Wellington, NZ 18-22 March 2019

Hosts Report

30 July 2019 Introduction

In December 2016, three New Zealand community organisations were successful in their bid to host the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex (ILGA) World Conference in , New Zealand. They were Intersex Trust Aotearoa New Zealand, Rainbow Youth and Tiwhanawhana Trust (the Host Rōpū). In bringing ILGA World to Wellington the Host Rōpū provided the opportunity for;

 Increased participation by New Zealand, Australian and Pa- cific LGBTIQ+ groups, in particular, indigenous and youth, at this international forum.

 ILGA World to experience, witness and learn from New Zea- land and Pacific experiences. The conference also celebrated important milestones;

 the 1st World Conference held in Oceania

 the 40th anniversary of ILGA World

 the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising (and along with it, the birth of the modern gay rights movement in the west). This report reflects what was achieved by the Host Rōpū, how it was done and why. Though brief, it provides a combined histori- cal, pictorial and financial overview. Included is a special section on the work achieved by the Host Rōpū to participants from the Pacific. It is hoped this report provides a useful overview for IL- GA members. The 2019 ILGA World Conference was a resounding success not- withstanding the tragedies in . It was achieved be- cause of the generous support in kind, in sponsorship , in fund- ing and advice from many sectors of New Zealand society. All this from a journey that began in 2016. Wellington City, the Justin Lester, the Cross Party NZ Parliamentary Rainbow Network through MP’s Jan Lo- gie, Louisa Wall and Chris Bishop, and the New Zealand Rain- bow community can justifiably be proud of the role they played in the success of this event. To everyone that participated in this event, whether attending the conference or providing support or a service, thank you, ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.

30 July 2019 Timeline The Journey Host Ropu tasks: 2016 2016-2019 Provide travel information  March, ILGA Oceania Wellington NZ Three years from inception to reality Local transport and accommodation was the planning period for the Host  June, ITANZ, Tiwhanawhana Trust, Rainbow Ropu to stage the ILGA World Con- Financial information & liaison Youth form Host Ropu to bid for ILGA ference. Success was built upon a World Conference, framework of strong values, commit- Costs, service providers, civil  Tourism NZ (TNZ), Mayor of Wellington ted organisations and people. Cru- authorities, funders, embassies and Wellington Regional Economic Agency cial was the early support of Tourism Venue and services information support bid New Zealand and the Sustainable Conference Programme. Logistics plan, health & safety,  July, TNZ and Chrissy Witoko Trust finance Host Ropu travel costs to bid for conference in Bangkok For Conference

 December, Host Ropu successful with bid to Design logo, contribute to website host next ILGA World Conference, October Provide Social Programme 2018 Dinner 5 nights, expect 500 people,  December, Wellington2019 website opens Bangkok 2016, NZ confirmed next host community events, special events 2017

 March, negotiations begin ILGA and Host ILGA is a worldwide Ropu federation of over 1400  May, World Conference date changes from civil organisations whose Oct 2018 to Mar 2019 common goal is the pursuit  June-September, Host Ropu conduct profes- of human rights based on sexual orienta- sional conference organiser tender ILGA World Conference 2016 tion, gender identity and expression and sex  September, Host Ropu confirm Avenues characteristics. In particular communities Event Management (AEM) as Social Pro- gramme Conference Organiser (PCO) and individuals who face discrimination and stigma.  October, ILGA Host Ropu Service Level Agreement completed The ILGA World Conference is the prem-  October, Centre venue offi- ier gathering place for its members. cially confirmed Host Ropu, NZ Tourism Awards 2018  November, TNZ support Host Ropu to at- Conference logo tend ILGA Europe conference, Warsaw Vigil for Christchurch , Basin Reserve Ara Waka Whakapapa 2018

