Speakers from the worlds of politics, culture and academia will be discussing with campaigners for LGBTIQ rights.

During the debate, we will take a closer look at:  The role of the government and legislation,  The role of religion  The role of Intermediaries and civil rights organizations  The LGBTIQ community  The World of Sports

The ideal outcome of this conference would be a recipe for a society that is all-inclusive for its LGBTIQQ members.

Introduction by: Mrs Věra Jourová, the European Union's Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality as a part of the Juncker Commission (since october 2014).

Mr Vitit Muntarbhorn, international human rights expert and professor of law at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. He is the first UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

The panel will consist of:

Silvan Agius (Malta)

Silvan Agius started his professional career in 2004 at the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality – Malta’s equality body – where he worked for 3 years. Subsequently, in 2007, he moved to Brussels to work for the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA- Europe) – first as a Policy & Programs Officer leading on employment equality, the recognition of LGBTIQ families and equality for trans and intersex people; and subsequently as the Policy Director, leading the organization’s

© Ray Attard policy efforts with European institutions, national governments and partner organizations. At the end of 2013, he joined the Ministry for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties as the Policy Coordinator (Human Rights) and has contributed to various legislative initiatives, such as the Civil Unions Act providing equal rights for same-sex and different-sex partners, the Constitution (Amendment) Act that included sexual orientation and gender identity in the Constitution’s non-discrimination article, an Act to ratify the Istanbul Convention tackling gender- based violence and domestic violence, and the development of a Bill entitled Gender Identity, Gender Expression & Sex Characteristics Act intended to recognize and protect trans and intersex people. He co-authored the European Commission’s publication entitled Trans and Intersex People: Discrimination on the grounds of sex, gender identity and gender expression (2011), and is a Bureau Member of the European Committee for Social Cohesion, Human Dignity and Equality

Saskia De Coster (Belgium)

Saskia De Coster (born 1976) is a Belgian writer. Her work has been published in literary magazines and she also writes screenplays and novels. De Coster made her debut in 2000, with her first book, called Under Each Other, a collection of dark tales about the disintegration of an unusual family.

In 2002, at the age of 26, Saskia De Coster published her debut novel, Vrije Val (Free Fall).Besides novels, De Coster also writes columns (among other things for the Flemish newspaper De Morgen). De Coster is also a visual artist. She works with video art, writes for theatre and writes lyrics for musicians such as Daan Stuyven and Dez Mona.

Saskia De Coster regularly collaborates with visual artists such as video artist Nicolas Rombouts, artist Eric Joris of CREW (Performance Group) and artist Arne Quinze.

Ann Wauters (Belgium)

Ann Hilde Willy Wauters (1980) is a Belgian professional basketball player. Wauters began playing basketball at age 12. Her international professional basketball career began immediately after high school. She played for UMMC Ekaterinburg ('13–'14), ESB Villeneuve-d'Ascq ('14– '15), Royal Castors Braine ('15-'16), Galatasaray S.K., Los Angeles Sparks and now for AGÜ Spor. Ann Wauters will address the question of homophobia in the world of sports.

Sami Hamwi (Mahmoud Hassino) (Syria)

Mahmoud Hassino started the first Syrian LGBT online magazine Mawaleh and the first Mr Gay Syria competition, which was held in Istanbul on 14 February 2016. Alongside documenting and raising awareness of the plight of Syrian refugees via his blog "Syriangayguy", Mahmoud works at a Berlin-based refuge for LGBTIQ refugees – the Schwulenberatung Berlin.

He describes himself on his blog: “Having many interests in life, I never thought of myself as an LGBTQI activist. I actually never liked the word “activist”. Yet, I found myself establishing a Syrian LGBTQI magazine, Mawaleh, which made everyone consider me as an activist. Mawaleh is a magazine that saw the light through the efforts of seven Syrian contributors, five of whom are still living in Syria.”

Ds Wielie Elhorst (The Netherlands)

In 2016, Rev. Wielie Elhorst was appointed by the Protestant Church of Amsterdam as Minister “with a special mission for the LGBT-community”. Wielie Elhorst is the Co-President of the European Forum of LGBT Christian Groups. For several years, this Forum has been leading the campaign called ‘Inclusive Faith’ (www.inclusivefaith.eu). Its goal is to gather the voices of religious leaders and people of faith who, despite the different stances their religious teachings take on issues of sexual and gender diversity, are ready to say that violence and hatred have no place in their traditions and institutions. In July 2016 the European Forum gained participatory status in the International NGO Conference of the Council of Europe. Elhorst has been advocating the emancipation of Christian LGBTIQQ’s since 1989. He is currently active as one of two project managers that aim for the social acceptance of LGBT Christians in The Netherlands in their respective communities. In Amsterdam he is the coordinator of the annual Gay Pride Church Service and the Pink Christmas Church Service

Geert Sciot (moderator)

Geert Sciot studied Communication Science (VUB University Brussels) and Journalism. He started his professional career in 1192 at the Belgian Public Radio VRT and at the national newspaper De Morgen. Since 2003 to date he works as Vice President Media Relations at Brussels Airlines. From 2013 till 2016 he was also responsible for the communication and public affairs efforts of the Association of European Airlines as their General Manager Communication. In 2013 the Republic of Malta appointed him as Honorary Consul of the Republic of Malta to the Kingdom of Belgium. Geert speaks often at international conferences and universities about communication & media relations.

In the framework of the CFA’s FOCUS ON MALTA Partners: Brussels Capital Region, The Maltese Presidency of the European Council Belgian Pride, Çavaria, Visit Brussels 5. Practical information

Date: Wednesday 17 May Place: Centre for Fine Arts Tickets: free entrance after registration Language: English Coproduction: Région de Bruxelles-Capitale, la Présidence du Conseil de l'Union européenne 2017 Supported by : çavaria vzw, Rainbow House Brussels, Festival massimadi, The Belgian Pride, Visit Brussels