[csaa-forum] resist to exist

[Baden Offord]

** RESIST TO EXIST:
STOP enforced INVISIBILITY of LGBT community in RUSSIA
------------------------------------------------------------
 Dear Friends and Supporters,

The last 24 months have witnessed an unprecedented onslaught against the LGBT movement in Russia. An orchestrated campaign headed by the government, religious leaders, state controlled and non-independent TV, radio, print and online media, regional and local politicians and various civil society actors including nationalists and parent groups, have actively coerced together in a rigorous attempt to curb the human rights and freedom of LGBT people in Russia.
 
Side by Side LGBT Film Festival has been working across Russia (Saint Petersburg, Moscow, Tomsk, Perm, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Kemerovo, Archangelsk) since 2007. In that period we have been one of the key actors in helping to bring around change and through our work play a pivotal role in breaking the silence on LGBT issues, stimulating dialogue and discussion within the public domain.

In spite of the deteriorating situation and the continued crackdown we aim to maximize and extend the range of accurate information on LGBT and LGBT rights within the public space, challenging stereotypes and obsolete notions currently being expounded by conservative elements within society. Through establishing alternative discourses on LGBT issues we seek to win over adherents to ideas of equality, respect and non-discriminatory practices and behaviour.
 
Side by Side LGBT Film Festival has recently launched a fundraising campaign RESIST TO EXIST (http://bok-o-bok.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=dbede688c5271e8af4ffaca00&id=8c61b83cc6&e=e8b8704305)

 http://bok-o-bok.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=dbede688c5271e8af4ffaca00&id=124f8a484b&e=e8b8704305
 In order to continue with our invaluable work financial resources are needed to meet organisational, project and legal costs.

How you can Help:

 If you can provide informational support to our campaign RESIST TO EXIST (http://bok-o-bok.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=dbede688c5271e8af4ffaca00&id=45b14fefb0&e=e8b8704305) Side by Side would be grateful. You can help by doing either one, several or all below:

 (1) Circulate information to your friends and colleagues through your social networks: facebook and twitter
 
 (2) If you have a website place a banner and a link to our website

 (3) Circulate information through your newsletter

 OR
 
 (4) Make a donation
 
http://bok-o-bok.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=dbede688c5271e8af4ffaca00&id=df64a10355&e=e8b8704305
 
 If you have any questions concerning the campaign or need materials please write to Manny de Guerre. (mailto:manny at bok-o-bok.ru)

 Thanks again for your generous donation and in advance for you continued support and solidarity,
 
 Best wishes,

 Manny de Guerre
 http://bok-o-bok.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=dbede688c5271e8af4ffaca00&id=1b568cac72&e=e8b8704305


----
Baden Offord, Ph.D.
Professor of Cultural Studies and Human Rights

Director, Community Engagement
School of Arts and Social Sciences
Co-Director, Centre for Peace and Social Justice
Southern Cross University

PO Box 157, Lismore 2480 Australia

e: baden.offord at scu.edu.au
t: + 61 2 6620 3162
f: + 61 2 6622 1683

Staff Page: http://www.scu.edu.au/staffdirectory/person_detail.php?person=9217
New Book 2014: http://www.anthempress.com/inside-australian-culture
Executive Council Member IAFOR: http://iafor.org/iafor/international-advisory-board-executive-council/
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYDpNHE51qY