This conference is a contribution to the EU Presidency currently held by Slovenia. This conference will bring together decision makers, experts and activists in the field of LGBT families. We are inviting speakers from the Council of Europe, the European Union institutions and national governments for the conference to have an impact at European and national levels. It will be an opportunity to start and contribute to a dialogue between institutions and civil society on the topic of recognition and inclusion of LGBT families.

What’s the aim?

The main aim of the conference will be to address the theme of LGBT families in Europe.

The conference will aim at:

· Raising awareness of national and European decision makers on issues related to LGBT families.

· Contributing to EU policies on families in the context of the Alliance for Families and the demographic changes and the policies and legislation concerning an area of freedom and justice in the EU.

· Contributing to raising awareness of the case-law and work of the Council of Europe in relation to LGBT families.

· Giving higher visibility and consolidating the work done by NGOs working on LGBT families.

· Encouraging closer ties and enhancing networking between different civil society organisations involved in the recognition of LGBT families in Europe.

Background

· Profile of participants:

Participants are expected to:

- be active in a LGBT organisation or have an interest in the topic of LGBT families.

- have interest in working on the issue, or have experience in working on the issue of LGBT families,

- be in a position of sharing the knowledge gained during the conference in their networks

- be able to communicate in English

- be available for the whole duration of the conference

Date and Place of the meeting :4-6 March 2008 in Ljubljana (Slovenia), arrival on 4 March before 14.00, departure on 6 March after lunch.

· Registration:Please use the participation form (the form is available below and to be send by e-mail to Françoise Barlet, administrative and finance officer: francoise@ilga-europe.org ).

· Travel reimbursement : Travel costs will be fully reimbursed. Once your participation is confirmed, you will receive a reference price list and financial guidelines which you will need to follow. Please contact ILGA-Europe to confirm that your ticket can be fully reimbursed. Please specify in the application that your organisation is requesting travel reimbursement.

· Meals and accommodation: ILGA-Europe will cover the accommodation and meals from Tuesday mid-day till Thursday mid-day.

· Deadline for applications :8 February 2008, noon.

· Draft agenda: will be sent to the participants once their application is confirmed.

· Working languages: English

For any questions, please contact Christine Loudes, policy director at ILGA-Europe: christine@ilga-europe.org