International Gay Rights (YP Discussion Group)

International Gay Rights (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our biweekly discussion group:

Wednesday, 31 March 2010 | 7:00 p.m.

Madison's Grill, 1109 SE Madison St. (Map)
(Back to Regular Location)

Policies and protections for the LGBT community vary widely by country and within regions. Recently, headlines out of Malawi and Uganda have been shocking, but have been countered by increased openness and acceptance in China and Mexico. Neighboring countries sometimes have radically different policies toward LGBTs, and
there seems to be little correlation between religion or level of development. In some places,the position of LGBTs are codified while other places leave it informal.

What are the factors that contribute to acceptanceor rejection of the LGBT community? Is this a
case of having a minority group that can be designated an internal enemy to consolidate political support? Is greater acceptance inevitable? What role can the US play, considering the controversy the issue causes
domestically?

Podcast on the history of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict

Here is a link to a very good podcast recorded at the Washington College at American University last month discussing the historical underpinnings of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.  Generally speaking, the Washington College of Law has some pretty amazing podcasts dealing with issues of international public and human rights law.  You can subscribe to it through iTunes.

http://www.wcl.american.edu/podcast/podcast.cfm?uri=http://www.wcl.american.edu/podcast/audio/20100223_WCL_WHM.mp3&email

Democratic Republic of Congo event

A great opportunity to learn about this part of Africa from somewhere else besides the US press!

Understanding Our World:
The War in the RDC

Rosie Musauet and Leontine Mwanga grew up in the République Démocratique du Congo, which is the 4th most populous country in Africa and the most populous country in the world where French is spoken. Rosie was a hospital administrator and RDC Leontine was a parliamentary member in an earlier administration in that country. Leontine is currently the president of the group, les Femmes Congolaises in Portland. The two women will present on Friday, April 2, 5:00-6:15 p.m. at the Alliance Française, on the history of their country and the ravages of 13 years of war. This presentation will be in French and is free; reservations are required so that we know how many people to expect.

Contact the Alliance Francaise to reserve a seat:
Alliance Française de Portland 503.223.8388 | 1425 SW 20th Ave., Suite 102 |
Portland | OR | 97201

Open Discussion (YP Discussion Group)

Open Discussion (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our biweekly discussion group:

Wednesday, 17 March 2010 | 7:00 p.m.

Lucky Labrador Brew Pub
915 SE Hawthorne Blvd. (Map)
(ONE WEEK LOCATION CHANGE)

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, this group meeting will be a spirited discussion over drinks. Come with any topic that interests you for a night of casual conversation. Bonus points for topics that incorporate Ireland or issues affecting the international Irish diaspora.

*Please note the temporary venue change. On March 31st, we will return to our regular semi-structured meeting format at Madison's Grill.

China's No. 1 Heartthrob Blogger and Government Critic

Be sure to check out The New York Times' excellent Saturday profile of Asian cultural icon Han Han.

Tibet Awareness Day in Portland

Despite a week of opposition from the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco and local China-related interests, today is Tibet Awareness Day in Portland.

City Commissioner Randy Leonard is the person most responsible for making it happen.

Check out a schedule of events here, including a Tibetan Film Festival this weekend at Bagdad Theater.