The week-long event brought together 1,450 delegates to discuss LGBTQIA rights and solidarity
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGES BY ILGA WORLD
The 2024 ILGA World Conference (11-15 November) made history as the biggest conference in the history of the organisation, with 1,450 delegates in attendance. Taking place in Cape Town, this year’s conference was hosted by local organisations Iranti and Gender DynamiX and saw a plethora of groundbreaking conversations about LGBTQIA rights take place.
Aside from its attendance size, the 31st annual conference also made history as it marked the first time in 25 years that the conference was held in the continent of Africa. The conference also marked the inaugural International Pride Awards, which honoured LGBTQIA trailblazers and allies around the world for the work they have done within their communities.
Julia Ehrt, Executive Director of ILGA World, reflected on the event’s significance: “In such polarised and contentious times, it has been heartening to witness so many people coming together, strengthening bonds to resist the anti-rights wave, and keep advancing the human rights of LGBTIA peoples. This conference has been a testament to the resilience, courage, and determination of our global movement. In Cape Town, we witnessed the strength of our unity, and we are inspired to continue working toward a world where everyone is free to live authentically and without fear.”
During the conference, ILGA World also announced the theme for next year’s International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT): the power of communities. It was also revealed that next year’s conference would be taking place in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
ILGA World elected their new representatives to the Executive Board during the conference week. Kimberly Frost (United States) and Yuri Guaiana (Italy) were announced as the new co-Secretaries General.
DIVA magazine celebrates 30 years in print in 2024. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.
