UK Invited to ‘Come Out & Play’

The summits are part of ‘Come Out & Play’, a three-day free conference event, which runs from August 31 to September 2, before the Mardi Gras starts on September 3. The event is organised by the LGBT Excellence Centre, and will focus on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender issues and developments from around the UK and the wider world.

CEO of the LGBT Excellence Centre, Federico Podeschi said: “This landmark event for the UK welcomes companies, policy makers, organisations, professionals and activists from around the globe to the perfect platform for connecting and collaborating on the achievement of greater human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity equality.

“We are very proud that Wales will be at the forefront of this important international development, and we will be able to showcase the great work that so many in the UK, and abroad, are undertaking”, he added.

Come Out & Play aims to attract over 1,000 professionals and officials, from the voluntary sector, local authorities, NHS, government, businesses, athletes and the media. John Amaechi OBE, a psychologist, New York Times best-selling author and former NBA basketball player, urged policy makers to listen to the LGBT community by attending the event.

“This is an impressive event, which presents the media with an opportunity to broadcast positive and empowering stories to the world, of people from countries where being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender is not only challenging, but is still criminalised and punished, sometimes with the death penalty”, he said.

“The LGBT Excellence Centre demonstrates great leadership and innovation in delivering this much needed opportunity to bring homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia to an end, by bringing together outstanding expertise and effective leaders to broadcast their messages and achievements”, added Mr Amaechi.

Come Out & Play will also feature a Gala Dinner, with fantastic entertainment and amazing prizes, amongst which is a guitar, signed by Lady Gaga.

Registration for the conference is now open, and anyone who is interested should visit www.lgbtec.org or contact The LGBT Excellence Centre on 02920 451868.

The conference will be broadcast as events unfold via a live stream on The LGBT Excellence Centre’s website, for those who are unable to attend.