For decades activists and human rights lawyers have formed strategic alliances to promote global LGBTQ rights. From the introduction of same-sex marriage in countries including Argentina, France, New Zealand, South Africa, the United States, and Uruguay, to the push for greater human rights protections for transgender communities in Cuba, to the enactment of anti-discrimination legislation, there has been a transformation in the international landscape of LGBTQ rights.
 
On Friday, April 10, 2015 at Rutgers School of Law–Newark, international scholars, activists and practicing attorneys will discuss the history, emergence and future of the global LGBTQ human rights movement.
 
The symposium is free and open to the public but registration is required at law.newark.rutgers.edu/LGBTsymposium.
 
“The Global Struggle for LGBTQ Rights: Legal, Political and Social Dimensions” is co-sponsored by the Law School, Rutgers University–Newark LGBTQ & Diversity Resource Center, and Rutgers Urban Systems Program. 
 
8:30 am  REGISTRATION AND CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
9:00 am  

OPENING REMARKS
Acting Dean Ronald K. Chen, Rutgers School of Law–Newark

9:30 am  INTERDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVE ON GLOBAL LGBTQ MOVEMENT
Professor Carlos Decena, Department of Women’s and Gender Studies and Department of Latino & Hispanic Caribbean Studies, Rutgers University
Professor Ben Sifuentes-Jauregui, Department of American Studies, Rutgers University
Macarena Saez, Fellow in the International Legal Studies Program, American University Washington College of Law
Anahi Russo-Garrido, Lecturer in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Brandeis University
Professor Whitney Strub, Director, Women’s and Gender Studies, Rutgers Newark College of Arts and Sciences, moderator
 
11:00 am  BREAK
11:15 am  PIONEERING LEGAL STRATEGIES IN GLOBAL LGBTQ MOVEMENT
Professor Lisa Davis, International Women’s Human Rights Clinic, CUNY School of Law
Macarena Saez, Fellow in the International Legal Studies Program, American University College of Law 
Visiting Professor Jeena Shah, International Human Rights Clinic, Rutgers School of Law–Newark
Zach Hudson, Crowley Fellow in International Human Rights, Leitner Center for International Law and Justice, Fordham Law School
Professor Jorge Contesse, Rutgers School of Law–Newark, moderator
 
1:00 pm  LUNCH
2:00 pm  COMMUNITY-BASED EFFORTS IN GLOBAL LGBTQ MOVEMENT
Graeme Reid, Director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights Program, Human Rights Watch
Maria Mercedes Gómez, Regional Program Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean, International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission
Professor Ariella Rotramel, Gender and Women’s Studies, Connecticut College
Maren Greathouse, Director, Rutgers University–Newark LGBTQ & Diversity Resource Center, moderator
 
3:30 pm  BREAK
4:00 pm  

KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Manuel Vazquez Seijido, Head of Legal Advisory Group, Cuban National Center for Sex Education (Cenesex), and Coordinator of Legal Services Orientation Institution

5:00 pm  RECEPTION
Music by Rutgers Jazz Ensemble