1.    Registration is now open for the 2017 EL*C Conference in Vienna

Registration is now open for the 1st European Lesbian* Conference: “Lesbians in Europe: Connect, Reflect, Act, Transform!”, which will take place at the Donauhof in Vienna between 6-8 October 2017. In most European countries, lesbians* have been at the forefront of social and political changes. Nevertheless, the energy, creativity, research and activist skills developed by lesbians* during the last 20 years lack visibility and recognition. This is a consequence of specific cultural mechanisms that have erased female sexuality throughout societies, and which resulted in our voices and stories not being loud enough, and our history not being properly recognized. To counter this state of affairs, the European Lesbian* Conference will take place in Vienna on October 6-8, 2017, which is the International Lesbian Day. The goal of the EL*C conference is to create an academic/’activistic’/artistic and literary space, where lesbians* will be able to express themselves without fear of being ignored or discriminated against. The conference will also serve as a skills-and-knowledge-sharing platform for its diverse representation of attendees.

The organizers aim to create a conference that includes a wide diversity of lesbians*; Anyone who considers themselves to have a connection to the word ‘lesbian*’ is invited to come and join us in our dialogues. See below for Conference attendance funding request opportunities.

You can register for EL*C’s 1st conference, here: EVENTBRITE REGISTRATION

4.    EL*C’s visit with IHLIA LGBT Heritage in Amsterdam

The EL*C had the opportunity to visit the IHLIA LGBT Heritage in Amsterdam (located at the Central Library), and to discuss ideas for collaboration with its Director, Lonneke van den Hoonaard. Together with the IHLIA LGBT Heritage, and organizers of previous lesbian-centered conferences in Europe, the EL*C are hoping to exhibit the history and effects – both via image and text, of former lesbian conferences and meetings. This project is motivated by a common aspiration to bring forth archives of European-based lesbian movements.

Additional information about IHLIA LGBT Heritage, can be found here: http://www.ihlia.nl/

6.    Join EL*C’s next conference planning meeting in Vienna on 19 May – L* photographers & video makers wanted!

EL*C’s next conference planning meeting will take place on 19 May between 4pm-6pm, at the Donauhof, located at Engerthstrasse 141 ( http://donauhofwien.at/). This is the same venue where the actual conference will take place between 6-8 October 2017.On 19 May, EL*C’s core group looks forward to meeting members and sympathizers wishing to provide logistical support around the organization of the conference, and others to brainstorm and create a visual and social media campaign aimed at spreading the word and welcoming other LBTI* women & friends to register for the conference. L* photographers & video makers are especially wanted for the latter!

(Photo credit: http://www.businessriot.at/presse/)