17 rue de la Charité, 1210 Brussels, BELGIUM
rue Belliard 12, 1040 Brussels, BELGIUM
Tel: +32 (0)2 502 24 71
Tel: +32 (0)2 609 54 10
Fax: +32 (0)2 223 48 20
Fax: +32 (0)2 609 54 19
admin@ilga.org
info@ilga-europe.org
www.ilga.org
www.ilga-europe.org
3rd International Intersex Forum Grand Hotel Excelsior, Valletta, Malta 29 November – 1 December 2013
What you can’t be without …take me along and don’t lose me…
Intersex Forum III
Malta, Nov/Dec 2013
what’s in it? A few words of welcome
About the Forum The organising team Aims and objectives Working language Introduction to the programme
About your preparation What to bring with you?
About the practical essentials Getting to the Hotel Weather Working, sleeping, eating and living Other practical information
About getting in touch Useful contact details
A little abbreviation dictionary ILGA
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. (The correct abbreviation would have to be ILGBTIA – but try to pronounce that one just once…)
ILGA-Europe
The European region of ILGA
Organising Team
Not an abbreviation but your fellow comrades giving their best to provide you with a great weekend!
Page 2
what you can’t be without …
Malta, Nov / Dec 2013
Intersex Forum III
a few words of welcome… Merħba!
W
e would like to welcome you to the third International Intersex Forum that is being organised by ILGA and ILGA-Europe. You are one of around 35 people who will be participating at the Forum.
We believe that you can provide a valid contribution to this Forum and learn about other people’s experiences for yourself, your organisation and ultimately for the purpose of building a global network of intersex activists. But there’s a little more to it: we do believe that the other participants can learn something from you as well. For this reason and many more we are looking forward to seeing you on the 29th November in Malta.
As a first step to making this Forum an experience to remember for both yourself and us, we have compiled this little survival info pack for you. We hope you appreciate the work behind these pages and we invite you to take a small tour with us along the coming pages making sure you read attentively and pick all the hints, comments and sights.
Some of the following information gives you some advice on how to prepare for the programme. We also include the aims and objectives of this Forum once again and present you with the programme.
Even though we would like you to read and think through the programme, we would like you not to be astonished if, upon your longingly expected arrival, the programme has changed a little. More so: it might change a little further throughout the weekend! Why is that? You might be asking yourself. Don’t they know what they want?
Well, actually we know what we want. But we are organising this Forum for you, so we have to and want to be able to react to your needs or difficulties, ideas or demands, proposals or desires.
...take me along and don’t lose me
Page 3
Intersex Forum III
Malta, Nov/Dec 2013
This Forum is yours!
Next to the thematic preparation we have also included some essential organisational information. Please make sure you read this information carefully!
As you will see on the following pages, the programme of the Forum looks quite demanding. And it will be…
But we are also planning to have a good time too. The Forum does not end at sunset, not at all. Should you have any questions, suggestions, problems or proposals – please do not hesitate to contact us anytime. We promise we will get in touch as quickly as we can!
This is all for now. We are looking forward to seeing you soon!
Your ever-dedicated team:
Hida, Mani, Mauro, Ruth and Silvan
Page 4
what you can’t be without …
Malta, Nov / Dec 2013
Intersex Forum III
the organising team
S
ome of you know us all; some of you know a few of us and others do not know anyone of us.
We first thought about putting some photo and bios here, but then decided that we want to leave that wonderful surprise for the weekend!
So there are five of us, with a mix of backgrounds, different ideas, different ways of thinking and different ways of working...
But despite these differences we make a great team and are just waiting for the day when it will all begin! That’s it! The rest you’ll have to find out yourself!
aims & objectives
A
s with every good event, there is a real need and a clear motivation behind this International Forum. During the past years, ILGA and ILGA-Europe have
discussed,
through
member
organisations
and
within
the
organisations themselves, the importance of working and including intersex issues within all our areas of work.
In 2010, following an extensive process of discussions and the eventual inclusion of “Intersex” as part of ILGA’s name, both organisations felt the need to take a proactive stance towards making intersex issues part of their work. This resulted into a discussion amongst those member organisations present at the conference and a specific recommendation from the Conference – the highest decision-making body of ILGA - to the ILGA World Executive Board. This Forum started as a first step to respond to such recommendation. ...take me along and don’t lose me
Page 5
Intersex Forum III
Malta, Nov/Dec 2013
Objectives of the Forum:
1. To bring together intersex activists from all the ILGA regions with the aim to establishing an international network 2. To brainstorm on expectations from ILGA, whilst setting out a mandate for ILGA with realistic objectives and strategies for the next two years; 3. To initiate a discussion within ILGA in relation to the political language to be used in relation to intersex-related issues, organisations and individuals; 4. To set objectives and common goals in getting organised internationally; 5. To serve as a platform to reach out to more intersex organisations and the international intersex movement.
