City of Melbourne and Midsumma Festival Inc. came together on the evening of 11 May 2016 to host an exclusive and exciting discussion into the issues affecting the LGBTIQ+ community in St Petersburg and the world, exploring how beliefs in equality and communal activism can be a catalyst for change.

The evening presented a unique opportunity for LGBTIQ+ voices living overseas to share the real impacts of the recent changes to legislation, and for other LGBTIQ+ communities and human rights experts to explore the themes of LGBTIQ+ identity and the role of activism in society.

The evening’s panel included:

* Anna Brown, the Director of Advocacy & Strategic Litigation at the Human Rights Law Centre and manager of the Centre’s LGBTI Rights Unit

* Dennis Altman, Professorial Fellow in Human Security at LaTrobe University, the author of thirteen books, since Homosexual: Oppression & Liberation was first published in 1972

* Sally Goldner, one of Melbourne’s longest standing and most visible LGBTI advocates. Originally a member of the Seahorse Club of Victoria

* Nur Warsame, an Imam based in Melbourne. He obtained his religious qualifications in Egypt and memorised the Quran in South Africa

This podcast includes the full discussion that took place on the evening.

* Listen to the welcome address from the evening’s emcee Tom Ballard, Midsumma board member Jamal Hakim (treasurer) and City of Melbourne chair of arts and culture Rohan Leppert.

* Details on the speakers and emcee Tom Ballard.