Launch of the 1st World Outgames and the International Conference on LGBT Human Rights

Montréal, 26 July 2006 – “It is with great pleasure and heartfelt emotion that we launch the 1st World Outgames today,” declared Mr. Mark Tewksbury, Co-President and Spokesperson. “I am convinced that this unique and ground-breaking event will deliver its promise to advance human rights and will showcase Montreal, the host city, as an inclusive and progressive metropolis.”

Ms. Louise Roy, Chief Executive Officer of the Organising Committee, emphasized that “the 1st World Outgames will be the largest LGBT event ever held, encompassing sports, culture and human rights.  The more than 12,000 registered participants from 111 different countries will ensure that this event is a resounding success, and the International Conference on LGBT Human Rights is an integral part of this achievement.”

The 1st World Outgames commence today with the International Conference on LGBT Human Rights, which will continue until 29 July, followed by cultural and sporting events. More than 1,600 participants will take part in 200 workshops centred on five distinct themes: Essential Rights, Global Issues, the Diverse LGBT Community, Participation in Society, and Creating Social Change.

One of the key moments of the conference will undoubtedly be the Opening Dinner, during which Ms. Louise Arbour, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, will speak. “Because of the stigma attached to issues surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity, violence against LGBT persons is frequently unreported, undocumented and goes ultimately unpunished. This shameful silence is the definitive rejection of the fundamental principal of universality of rights. For this reason I am honoured to participate in this vital event,” affirmed Ms. Arbour.

Mr. Yvon Marcoux, Minister of Justice for the Government of Quebec, will also attend the ceremonial dinner. “Quebec has long been a society that embraces rights and equity,” he stated. “Seen from this perspective, the International Conference on LGBT Human Rights is a unique occasion to share our knowledge with other countries, and to enrich ourselves with their experiences.”

Mr. Gérald Tremblay, the Mayor of Montreal, will also address the guests: “This conference will further highlight the fact that Montreal is an open and welcoming city—rich in diversity and ‘joie de vivre’.”

As for the Co-Presidents of the Conference, Ms. Joke Swiebel and Mr. Robert Wintemute, this great event represents a breakthrough for the international LGBT community. “It will show national governments and international organisations that LGBT human rights must be taken seriously as an international human rights issue.”

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