The summer of 2006 brought us the first ever World OutGames in Montreal, Quebec. The overwhelming support and complete success of this brought about the concept of a continental OutGames in conjunction with Apollo Western Cup. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Western Cup, as well as the first ever North American OutGames to be held right here in Calgary. The festivities will include an aspect of arts with OutFest and a human rights component with OutRights – which AIDS Calgary is proud to be heading up. They are a natural choice because of their history with human rights work and their long running relationship with the queer community.

The purpose of OutRights is to “…demonstrate the power and impact the GLBT community makes on our economic, political and social landscape,” says Chris Huestis, an employee of AIDS Calgary. “OutRights will also provide an opportunity to share knowledge, create action and raise awareness on the human rights issues facing GLBT communities and their allies.”

The keynote speaker for the event will be one of these allies - none other than Judy Sheppard, the mother of Matthew Sheppard, a victim of homophobic violence who was killed in 1998. Since his death Mrs. Sheppard has become a strong advocate for the GLBT community. She spends much of her time working towards a greater sense of equality in the hopes that one day such violent acts towards gays and lesbians will be unheard of. She testified in support of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act in 1999, has appeared in two Human Rights Campaign public service announcements, and supports the Matthew Sheppard Foundation in all the work they do to end violence towards gays and lesbians.

The committee sought local voices as well. Proposals were being through the AIDS Calgary website until December 31st, 2006. OutRights is focused on bringing together a very diverse audience; they believe the importance of this is undeniable, especially now, and the more voices that speak out, the stronger we will become. The sponsorship package illustrates the struggle that the GLBT community still faces despite such prominent moves forward as the legalization of gay marriage.

Although Canada is seen by many to have extended rights, such as same-sex marriage and protection for discrimination for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) communities, many of these legal freedoms remain controversial. While legal freedoms are in place for GLBT in Canada, many social freedoms remain unrealized. The polarization of these issues across North America has created a social environment where stigma, discrimination, and violence remain a reality and central issues for GLBT and their allies. Protection of human rights, including sexual orientation, is tantamount to a politically, economically and socially prosperous society.

Huestis says, “It’s important to keep in mind that Calgary will most likely not hold the event again. It is envisioned to be run similarily to the Olympics in that a new city will host the event every few years.”

OutRights will be born here, but we will be creating a legacy by what we present, that will be carried on throughout North America. Part of that legacy will be the development and presentation of a Blueprint document. This document is going to focus on ways to build inclusive environments throughout the city for GLBT communities. This will become a tool presented to all of the delegates at the conference, in the hopes that they will be able to take it back to their respective communities and put the ideas into practice. The Blueprint will be one easily distributed to any city in any Province or State, so it will be carried on as an OutRights project.

Ultimately the purpose of OutRights is to instill a stronger sense of unity throughout the GLBT communities, and to allow those already active in the community to find greater support. For those interested in becoming more involved in making positive change, this will be an open door. Because the point is to be inclusive, the conference truly is open to anyone. Should you be interested, there are two ways that you can still get involved: as a participant or a volunteer. In cases such as these it is often the volunteers that make things happen. If you’ve been wondering how you can make a difference in the strides of human rights as we move into 2007, volunteering with something like OutRights is a fantastic - or, dare I say it - fabulous way to start!

For more information or to register as a participant/volunteer visit:

www.calgary2007.com/outrights.asp

www.aidscalgary.org