3rd September 2024
The Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson is excited to invite you to an international conference focused on the rights, experiences, and challenges of transgender people.
On September 19th, at the MO Museum we’ll be talking about the lives of trans people in Lithuania, trans people on the move affected by migration policies in Europe, and other trans rights related issues.
REGISTER HERE: https://forms.gle/Q7wi74SL9RAjDUXt7
PROGRAMME
- 13:30–14:00 Arrival and registration
- 14:00–15:00 National Review: Situation of Transgender People in Lithuania
Over the past five years, Lithuania has implemented several significant legal changes concerning rights of transgender people. Despite these advancements, international indicators still show that Lithuania remains behind many other EU countries in terms of trans equality. The Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson conducted a comprehensive review of the situation for trans people in Lithuania, including a qualitative study of their experiences, which highlighted the impact of these changes on their daily lives.
Ieva Laugalytė (they / them) – The Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson
Mažvydas Karalius (he / him) – The Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson
- 15:00–15:30 Gender Identity as a Protected Characteristic in Norwegian Law
A detailed overview of the legal protections for gender identity under Norwegian law, tracing the historical and legislative developments that led to the inclusion of gender identity as a protected characteristic.
Nora Marie Haune Bornø (she / they) – The Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud in Norway
- 15:30–15:50 Break
- 15:50–16:30 Navigating Vulnerabilities: Addressing the Challenges and Creating Solutions for Trans Asylum Seekers and Refugees in the EU
This presentation explores the unique hardships faced by trans people seeking asylum in the EU, focusing on the legal, social, and healthcare barriers that heighten their vulnerabilities. It aims to equip Lithuanian stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to advocate for inclusive policies that protect and support trans asylum seekers and refugees.
Farah Abdi (she / her) is a migration and asylum advocacy officer at TGEU. Farah Abdi is a journalist, researcher, human rights activist. She fled to Europe in late 2012 to escape persecution due to her gender identity. Her activism began as a response to the growing issues of transphobia, xenophobia, racism, Islamophobia, and other forms of discrimination.
TGEU is a trans-led nonprofit for the rights and wellbeing of trans people in Europe and Central Asia. We represent more than 200 member organisations in over 50 countries.
- 16:30–17:15 Healthcare: The Ominous Oppression Trans People Are Struggling to Escape
This presentation explores the experiences of trans people navigating the healthcare system. It examines how perceptions of healthcare impact their access to care and the associated risks. It also analyses the significance of language and offers insights into how professionals and policymakers can foster a safer environment for trans people.
Romario A. Wanliss (he / him) – mental health service provider, advocate for inclusive healthcare. Jamaican born and living in the UK, Romario has committed his life to influencing the landscape of mental health support and advocating for inclusion of trans people of colour.
- 17:15 – 18:00 Dinner break
- 18:00 – 20:30 Screening of the documentary film “Fairy Garden” + discussion
Screening of the documentary “Fairy Garden” (2023) by Hungarian director Gergő Somogyvári, presented together with Vilnius queer festival “Kreivės” and association “Trans Autonomija”.
Duration: 1 h 23 m
In the woods on the outskirts of Budapest, there hides a ramshackle little hut. Inside, two social outcasts have formed the unlikeliest of bonds: Fanni, a 19-year-old transgender teenager, and Laci, a 60 year-old homeless man. Together they form a cantankerous, convivial, makeshift household, supporting each other as father and daughter through hardship and change.
Director and Cinematographer: Gergő Somogyvári
Producer: Nóra Somogyvári, New Retina Productions
Co-producers: Sára László, Avanpost, Oliver Sertic
Editor: Judit Feszt
Awards:
Sarajevo International Film Festival – Special Jury Prize
Verzio International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival – Best Hungarian Film, Audience Award
After the film, we’ll host a discussion about home, the importance of community and support in a world that can often be hostile towards trans people.
Moderator – Augustas Čičelis (he / him). Participants: Ajus Jurgaitis (they / them), Toma Degutytė (she / her), Viktorija Kolbešnikova (she / her), Ahmed Baraheem Abbas (he / him).
Conference moderator – Vilma Gabrieliūtė (she / her).
Please be aware that photographs may be taken during the event, and your image might appear in various media outlets.
This event is a part of the project Centering the Voices of Transgender People, carried out together with the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud in Norway. The project is funded by EEA and Norway Grants.