LGBT Organization ‘Labrys’

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – First Arts Festival against Homo-and Transphobia to be held in Bishkek 14 May 2009. For the first time in Kyrgyzstan an arts festival named ‘Rainbow Kyrgyzstan’ commemorating the International Day Against Homo- and Transphobia is to be held in Bishkek on 17-20 May. The festival was prepared and organized by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) organization ?Labrys?, which works on defence and promotion of rights of LGBT people of Kyrgyzstan, with financial support from COC-Nederland and Hivos Humanitarian Institute.

The program of arts festival includes round tables and discussions on issues of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) with participation of gender experts, medical specialists and human rights defenders. Launch of the first social photo-comic book titled ?Road to Myself? covering problems of transgender people in Kyrgyzstan is expected to be the highlight of the festival.

An exhibition of photographic works by LGBT communities of Kyrgyzstan and the CIS, a community-prepared ?Queer Quilt?, and readings of lesbian poetry will be offered to the attention of visitors. An amateur production of the renowned Soviet ‘Blue Puppy’ cartoon in the form of a musical will close the festival program. The arts festival will take place at str Shoorukova 5, crossing Gorkogo street. The festival will open on 17th of May at 15-00.

Blog: http://kyrgyzlabrys.wordpress.com/

Dahn Pak
Media relations officer
LGBT organization ?Labrys?
Office.: +996 312 575964
Mobile: +996 555 724703
E-mail: dahnpak@gmail.com

Source – Anna Kirey