Date: Thu, 23 Dec 1993 21:34:32 -0800 (PST) From: Jeff Herwatt The International Lesbian and Gay Youth Organization: Who Are We? Our History In 1984, the Dutch Gay Youth Platform (LHJO) hosted the first International Gay Youth Congress and Festival in Amsterdam, Holland. The participants regarded the event as such a great success they decided to arrange a follow-up. In 1985, Ireland's National Gay Federation hosted the second Congress in Dublin. At the Dublin conference plans were made to establish a facility to collect and distribute information about lesbian, gay, and bisexual young people and their groups. The youth group of Norway volunteered to organize the International Gay Youth Information Pool (IGYIP), as well as host the Third Congress. At the end of the conference in Oslo, it was decided to establish IGLYO as a permanent organization for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual youth. Our AIMS are... > to bring an end to discrimination against young lesbians, gays, and bisexuals the world over. > to support the emancipation of young lesbians, gays, and bisexuals the world over. > to create equal opportunities for all young people. In order to fulfill these goals IGLYO has firmly committed itself to the struggle against sexism and racism. The organization practices a policy of positive discrimination for women, ethnic minorities, variably abled people and members of other traditionally under represented groups. Our Work... > includes the publication of Speak Out, an international magazine for lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth. Speak Out is distributed to all IGLYO member organizations, as well as other interested groups and individuals. It also serves as a bulletin concerning IGLYO's activities. The organization's political work consists mainly of participation in youth work on an international level. IGLYO is presently involved with a number of international, national, and regional youth groups including: the European Co-ordination Bureau, the European Youth Centre and Foundation, The Youth Forum of the European Communities, UNESCO, the Commonwealth Youth Program and various United States youth groups and organizations. In addition, IGLYO considers international campaigning to be of great value. We will continue to organize and coordinate such activities. The organization also provides lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth with a forum in which they can exchange ideas on an international level. IGLYO sponsors activities such as the International Lesbian and Gay Youth Conference, Youth Exchanges, the Lesbian and Gay Youth Penpal Program, various seminars within the European Youth Centre, and the Youth Health and Condom Project. Membership is... > available to any lesbian, gay, and/or bisexual youth or student organization that is either fully autonomous or an integral part of another organization. IGLYO defines youth as individuals 26 and under. Groups that are ineligible for full membership, such as adult lesbian, gay, or bisexual organizations, political parties, or other groups can become associate members of IGLYO provided they appoint a lesbian, gay, or bisexual youth contact. Conferences: what can you expect...? IGLYO holds conferences once a year in the summer months. This is a wonderful time for students and youth from around the world to gather for a week of networking and learn from each other. In the past years, conferences have been held in cities such as Paris, France Gothenburg, Sweden, Berlin, Germany and Zurich, Switzerland. Conference participants come from all corners of the world and past conferences have had participants from over 25 different counties. The cost of the conference is relatively inexpensive and includes room and board for the entire week of activities. In some instances, participants and members of IGLYO from North America can apply for travel reimbursements to assist in travel to Europe.* These conferences are well attended and provide indaviduals a chance to share ideas, network, and to learn about different countries and cultures. During the conference you can expect... > workshops in which we discuss subjects including IGLYO's work and possible future contributions to emancipation of young lesbian, gays, and bisexuals. Workshops will also cover topic such as HIV, AIDS, sexism, racism, anti-gay violence, activism and religion. > several creative workshops, including massage, jam sessions, drama, sexuality workshops, and relationship workshops. > a social program including sight-seeing tours, parties, and dinners. And enough time to make friends and exchange ideas in exciting cities world-wide. *This is not a guarantee. Please apply prior to conference In Plain Words IGLYO is here for you and your group. It provides for a great opportunity to network and to build our strengths as one. IGLYO has been in existence for over ten years within Europe and has created new levels of acceptance in many counties for Lesbian and Gay Youth. Not only on the youth level, but also within the political level. The organization feels that it is an important time to expand into North America. By doing so IGLYO hopes to gain new ground in the struggle to end discrimination, violence, and hatred of Lesbian and Gay Youth. Our strength as a organization depends on you and your group in "Changing the numbers so that Lesbian and Gay Youth of today don't have to grow up like those of yesterday." Please consider joining IGLYO as a member organization today - As our numbers grow so will our voice in this country and every county world-wide as a result creating a brighter future for all Youth. Membership Fees >Youth Organization Full Membership $35.00* >Associate Membership $40.00* >Individual Membership $30.00* *Payment in US dollars or the equivalent. Make checks payable to IGLYO: America. For more information or a membership application, please call or write: American Secretariat/Bureau P.O. Box 42463 Washington, DC 20015-0463 Telephone (202) 362-9624 FAX (202) 362-9624 InterNet EP4417A@AUVM.American.EDU _____________________________________ European Secretariat P.O. Box 542 NL-1000 AM Amsterdam the Netherlands