Panel on “What is Queer BDS? Pinkwashing, Intersections, Struggles, Politics.”

By pinkwatcher Campaign Updates Tweet



“What is Queer BDS? Pinkwashing, Intersections, Struggles, Politics” is 1 of 2 public panels organized by Queer Visions at the World Social Forum: Free Palestine. Held in Porto Alegre, Brazil from November 28 to December 1, 2012, the World Social Forum: Free Palestine brought together activists from around the world organizing for justice in Palestine. Palestinian Queers for Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions, Pinkwatching Israel, and alQaws: for sexual and gender diversity in Palestinian society invite activists, social movements, and queer groups to join and endorse Queer Visions at the World Social Forum: Free Palestine.

Public Panel II: WHAT IS QUEER BDS? PINKWASHING, INTERSECTIONS, STRUGGLES, POLITICS

In different parts of the world queer groups and allies have aligned themselves with the Palestinian Liberation Struggle. Despite Israel’s attempt to win the favor of queer people in order to legitimize its occupation, activists and scholars have publicly and collectively renounced Israeli pinkwashing, occupation, and apartheid. A global queer movement is gaining momentum to promote Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions as a political tool to force Israel to abide by International Law.

In this panel, different activists will share their experiences, challenges and views on the contemporary state of queer solidarity for Palestine. They will talk about the diverse struggles that they have faced in promoting queer politics and BDS in their respective communities. Our special guest this afternoon is Angela Davis. Her vision and experience has empowered us all. We are honored to have her as our guest on this panel.

SPEAKERS

Ramzy Kumsieh (PQBDS/Queeristan, Palestine/The Netherlands)

Natalie Kouri-Towe (Queers Against Israeli Apartheid, Canada)

Selma Al-Aswad (Seattle, USA)

Sarah Colborne (Palestine Solidarity Campaign, UK)

Angela Davis (University of California Santa Cruz, USA)

Watch the first panel: “Sexual Discourses in the Zionist Project: Queer Politics and Liberation.”

For background information, check Queer Visions at the World Social Forum: Free Palestine and the call for endorsements.