 March, AEM confirmed as ILGA PCO Journeying across oceans Celebrating our histories  May, conference logo confirmed  People and communities  ILGA - 40th gathering here and anniversary  June, conference website & registrations open moving forward together  Cultural and community  August, ILGA site visit to Wellington  Celebrates migration histories and movement  Host Ropu/ILGA Conference launch, Across the Pacific, the next... Ngā kete Whakatupu  ILGA Oceania, Apia, Samoa Sharing diverse knowledge Growth and Prosperity  December, Human Rights Day Launch, King-  opportunities to dom of the Netherlands / Host Ropu collabo- Where we go from here ration share information, debate & discuss 2019  Baskets of  March, ILGA World comes to Wellington knowledge ILGA World Conference,2021 , LA, USA 30 July 2019 sessions. At the conclusion of daytime The mentorship provided by Tourism NZ How it worked activities, the Host Rōpū provided dinner and Wellington Regional Economic Devel- The 2019 ILGA World Conference was a for all participants and a social programme. opment Agency (WREDA) to the Host Rōpū collaboration between ILGA and the Host The cancellation of Wednesday nights was of inestimable value. They stimulated Rōpū.. 500 people registered for 5 days of programme on the Waterfront was a casu- solutions for Host Rōpū concerns about activities. The Host Rōpū, started each day alty due to the Christchurch event. All hosting a successful world conference with a call for unity and respect, then no- other events for the Social Programme organised from a distance and locally. tices before handover to ILGA who man- were completed. A calendar of events is Thank you to Jean Hendry/Sherylee Eyles continued aged general plenaries before breakout listed below. (Tourism NZ) and Claire Martin (WREDA). next page

The ILGA World Conference

Programme

30 July 2019 How it worked (cont) magnificently. Special thanks to Melanie again deserve a special mention for their Walker, Chris Evans, Charlotte Carr and role in sponsorship management, accounts Securing a local Conference Organiser was others from the AEM team. receivable/ payable and financial records. the solution for the Host Rōpū’s dilemma. The task of fundraising and sponsorship Over three years the Host Rōpū worked Following a tender process issued by the then became the biggest challenge. In hard at building strong relationships with all Host Rōpū, Avenues Event Management 2016, the budget estimated was approx. the organisations and people on which (AEM) was selected to assist put together $185,000. In 2019, over $208,000 had been success for the conference would be based. the logistical information required by ILGA, committed by conference end. Hard work which resulted in a hugely organise the Social Programme, and seek successful and satisfying world conference. sponsors. Later AEM was commissioned by The Host Rōpū owes a special thanks of ILGA to organise the material requirements gratitude to key people that lobbied for Listed below are the organisations that met of the conference programme, and organise funding on its behalf to the corporate and the cost of the Social Programme and the accommodation and immigration needs government sectors; Dame , Host Rōpū operations. once participants had registered. Both tasks David Rutherford and the Hon. Grant Below is a high level analysis of the funds were incredibly difficult and AEM responded Robertson. Melanie and the AEM team received and how they were applied. Social Programme and Host Rōpū funders and sponsors Funds In

Funds were received through Tiwhanawhana Trust, ITANZ or Avenues Event Management.

Funds Out

All disbursements were accounted for through Avenues Event Management.

30 July 2019 5 Pacific participation at the World Conference - a special mission

The ILGA World Conference in Wellington Netherlands and they became its champion. region who were sponsored by ILGA was a significant opportunity for many Their support provided a generous base to and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New countries across Oceania to be represented which funds were added from Germany, the Zealand; among them representatives at this event. Thus it became a goal of the United States of America, Austalia and the from Palau and Nuie. Takatāpui and Host Rōpū to develop a proposal to provide United Kingdom. Pacific diaspora from New Zealand scholarships for people, especially those completed the attendance. Over $50,000 in funding was granted. This from the Pacific, to attend the ILGA World enabled:  Special guests of the Forum were Conference. diplomats and staff from the  Registrations, travel and Diplomatic missions were targeted to fund Netherlands, USA, UK and Germany, accommodation for 16 participants to this proposal. Following consultation, a COC Nederland and United Nations the ILGA World Conference from the special human rights forum for Pacific and Independent Expert on protection Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Indigenous Rainbow people from Oceania against violence and discrimination Kiribati, Tahiti, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, was included. The budget proposed a target based on Sexual Orientation and Papua New Guinea and Australia. of $43,000 for 14 people. Gender Identity, Victor Madrigal-Borloz.  A Pacific LGBTI Human Rights Forum The proposal was enthusiastically picked up  Human Rights Statements were attended by 70 people. The Host Rōpū by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the developed by the forum (see next page) scholars were joined by others from the

