ILGA WORLD JOINS HISTORIC VATICAN MEETING, CALLS FOR DEEPER DIALOGUE

The occasion came as Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin was presented with the preliminary findings of a research project regarding criminalisation of sexual relations between persons of same sexrefers to the classification of a person as male, female, or other - usually made at birth, written on a birth certificate, and usually based on the appearance of their external anatomy. A person’s sex, however, is actually a combination of bodily characteristics, including chromosomes, hormones, internal and external reproductive organs, and secondary sex characteristics. More in the Caribbean.[1] On receiving the research, Cardinal Parolin pointed out that the Church is against all forms of violence, and supports respecting the dignity of all persons. He also vowed to convey all information to the Holy Father to continue the dialogue.

Together with representatives of governments and multilateral organisations, ILGA World – the International Lesbianadjective/noun to describe a woman whose enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction is to other women. Women and non-binary people may use this term to describe themselves. More, Gayadjective to describe people whose enduring physical, romantic, and/ or emotional
attractions are to people of the same gender. Men, women and non-binary people may use this
term to describe themselves. More, Bisexualadjective used to describe a person who has the capacity to form enduring physical, romantic, and/ or emotional attractions to those of the same gender or to those of other genders. More, Transadjective/umbrella term to describe a person whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. More and Intersexan umbrella term for the spectrum of variations of sex characteristics that naturally occur within the human species. Intersex people are born with variations of sex characteristics (such as genitals, reproductive organs, hormonal and chromosomal patterns) that are more diverse than stereotypical definitions of male or female bodies. Up to 1.7% of the global population are born with such traits; yet, because their bodies are seen as different, intersex children and adults are often stigmatised and subject to harmful practices – including in medical settings - and discriminated against. More Association – was in attendance together with Pedro Paradiso of ILGALAC, the ILGA regional body in Latin America and the Caribbean, home to about a third of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics. ILGA World represents its global membership of more than 1,500 LGBTIacronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people. Although this is not the acronym available to describe people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics, it is the most commonly used in United Nations spaces and advocacy. More organisations from 152 countries and territories worldwide.

The research presented investigates the legal and social situation in the Caribbean where – as ILGA’s State-Sponsored Homophobiafear, unreasonable anger, intolerance or/and hatred directed towards people attracted to others of the same gender. More report points out – 8 countries still criminalise consensual same-sex acts between adults, but where recently Trinidad and Tobago repealed such a law.

“There are significant positive changes in the Latin American and Caribbean region,” points out Luz Elena Aranda, Co-Secretary General of ILGA World and from Mexico. “Despite this, there is growing hysteria – often fuelled by populist politicians and some religious leaders – around a so-called ‘genderrefers to a social construct which places cultural and social expectations on individuals based on their assigned sex. More ideology’ that LGBTI persons and feminist groups are accused of imposing on society. This hysteria is polluting otherwise-constructive dialogue between churches and LGBTI persons, and driving us apart at the very moment we need to speak more.”

The significance of the meeting is global. Tens of millions of Roman Catholics have diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristicsa term that refers to physical features relating to sex - including genitalia and other sexual and reproductive anatomy, chromosomes, hormones, and secondary physical features emerging from puberty. More.

“Many LGBTI persons are people of faith, deeply loved by their creator in their entirety with all the different parts of who they are, and their choices in who they love. But we often face challenges in our daily lives because of the ignorance and stigmatisation around us” states Tuisina Ymania Brown, Co-Secretary General of ILGA World from the Pacific island of Samoa, who is also Co-Chair of the Global Interfaith Network for People of All Sexes, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression. “At the core of all our faiths, whatever its form, is love. This is displayed in a profound inclusivity that we all must strive for. This meeting at the Vatican is one step forward towards a world that is truly free and equal.”

Today’s exchange with the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church is also a moment for a call for future deeper dialogue.

“We welcome this deeply significant opportunity at the highest levels of the Roman Catholic Church.” said André du Plessis, Executive Director of ILGA World. “This open door at the Vatican today is a true moment of grace for the future, even as we work for those whose lives are destroyed by discriminationunequal or unfair treatment which can be based on a range of grounds - such as age, ethnic background, disability, and diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions or sex characteristics, amongst others. More, violence and exclusion at the hands of the Church. We at ILGA World are already engaged in deep and respectful dialogue with leaders of different faith groups around the world. For the next steps of this dialogue with Rome, we simply say: we are ready.”

left to right: former ILGA World Co-Secretaries General Helen Kennedy and Ruth Baldacchino, ILGA World Co-Secretary General Tuisina Ymania Brown
and ILGALAC Executive Director Pedro Paradiso Sottile