working language
T
he working languages of this weekend will be English. Don’t be afraid, your English doesn’t need to be perfect and “accent-free”. It should be good enough to actively participate in discussions as well in smaller working
groups. The other language is one of respect and understanding, which we all undoubtedly master.
introduction to the programme
A
s you know the Intersex Forum will deal with different aspects. Starting from your personal experience, we intend to address a variety of topics, all connected to the main focus, and their impact on the lives of intersex
people around the world.
Page 6
what you can’t be without …
Malta, Nov / Dec 2013
Intersex Forum III
All the methods used to formally convey information at this event present a nonformal way of sharing information.
This means that the learning process is based on your experience, your motivation and your needs. It means that you are responsible for your own learning, but that the team and the group support you. It means that your feedback is valid and important, and will be used to improve our future.
programme grid
11.00 – 11.30 11.30 – 13.00
13.00 – 14.30 14.30 – 16.00
16.00 – 16.30 16.30 – 17.30
17.30 – 18.00
20.00
Session 1: Opening / Introductions
Session 2: Building Bridges
Breakfast Session 4: Workshops 1 & 2
Coffee Break Session 5: Workshops 3 & 4
Sunday 1 December
Session 8: Strategies: Towards a Common Outcome
Lunch @ Hotel Excelsior Session 3: Session 6: Self14.30 – 15.30 Depathologisation organised spaces Session 9: and Human Concluding (e.g. regional Rights Session meetings, networking, thematic meetings)
Intersex @ the UN + Visit from Minister of Civil Liberties Hon. Dr Helena Dalli
Coffee Break 16.30 – 17.00 Wrap-up / Reflection Session
Wrap-up / Reflection Session Dinner (organised by us)
...take me along and don’t lose me
Monday 2 December
Session 7: Strategies: Towards a Common Outcome
Some departures or free time for those not leaving on Sunday
9.30 – 11.00
Saturday 30 November
Departure: Goodbyes and going back home
Friday 29 November
Page 7
Intersex Forum III
Malta, Nov/Dec 2013
what to bring with you
T
here are a number of things we would like you to bring along – they are equally important and we would like to ask you not to only read through this list but also to bring the stuff along!
a) A short one-page introduction of your organisation and/or your work b) Your experience and skills! c) A lot of sunshine and definitely good mood for work (and play) d) Your
phone/laptop/tablet charger and adapter (The electrical supply is 230 volts /
frequency is 50 hertz. The 3-pin rectangular plug system is used, as in the UK.)
Each and every single item on the list has a particular importance, and a specific meaning. By bringing these along, you already make your first contribution to the success of this weekend. Thank you!
If it makes you happy: Our list of things is much, much longer, so long indeed that we had to use numbers instead of letters…And we promise to bring some sunshine and a lot of good mood ourselves!
Page 8
what you can’t be without …
Malta, Nov / Dec 2013
Intersex Forum III
getting to Grand Hotel Excelsior The address of our accommodation and meeting venue is: Grand Hotel Excelsior Great Siege Road Floriana** www.excelsior.com.mt Hotel Tel: +356 2125 0520
** Valletta is a walled city and the hotel lies just outside the walls of Valletta, so technically it’s Floriana. So don’t get confused about the address.
Malta International Airport Unless you’re coming here by sea, you are certainly arriving by plane and landing at the Malta International Airport – the only airport in Malta.
We are planning to have volunteers to welcome you all at the airport, and hopefully drive you to the hotel. Getting to the Hotel if you’re not driven by a volunteer By car: If you’re feeling adventurous and want to hire a car, this is how you get to the hotel. From the airport, go straight across the roundabout, following signs for Valletta. Turn right at the second roundabout and left at the third (yes, we like roundabouts). At the end of the hill, turn left and then right into the main road (13 December Road, Marsa). Drive north towards Valletta, passing Portes des Bombes, towards Floriana and then towards Marsamxett Harbour. Grand Hotel Excelsior is on the left hand side.
All the road signs in Malta are in English and please remember that driving is on the left! International and national driving licenses are accepted.
...take me along and don’t lose me
Page 9
Intersex Forum III
Malta, Nov/Dec 2013
By taxi: Should you wish you can opt for the Hotel’s Chauffeur Driven Service from the Airport to the Hotel Excelsior at €20 one way (max. of 3 persons) or take a taxi (white taxis) by following the signs in the Arrivals Hall.
