The representatives of the EMA-LGBT Network attended the IGLYO (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Youth and Student Organisation) General Assembly 2013 held in Copenhagen, Denmark last October 17-20, 2013. It was hosted by LGBT Ungdom and Sabaah, both of which are LGBTQ associations in Denmark.

    The EMA LGBT delegates were Helena Kovac (who is also the Educational Board Member of IGLYO) and Amil Tan Jr. (member EMA-LGBT Network). There were about 50 delegates who participated in the general assembly representing various youth and student  organizations across the pan-European region.The objectives of the General Assembly 2013 were to conduct workshop on intersectionality, discuss policy concerning about minimum standards against LGBTQ bullying, present position papers on social inclusion and dialogue process between the EU presidency, and to elect four new electoral board members. A plenary session was also included to discuss the IGLYO Strategic Plan for 2014-2018 and Provisional budget for 2014.The first day was a workshop focused on how intersectionality is a developing concern among LGBTQ ethnic minority in several European countries. To give a brief overview, Intersectionality is a feminist sociological theory developed in 1989 by Crenshaw. This theory seeks to examine how various biological, social and cultural categories such as gender, race, class, ability, sexual orientation, species, and other axes of identity interact on multiple and often simultaneous levels, contributing to systematic injustice and social inequality (Knudsen, 2007). The ultimate goal of this is to incorporate intersectionality practice in EMA-LGBT networks which are highly diverse due to its international nature. Furthermore, the EMA-LGBT network participated as well in small group discussions on the minimum standards of combating bullying and promotion of LGBTQ youth health and well-being.

    The host also prepared social activities such as parties in Denmark’s LGBTQ pubs, bars, and disco; city walk tour around Copenhagen; and a formal dinner hosted by the CEO of an architectural company in Denmark.

The General Assembly concluded with the announcement of the new electoral board members, who will serve for two years beginning in January 2014: George-Konstantinos Charonis (Greece), Eirik Rise (Norway), Ashot Gevorgyan (Armenia) and Ani Giorgadze (Georgia). They will be joined by current board members: Orlaith Hendon (UK/Ireland/Northern Ireland), Helena Kovac (Serbia), Patrick Dempsey (Ireland) and Sarah Rowlinson (Scotland). (IGLYO, 2013)The 2014 IGLYO General Assembly will be held in Dublin, Ireland and the with BeLonG To Youth Services as host.

Reference:
For more information about the event check the website:

 

Knudsen, Susanne. "Intersectionality—A Theoretical Inspiration in the Analysis of Minority Cultures and Identities in Textbooks." Caught in the Web or Lost in the Textbook 2006 61–76. 26 Nov 2007