Coventry Conservatives will join with members of the Coventry Partnership outside the Coventry Central Library on the 14th of May 2011 from 11am to 2pm, to stand up to hatred by saying "NO" to homophobia and transphobia. The theme for this year's commemoration of International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHoT) in Coventry is "Couples; A love story" focusing upon loving and committed side of same sex and non-gender specific significant relationships.
There are 75 Countries in the world today where it is a criminal offence to be gay and/or lesbian. People are punished and imprisoned because of their sexuality and in a further seven countries that punishment is death.
Saturday's event will include displays and information provided by a number of agencies including the City Council on hate crime, The Registry Service, West Midlands Police, The Terence Higgins Trust and Coventry and Warwickshire Friend.
There will be a piece of public art consisting of white boxes with the names of the countries printed on them where same sex marriage is legal. This can be the focal point for any photo opportunities.
A quiz will focus on the IDAHoT theme in order to raise debate and bust myths. A prize of a Nintendo DS has been donated by Pertemps.
Balloons will be handed out displaying the message "I'm saying no to homophobia and transphobia in Coventry."
There is also an event taking place on Tuesday 17 May, the actual International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. A premier of the film "Coventry Couples: A love story" will be shown at the Techno Centre, Puma Way from 6-8pm. The film consists of interviews of couples living in Coventry in same sex relationships and a trans-couples talking about their lives and relationships. Tea and coffee will be provided on arrival on arrival with a formal welcome by Dr Gurnam Singh from the Social Care Applied Research Group at Coventry University.
The film will be followed by a discussion/debate facilitated by Vic Millard, a researcher in LGBT issues. The quiz draw from Saturday's event in Coventry City centre will take place at the end of the evening. Chris Cliffe, of Coventry Conservatives who is involved with the event, commented: "Once again I am pleased to be involved in the organisation of Coventry's celebration of IDAHoT. Homophobia and Transphobia is a worldwide issue that needs to be challenged by everyone."
Visit www.facebook.com/CoventryIDAHoT for more information.