The biannual general assembly of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Youth and Student Organization (IGLYO) took place this weekend in Edinburgh, Scotland. 60 delegates from LGBTQ youth and student organizations were gathered to review and discuss the past, present and future of IGLYO. The event was hosted by LGBT Youth Scotland and as a member of IGLYO, BLUS was represented at the meeting.
The agenda of the meeting featured three major focus points that the general assembly had to decide on: An Education Policy paper, a new Membership Policy, and a package of more than twenty ammendments to the statutes of the association, most of which were related to the transition of IGLYO’s activities from Netherlands to Belgium. Each of the three were thoroughly reviewed and discussed in smaller working groups before being presented to the full general assembly in ammended versions and voted on. After two days of intense debating, all three resulting motions were finally passed by a majority vote.
An inportant part of the general assembly was also the elect a new board. Seven candidates were nominated by their member organizations. A lack of standing orders on the exact procedures of the election resulted in a major discussion on how to proceed in the event of less candidates elected than required. Luckily, the chair proposed a solution, a consensus was reached and the elections carried on. After the counting of the ballots, all seven candates had received more than the 50% votes required to be elected, and with seven seats on the board, the result was clear. No further voting was required, and the delegates was able to congratulate all seven candidates on their election for the new board of IGLYO. After a very emotional speech by parting board member, Bruno Sel, the chair was able to close the meeting and the entire general assembly was concluded.
The weekend also offered the delegates a great opportunity for social interaction with other member organizations. To mark Human Rights Day, a demonstration advocating LGBTQ rights was held in the center of Edinburgh, in particular to highlight current legislative situations in Lithuania and Uganda. Visits to both the Parliament and City Chambers and representation by official members of both underlined the warmth and hospitality that was shown to the delegates during the entire stay in Edinburgh. To celebrate the completion of the General Assembly, the delegates were invited to a wine reception and haggis supper hosted by the leader of the Edinburgh City Council. Jenny Dawe, followed by a gender-neutral ceilidh to the music of The Homecoming String Band.
BLUS wishes to thank IGLYO and especially LGBTQ Youth Scotland for doing an impeccable job at arranging and hosting this meeting. We acknowledge the parting board of IGLYO for the their incredible achievements over the past two years, and wish the new board the best of luck. Also, a special personal thanks to the delegates from LBL Ungdom, ANSO, SFQ, LGL, NUS LGBT, Lambda Bayern, Q, RFSL Ungdom, Skeiv Ungdom, Tolerant Youth, Wel Jong Niet Hetero, iGy and all the other great organizations present at the IGLYO General Assembly for a wonderful weekend in Edinburgh!
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