The Largest LGBT training event in Europe
This weekend, the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) will host Pink Training 2013 in Queen’s University Belfast (QUB). This is the largest LGBT training event in Europe for third level students, with delegations of students attending from USI-affiliated colleges across the country. Over 350 delegates will be attending this year’s Pink Training as it celebrates its 21st Anniversary.
The keynote speaker of the event is Jeffrey Dudgeon, MBE, LGBT advocate and campaigner against discrimination in Northern Ireland.
Pink Training consists of training modules on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. The event is the largest of its kind in Europe for third-level students and continues to be one of the most popular and the largest training events that USI runs in terms of attendees.
It is primarily for LGBT students, but is also open to LGBT allies. Workshops covered over the weekend include Coming Out workshops, Supporting a Friends who’s Coming Out, Looking after your Mental Health, Sexual Health, Trans* Awareness, Running an LGBT Society, Bisexuality Awareness, Being an LGBT Ally, Sexual Empowerment, lobbying and media skills.
Laura Harmon, USI VP for Equality and Citizenship said:
”USI is proud of the diversity of our membership. Students have played a huge role in the campaign for LGBT rights across the island. Pink Training is an immensely positive event, it’s about empowering students and student activists to campaign for their rights and to learn how to look after themselves.
This is the largest training event that USI runs in terms of attendees and we are proud to celebrate the 21st Anniversary of Pink Training this year. Students will learn about a range of issues pertaining to LGBT mental and sexual health over the weekend as well as issues relating to campaigning on LGBT issues. Pink Training provides a safe space for LGBT students to network and share ideas. The level of interest in this year’s event has been exceptionally high, as it has been in previous years.”
Caoimhe Mc Neill, QUB VP for Equality and Diversity said:
“It’s a great pleasure for us to be hosting Pink Training at Queen’s University. We have been working towards this from August and are really excited to see it all coming together over the weekend and celebrate Pink Training’s 21st Birthday Party. It’s a great honour to be hosting such a prestigious and important event in the LGBT+ calendar and we’re delighted to welcome the delegates from across Ireland to Queen’s this weekend.”
For further information contact USI Communications and Research Executive Grainne O Reilly on 087 6776636 or 01 9052100