As the charming city of Ljubljana welcomes the “Rainbow Families in the Spotlight: CareFor Exchange” conference in March 2024, participants can anticipate a rich and diverse program, fostering connections, dialogue, and a deeper understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by rainbow families.
Day 1: A Prelude to Illuminating Conversations
Kicking off the conference on Thursday, March 21, 2024, attendees will delve into the legal landscapes surrounding rainbow families. The conference will begin in the afternoon with a meeting with the Euro LGBT Family Law Institute, an informal network of legal professionals and activists committed to advancing the rights of rainbow families. This sets the stage for an evening of connection and camaraderie at a delightful dinner, fostering relationships that will fuel the conversations throughout the conference.
Day 2: Unveiling Public Perceptions and Shaping Policy
The main program, commencing on Friday, March 22, 2024, promises a day of enlightening discussions and presentations. The morning session will reveal the findings of a comprehensive public opinion research project conducted by Valicon in Slovenia and Croatia, offering insights into public attitudes toward rainbow families. This will be followed by a round table discussion where decision-makers will explore policy matters, delving into rainbow families’ legal protection, rights, and social status. A presentation of research findings from community focus groups will provide a nuanced understanding of the voices and needs of rainbow families in the region. The day concludes with a regional exchange forum, offering a platform for activists from the ex-Yugoslavia region to share experiences and perspectives on rainbow family realities and the presentation of the Network of European LGBTIQ Family Associations (NELFA) and their work.
Day 3: A Weekend of Inclusivity
The conference transitions into community activities on Saturday, March 23, 2024. NELFA member organizations will convene for the NELFA Assembly General Meeting, a platform for strategic discussions and planning. In the afternoon, the conference opens to the LGBTIQ family community with “Kids at Play, Parents at Ease: Rainbow Family Hangout” – a casual and inclusive gathering for LGBTIQ parents and their children in Ljubljana. This marks a delightful conclusion to a weekend dedicated to dialogue, understanding, and unity.
Join the Movement Towards Inclusivity
The “Rainbow Families in the Spotlight: CareFor EXCHANGE” conference goes beyond being a mere event; it’s a platform for connection, collaboration, and advocacy. Whether attendees are interested in the unique dynamics of rainbow families in Slovenia and Croatia or eager to embrace diverse perspectives from across Europe, this conference promises a weekend of enlightenment and meaningful connections.
The conference is organized by Legebitra (Slovenia) and Rainbow Families Croatia as part of the EU-funded project “Rainbow Families – empower and connect (CareFor)”. For more details on the conference and how to register, you can reach us at info@dugineobitelji.com or masa.jericevic@legebitra.si
You can register for the conference by clicking here.
Join the conversation and participate in the movement towards a brighter, more inclusive future. See you in Ljubljana!
| Conference Schedule RAINBOW FAMILIES IN THE SPOTLIGHT: CareFor EXCHANGE 21.3. – 23.3.2024, Ljubljana (SLO) | |
| Thursday, 21.3.2024 | Meeting with the Euro LGBT FLI (venue: Legebitra, Prešernova cesta 3) |
| 17:00 – 18:30 | Legal Frontiers: Collaborative Initiatives in Rainbow Family Rights – presentation and discussion with the informal legal network “Euro LGBT Family Law Institute” |
| 19:00 – 21:00 | Dinner |
| Friday, 22.3.2024 | Main Program (venue: Mestni Muzej Ljubljana, Gosposka 15) |
| 09:00 – 09:30 | Registration & coffee |
| 09:30 – 10:30 | In the Spotlight: Public Attitudes Toward Rainbow Families – presentation of public opinion research findings done by the agency Valicon in Slovenia and Croatia on the topics regarding rainbow families |
| 10:30 – 11:30 | Policy Matters: Perspectives on LGBTIQ Family Issues and Rights in Slovenia and Croatia – round table discussion with decision/policy makers on legal protection, rights, and the social status of rainbow families |
| 11:30 – 12:00 | Coffee break |
| 12:00 – 13:30 | Rainbow Family Realities in South-Eastern Europe – regional exchange forum: discussion on rainbow family topics with activists from the ex-Yugoslavia region |
| 13:30 – 15:00 | Lunch break |
| 15:00 – 16:00 | Beyond Numbers: Voices of Rainbow Families in Slovenia and Croatia – presentation of research findings from focus groups and assessment of needs among rainbow families in Slovenia and Croatia |
| 16:00 – 17:00 | Connecting Families: NELFA’s Impact on Strengthening the LGBTIQ Family Network in Europe – presentation of the Network of European LGBTIQ Family Associations (NELFA) |
| Saturday, 23.3.2024 | Community Activities |
| 10:00 – 14:00 | NELFA Assembly General Meeting 2024 – NELFA member organizations only (venue: Legebitra, Prešernova cesta 3) |
| 15:00 – 17:00 | Kids at Play, Parents at Ease: Rainbow Family Hangout – casual hangout for LGBTIQ parents and their children in Ljubljana |