Building on the success of last year’s WorldPride 2014 Human Rights Conference, Pride Toronto announced “Pride and Prejudice: Human Rights in the Pan Am Region” today. The 2nd annual human rights conference will be held Saturday June 20, 2015 at University of Toronto’s University College.

In 2014, over 500 activists from over 50 countries participated in Pride Toronto’s first-ever global dialogue on LGBTQ+ human rights. This year, with the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games arriving in the city, “Pride and Prejudice” will begin a critical dialogue that focuses on life in the Pan American region through a diverse range of case studies, panels and testimonials.

“One of the greatest legacies of WorldPride 2014 was making sure that discussions about human rights were at the heart of our celebration,” said Pride Toronto Executive Director Mathieu Chantelois. “I am excited to be able to continue this programming and these important dialogues for 2015.”

This year’s conference will be presented in partnership with The Bonham Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies, and PrideHouse Toronto, and the support of Rainbow Railroad, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch.
“The University of Toronto is honoured to continue our partnership with Pride Toronto in creating unique opportunities for dialogue around LGBTQ human rights,” said Brenda Cossman, Director of the Mark S. Bonham Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies at the University of Toronto. “We’re looking forward to welcoming activists, academics, community organizers and the general public to participate in what will be an important day of education, awareness and reflection.”

“PrideHouse Toronto will deliver some of the most exciting celebrations during the TORONTO 2015 Games,” said PrideHouseTO Project Director Matthew Cutler. “However, our efforts to create the most-inclusive Games in history require us to engage in critical conversations about sport and human rights as well. “Pride and Prejudice” will allow us to do just that.” From trans activists and academics to sex workers and community organizers, “Pride and Prejudice” will provide a platform to explore our communities’ struggles and triumphs. By bringing our communities’ issues across the region to light, “Pride and Prejudice” seeks to build bridges across geographies, identities, and experiences. This one-day conference will provide thought-provoking discussions with internationally recognized panelists tackling our community’s rights across the Pan-American region.

Pride and Prejudice: Our Human Rights Conference
Saturday June 20, 2015, 9AM
University College, at the University of Toronto
15 King’s College Circle, Toronto
Registration $10 (includes breakfast and lunch)

More info, list of panelists, and registration details at Pride Toronto

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Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment, and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors, and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats. Reach out - bryen@thebuzzmag.ca