2008 03 28, „How do we tackle social exclusion of LGBT* people in society and the media?“
On 28 March, 2008, the Lithuanian Gay League (LGL) is organising a seminar on “How to tackle social exclusion in society and the media” in Conti Hotel, Vilnius.
Our political pride, and the only truly outspoken LGBT-friendly Lithuanian MP, Ausrine Pavilioniene will open the day with one of her inspirational speeches, symbolically followed by a greeting from the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson, Ausrine Burneikiene.
The primary presentation material is two new publications by LGL: “A step towards social inclusion”, a research initiative sponsored by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Vilnius; and “A media for diversity”, a toolkit for better reporting on LGBT news, aimed for media professionals and LGBT activists alike, sponsored by the Nordic Council of Ministers Office in Lithuania.
The publications will be presented by the individual contributors, including Lithuanian academic and author Arturas Tereskinas, Algis Davidavicius from the Lithuanian Innovation Centre, Swedish LGBT and media experts Anette Sjodin and Thomas Laurell, and Latvian journalist Karlis Streips.
Additionally, there will be independent contributions by Margarita Jankauskaite from the Lithuanian Centre for Equality Advancement and Lithuanian journalist Virginjus Savukynas, as relevant to the themes of the day.
Among the invitees are Lithuanian journalists, representatives from various NGOs and relevant Ministries. The purpose of the seminar is to cast light on how new policy making and practice can play a crucial role in tackling exclusion in society at large. We at LGL are hoping that the seminar will have a truly educational impact.
International seminar
„How do we tackle social exclusion of LGBT* people in society and the media?“
Goal of the seminar: to cast light on the role of new policy making and practice in tackling discrimination and social exclusion in social policy, education, media and society.
Date: March 28th, 2008
Place: Hotel CONTI, Raugyklos str. 7/2 , Vilnius.
Languages of the seminar: Lithuanian and English (simultaneous translation provided)
9.30 – 10.00
Arrival and registration
10.00 – 10.10
Opening of the seminar. Presentation of the publication „A step towards social inclusion“ Chairman of the Lithuanian Gay League V. Simonko
10.10 – 10.25
Greeting speech by MPprof. A. M. Pavilionienė
10.25 – 10.35
Greeting speech by Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson A. Burneikienė
Part I: „Invisible and unrecognised social exclusion: LGBT people in society“ - moderated by A. Davidavičius, Lithuanian Innovation Centre
10.35 – 11.00
“Discrimination or not? Attitudes of Lithuanians towards homosexual people” – Dr. A. Tereškinas,Vytautas Magnus University, Department of Sociology
11.00 – 11.30
Coffee break
11.30– 11.50
“Courage to speak out, desire to live. Victims of multiple social exclusion” – Dr. M. Jankauskaitė,Centre for Equality Advancement
11.50 – 12.10
„Heteronormativity at school – Swedish experience“ – Anette Sjodin, RFSL , Sweden
12.10– 12.30
„Discrimination on the grounds of sexual orintation in the workplace in Lithuania: social exclusion and otherness “ – A. Davidavičius, Lithuanian Innovation Centre
12.30– 13.45
Lunch
Part II: “Reflections of diversity in the media – from stereotypes to integration“ - moderated by R. Paleckienė, Lithuanian Centre for Journalism, and Virginijus Savukynas, journalist
13.45 – 14.00
Presentation of the publication „A Media for Diversity. LGBT in the news - a guide for better reporting“ – R. Paleckienė, Lithuanian Centre for Journalism
14.00– 14.20
“Homophobic and injurious speech in the Lithuanian media”-Dr. Artūras Tereškinas, Vytautas Magnus University, Department of Sociology
14.20 – 15.00
“Depiction of LGBT in the media – Swedish experience and practice“ – Anette Sjodin and Thomas Laurell, RFSL,Sweden
15.00 – 15.30
Coffee break
15.30 – 16.00
"Public LGBT relations in a not always welcoming environment – Latvian experience and practice" – Karlis Streips, journalist, Latvia
16.00 – 16.20
Virginijus Savukynas, journalist
16.20 – 17.00
Discussion and conclusion of the seminar
17.00 – 18.00
Dinner
* LGBT – abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
This is a joint seminar for the projects „Capacity-building on social inclusion of LGBT people“ (sponsored by the programme MATRA-KAP of the embassy of the Netherlands; and „A Media for Diversity“, sponsored by the Nordic Council of Ministers Office.
