Queer Cyprus Association held a Thematic Discussion Event on “Disability and Gender.”(Nicosia, 22/05/23) The fifth thematic discussion based on “Disability and Gender”, which aims to draw attention to the marginalization and discrimination towards LGBTI+s and people with disabilities, was held in collaboration with the Cyprus Turkish Orthopaedic Disabled Association (KTOÖD) on May 22, 2023 at their premises in Nicosia. This event is within the scope of the Rainbow Project which is funded by the European Union under the Cypriot Civil Society in Action VII Grant Scheme and implemented by the Queer Cyprus Association.
The event, organised in collaboration with the Cyprus Turkish Orthopaedic Disabled Association (KTOÖD) and Queer Cyprus Association, addressed disability and gender issues from an intersectional perspective and discussed the types of discrimination experienced by both disadvantaged groups. The event focused on important issues such as gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, bodily integrity, inclusion and accessibility, providing an informative discussion environment and aimed to raise awareness about stereotypes. The event was organised in an open session format and provided an interactive space where participants had the opportunity to share their experiences and voice their opinions. Participants especially emphasized that the neglect of disabled people in society is similar to the neglect of LGBTI+s. There was great interest in the event and participants included experts from various disciplines including individuals from civil society. This diversity brought a rich perspective to the discussions on disability and gender issues and throughout the event, current issues and inequalities on disability and gender were addressed, with particular emphasis on access to employment, prejudice and some stereotypes causing serious harm. Participants also shared recommendations for raising social awareness and building an inclusive society.
Representatives of Queer Cyprus Association and Cyprus Turkish Orthopaedic Disabled Association stated that in order to further raise the voices of LGBTI+ persons with disabilities and expand their solidarity networks, they will continue such valuable events to raise awareness on disability and gender issues through collaborative efforts. In addition, at the end of the event, the moderators underlined that people who are subjected to discrimination and marginalization based on disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in society can reach Queer Cyprus Association for psychological, legal and social assistance via the Solidarity Line 0542 858 58 47 or queercyprus@gmail.com email address.
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