The taxi service is available 24 hours a day from the Airport to any destination in Malta. Fixed rates are applicable and pre-paid tickets can be purchased from the ticket booth inside the Arrivals Hall. The rate to Floriana/Valletta is €15 (one-way).
The distance from the airport to the hotel is 7 kms with a driving time of around 20 minutes.
By bus: Public transport in Malta is operated by Arriva Malta. X4, X5, X7 are airport express services – these routes make it easier for you to get directly to and from the airport. For more information, kindly refer to the Information booth within the Welcomers’ Hall or visit the following link: http://www.arriva.com.mt
weather
T
he climate in Malta is typically Mediterranean, with hot dry summers, warm and sporadically wet autumns, and short, cool winters with just about adequate rainfall. Nearly three quarters of the total annual rainfall falls
between October and March; June, July and August are usually dry. The temperature is very stable, averaging 18oC (64oF). Winds are strong and frequent; the most common are the cool north-westerly, the dry north-easterly and the humid south-easterly. Humidity is consistently high and rarely falls below 40% . At this time of the year, it can be quite unpredictable – it can be nice and beautiful time, but it can be fairly cool and changeable. Therefore be prepared for the moody weather, hoping it will offer us a lot of sunny days.
Page 10
what you can’t be without …
working, sleeping, eating and living
A
s you are aware the Forum will be held at Grand Hotel Excelsior, where everyone will be lodged and fed. Free Wifi is available in all the rooms, meeting rooms and public areas. You can use all the facilities provided by
the hotel. There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, lounge and bar, a restaurant and and and ‌ http://www.excelsior.com.mt/thehotel/amenities
other practical information Language: The official languages of Malta and Maltese and English. Italian is also widely spoken.
Security: Malta is considered one of the safest countries in Europe. However, like anywhere else, please beware of pickpockets, particularly on public transport and in other public places.
Meals: Lunches (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and dinners (Friday, Saturday) have been organised as groups. Breakfast is included in your booking with the hotel. The per diems will allow you to manage your own budget for the rest of the meals. We will be very happy to recommend you restaurants and places to go; or organise ad hoc groups for the rest of the meals.
Your Expenses: We already paid the flight ticket for you (ILGA) or we will be reimbursing the flight (ILGA-Europe). Those who need to have their ticket reimbursed will have to submit a copy of their flight ticket and Boarding pass. Do not forget to bring receipts of visa fees (if any) to be reimbursed (there will be no reimbursement without proper receipts.
Water: Tap water is safe to drink, however be prepared as it can be quite hard. Local and imported bottled mineral water is available everywhere.
Intersex Forum III
Malta, Nov/Dec 2013
Currency and Banks: Since 2008, the currency in Malta is the Euro (€). Banks are normally open until early afternoon from Monday to Friday, and until midday on Saturday. Some banks/branches work longer hours. Exchange bureaux at the Airport are open 24 hours a day. International bank cards are accepted and foreign currency is easily exchanged. Banks, ATMs and exchange bureaux can be found all over the islands. The majority of hotels, larger shops and restaurants also accept payment in the main international currencies (conversion charges may be applied).
Health Services: Medical care in Malta is available through both public and private hospitals and the quality of medical care in Malta is excellent. If you’re travelling from an EU member state, you should make sure you have the European Health Insurance Card. It is advisable that all, irrespective where you’re coming from, take out a personal medical insurance policy. Malta has reciprocal health agreements with the United Kingdom and Australia, and nationals of these countries who are visiting Malta are entitled to free medical and hospital care in Malta (thank colonialism and mass migration for this!).
Public General Hospital:
Mater Dei Hospital, B’Kara By-Pass, B’Kara. Tel: +3562545000; email: mdh@gov.mt
For
more
information
on
health
services,
please
follow
the
link:
https://ehealth.gov.mt/HealthPortal/default.aspx
Pharmacies are found throughout the Maltese Islands and are open during regular shopping hours (9.00 – 19.00). On Sundays, chemists open on a roster from 9.00 until 12.30. The nearest pharmacy that will open on Sunday 1 st December, is the Collis Williams Pharmacy (15, Republic Street, Valletta).
Emergencies: Dial 112 (police, ambulance, fire brigade)
Page 12
what you can’t be without …
Malta, Nov / Dec 2013
Intersex Forum III
useful contact details How to get in touch‌
To get in touch with the team, please use the following email addresses: ruthbaldacchino@gmail.com silvan@ilga-europe.org
Or call: +356 7998 7985 (Ruth)
See you in Malta soon!
...take me along and don’t lose me
Page 13