Pacific and Indigenous of Oceania Human Rights Forum, May 17, 2019 Scholarships Funds In Funds Out Funding for this initiative was received through ILGA, Avenues Event Management and Tiwhanawhana Trust (UK dealt directly with provider). An analysis of the funds received and how they were used are shown here.

30 July 2019 6 Country statements

Aotearoa New Zealand financial resources to promote LGBQTI No more tokenism programmes for small Pacific island Barriers We need one sexuality and diverse united countries and territories language Own stories, own future, own history Improving Pacific islands cultural identities’ Tōku reo, tōku oho-oho – Our voice, our visibility in international human rights Samoa future forums Lack of laws protecting people of diverse Contribution Facilitate inclusion of SOGIESC issues in gender and sexualities Future Pacific countries and territories’ public Equality, Equity policies development - Sodomy Tōku reo Tōku oho-oho My voice - Gender recognition of diverse sexualities and identities My future Our voice Our future Papua New Guinea Language – acknowledgement Barriers: Access - $$$/networks/people American Samoa Legislation Approach – intersectional/interlinkage Capacity building – providing people with the Religion Language – acknowledgement of cultural skills necessary to do the work Donor funders with expectation identities Funding – providing people with the Access – money/networks/technical resources necessary to do the work Pasifika Diaspora Aotearoa, USA, Nuie & assistance Data – capturing our lived experiences so we Indigenous Australia Approach – intersectional/interlinkage eg can organise Develop a new narrative that explains how climate disaster and justice Link to USA (application of laws)– name/ we would like to be identified in new Colonial reparations gender change, marriage equality technology, using our old technology

(culture, ancestors, language, relationships, Tonga, Kiribati, Tuvalu Cook Islands connection) to create the new technology – We, the representatives of Tonga, Tuvalu and way forward Seek support from ILGA as we seek/fight for Kiribati SOGIESC communities recommend the decriminalisation of the LGBQTI Crimes It connects to the hearts and voices of the inclusiveness SOGIESC communities in Bill Act (Act 1969 Sec 154 & 155 – establish communities, and holds the systems and its climate justice and decision-making, and we “indecent act between men punishable 5 representatives accountable for two-way call upon Government to do a stock take of years”, “consensual sodomy – 7 years”) communication and action their ‘Leiti, Binabinaine and Pina’ peoples, Communication whereby First People this includes our issues, challenges, barriers Fiji sexuality and gender diverse people are not and policies and legislations that do not acknowledged for their knowledge, Implementation of constitutional protection count us, or recognise us! relationship with other Indigenous peoples of Fijians with sexual and diverse needs Tuvalu Colonial white-washing is hindering our E.g. 2015 – Case of Application for Legal voices and choices Climate change – inclusive of Pina (SOGIE) in Gender Recognition climate justice eg they may be included in the Intersectionality is causing discrimination E.g. – generalisation of classification of community but their visibility as SOGISC is across different identities national data – crimes, census, health not recognised Invisible narrative has silenced us in our services Kiribati and Tuvalu are living example islands communities Marry, adopt, inherit Priority or recognising SOGISC communities Racism and multiple discrimination Personal and economic security on climate justice movement Language preservation is being recorded Do not harm Kiribati & Tonga through the eyes of the colonisers and the Acceptance of LGBTQI identity colonist system (white saviour) Law and decriminalisation Statement: To review and reform national Cultural disrespect of Indigenous - Religion and belief (to acceptance!) policies and legislation to be consistent with understanding of sexuality and gender - Access to policies changing the Constitutional non-discriminatory diverse or rainbow people provisions on protection on the grounds of - CSO to be involved in the making of Indigenous peoples’ “connections” (land, sexual orientation and gender identity and decisions family, culture) are ignored based on expression - Access to health rights colonial labelling as LGBTIQ - Inclusive of SOGISC in humanitarian Solutions: from deficit to strength-based French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis and response We need to use technology to shape our Futuna, Vanuatu - Independent Experts to be continued in narrative for the future position Recognise the need to access to special Empowering languages - Lack of $$$

