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.

For more info on LGL, visit www.lgl.lt or www.atviri.lt