We in the Guardians of Equality Movement are pleased to share with you the news of a significant milestone for the representation of the Syrian LGBTQIA+ community at the official international level.
The Guardians of Equality Movement has been invited for the first time to participate in the Brussels Conference organized by the European Union, which will take place this month in its seventh edition since the start of the conflict in Syria. More than 70 countries from around the world, and Syrian civil society organizations, will gather to discuss support for the future of Syria.
There were continuous efforts by the Guardians of Equality Movement, large mobilizations, and directed advocacy efforts with the international community to enhance the representation of the Syrian LGBTQIA+ community in public affairs and decision-making processes,. This is especially important at the Brussels Conference, which focuses on supporting the future of Syria and the surrounding region. The Guardians of Equality Movement issued a statement last year calling on the international community to involve the Syrian LGBTQIA+ community in decision-making, as they are an integral part of Syrian society. This year, the Guardians of Equality Movement has succeeded as an organization concerned with the LGBTQIA+ community to participate in the Brussels Conference, which is one of the most significant conferences held in the Syrian context.
In addition, the Guardians of Equality Movement will organize a side event on the margins of the conference to discuss the situation of the Syrian LGBTQIA+ community inside Syria and in the diaspora. The event will be attended by representatives from the international diplomatic community and international and local organizations.
Perhaps this participation will not change everything at once, but the presence of a body representing the Syrian LGBTQIA+ community in decision-making processes will make all of us, as individuals of the LGBTQIA+ community or as allies and advocates, proud of this event, which represents a ray of hope for a better future for the Syrian LGBTQIA+ community. This single step will be one of our steps on the path of our ongoing struggle for rights and freedoms.
The Guardians of Equality Movement expresses its gratitude and appreciation to the European Union, all allied organizations, diplomatic missions, and Syrian activists for their efforts in supporting our presence in this conference.