30 July 2019 (edit change Samoa 21 August 2019)

Kua tutuki te kaupapa. The task has been achieved. Ngā mihi nui. A big thank you!

This conference was the success for the Host Rōpū because of the support and efforts of many people and organisations. We take this last opportunity to once again thank and honour some of the many involved.

Pacific and Indigenous of ILGA World Conference and Social A final tribute to the Host Rōpū Aotearoa Human Rights Forum Programme. Thank you to members and also to each of their boards and trustees respectively: Thanks to all diplomatic missions for the ILGA support of this initiative, including Chile and Andre du Plessis and the team from Geneva, Argentina who were present at the Natalia, Julia, Daniele, Senka and Paula. conference. A big thank you to Ambassador Acknowledged also is former Executive Rainbow Youth Mira Woldberg and Embassy staff from the Director Renato Sabbadini and outgoing Frances Arns, Executuve Director Netherlands. Likewise Dr. Timo Bauer- World Board co-Secretary Generals, Helen Savage, LL.M., Deputy Head of Mission, Kennedy and Ruth Baldacchino, and ILGA Toni Duder, 2IC German Embassy; Deputy Chief of Mission, Oceania co-Secretary Tuisina Ymania Brown. Duncan Mathews (former ED) Sue Niblock and Caroline Toplis, former Best wishes to incoming ILGA World Board co Cultural Affairs Specialist, United States -Secretary Generals, Tuisina Ymania Brown Embassy; Ashleigh Muir, Public Affairs and Luz Elena Aranda and other Board Manager, Australian High Commission and members. Intersex Trust Aotearoa New Zealand Helen Smith, Deputy High Commissioner, Thanks also to the many service providers British High Commision. Mani Bruce Mitchell, Executive Director and volunteers that made the Conference

Thanks to the Human Rights Commission for hum and shine in particular: Tom Hamilton, Treasurer co-facilitating the Forum through the Food & Drink Georgia Andrews, Chairperson guidance and leadership of Equal Michael Fowler Centre , Sarah Searancke Employment Opportunities Commissioner, Catering and Coca Cola Saunoamaali’i Dr Karanina Sumeo , Taine Parliament event, ICON Catering Tiwhanawhana Trust Polkington and Tuiloma Lina Samu. ILGA Birthday Celebration @ TSB Arena, Tīwhanawhana Trust also co-facilitated the Elizabeth Kerekere, Chair Forum notably through Dr Elizabeth Ruth Pretty Catering Kerekere, Tengāruru Wīneera, Richard Entertainment manager, Frank Stevens AEM Kevin Haunui, Deputy Chair Tankersley and the Kapa Haka whānau. All the volunteers especially the main organiser Drew Hadwen, and Social media guru Jac Lynch. Mentioned also are the people who helped connect us and ensure Where to from here? our key people were given the right information on time; Jessica Beyeller, Sophia  The next ILGA World Conference will take place in 2021 in Los Angeles, CA, United Shanks, Angela Bray, Waveney Parkinson, States, hosted by the It Gets Better project. Raewyn Tate, Whetu -Kura Bennett. Tune in to ILGA.ORG for updates. Best wishes There are many more and we thank them all. from the Host Rōpū.  The shape, size and needs of future ILGA World Conferences is up to its members. It is a sizable task for hosting organisations and it is hoped this report provides food for thought. We have offered recommendations separately to ILGA.

 In Oceania, continuing to strengthen cohesiveness and connections through regional meetings of ILGA, is a priority.

30 July 2019