Published on Nov 2, 2023
In June 2023, the Astraea Foundation brought together 110 participants from 45 countries for a three-day Global Activist Convening in Kao Lak, Thailand. The convening created a collaborative and activist-driven space for participants to build knowledge, deepen trust and solidarity, strengthen transnational movement connections, and imagine solutions all within a shared space rooted in healing, rest, wellness, and care.
María José (Majo) (she) & Patricia (she) from Movimiento Lesbia in Peru. Photo Credit: Mambo Kerdphon
The movement to fight anti-gender actors and policies must center activists on the ground, support their needs, and provide resources for their strategies. Our 2023 report, “Global Resistance to Anti-Gender Opposition,” identified several priorities grassroots movements need to continue their vital work. Two of those priorities, an enabling environment and inter-movement solidarity, are something Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice supports with our Global Activist Convenings. These conferences, organized by the Astraea Foundation since 2015, provide time and space for activists from around the globe to collaborate and strategize.
When activists and organizers have time to reflect, collaborate, and share strategies, our movements are stronger.
In June, the Astraea Foundation brought together 110 participants from 45 countries for a three-day Global Activist Convening in Kao Lak, Thailand. Each day of the conference focused on a theme, such as “Mapping our Cosmos,” “Collective Resistance & Transformations,” and “Collaborations & Strategizing.” The convening created a collaborative and activist-driven space for participants to build knowledge, deepen trust and solidarity, strengthen transnational movement connections, and imagine solutions all within a shared space rooted in healing, rest, wellness, and care. To honor our commitment to language justice, the convening offered on-site translation in Kannada, Serbian, French, Spanish, and English.
This year’s convening was part of a larger movement-building and strengthening project informed by research from our 2023 report, culminating in the largest activist convening in the Astraea Foundation’s history.
A heartfelt thanks and much appreciation goes to our partners on the ground, Asia Pacific Transgender Network, for their support and leadership in bringing this convening to life, as well as our advisory board, team of facilitators, language and healing justice practitioners, and all participants.
