Stockholm -- Belarus activist and journalist, Andrus K. (Canada/Minsk) of Journalists for Tolerance, recenly visited the Swedish capital for discussions with Swedish human rights organiztions and Tupilak/ILGCN -- a long-time supporter of this Belarus-based organization providing human rights and rainbow cultural organization to colleagues in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and other Eastern European nations -- also discussing continued co-operation. JfT also continues with its annual competition selecting a journalist to be sent to cover a Pride event in the Nordic area, in Western Europe or Eastern Europe.
Kiev -- The Ukrainian LGBT organization, Association LIGA, joins the ILGCN network as the Ukrainian Secretriat -- together with individuals and organizations in the other secretariats in Sweden, Canada, USA, Norway, Estonia, Poland, Austria, Argentina and Australia. (the list of names and address avilable!)
"We are proud to join this international network -- this means a lot to us in these difficult times," says Oleg Alykhin, director of LIGA.
The Ukrainian secretariat is working with the Swedish Embassy in Kiev to hand over Tupilak/ILGCN award diplomas the "Rainbow Warrior" to the first open gay Ukrainian soldier, Viktor Pylyenko and his LGBT male and female soldier colleagues. The "Orfeo Image" (art) is to be handed over to the gay Ukrainian artists, Arimas Corvus, Kirill Fadeyev and Oleksandr Balbyshev. The award is named after the anciet Greek musician, Orpheus, like most Greek gods and horoes proud of his male lovers.
The "Heimdall's Rainbow" ( for journalism) is to go to Ukainian journalist, Ana More. This award is named after the ancient Viking god guarding the rainbow between the world of the humans and the Norse gods -- and blowing his trumpet to herald the beginning of a new world.
Stockholm and Paris -- Award ceremonies taking place in the Swedish capital include the "Orfeo Imago" (art) to Touka of Sweden at her atelje in the Old Town. Awards handed over in Paris went to French film maker, Chriss Lag -- receiving "Wings" -- for her film work including "Parole de Drag Kings" -- the humorous and powereful portrayal of 22 French drag artsists. The award is named over the world's first film with a homoerocitc theme -- the Sweden's 1917 "Vingarna" about a sculptor falling in love with his male model posing for the statue of the ancient Greek youth, Ganymedes, plucked up to the heavens by Zeus in the form of an eagle -- thus the "wings."
The "Orfeo Imago" was given to the French artist, Jean-Luc Verna, for designing the LGBT monument in Paris -- the massive bronze star. These award presentation was made possible through Tupilak-supporters, French journalist, Catherine Durand and her husband, Francis Fanelli.
Other Award Presentations in Berlin
Berlin -- Tupilak-supporter, Swedish teacher/film maker, Ryan Tebo, is presenting the over-due awards in the German capital --.the "Rainbow Warrior" to the two Russian lesbians in exile, Aleksandra Skotjilenko and her partner, Sonja Subbotina. Aleksandra was jailed for her criticism of the war in Ukraine. (photo) And the "Orfeo Imago" to the duo, Greif Lazic now residing in Berlin.
Stockholm -- On January 7, Tupilak/ILGCN award-winning author and researher, Anna Kájková (UK/Czech) will visit the Holocaust Museum in the Swedish capital to speak about the "Amazing Margot Heuman: Queer Love in the Holocaust." Anna has written a number of books about the fate of LGBT people in the Holocaust and is a frequest lecturer in many cities speaking about LGBT histories in the Holocaust.
Stockholm -- On Tuesday, January 20 (15.00-16.00) , Tupilak is to begin the first of its monthly Rainbow Poetry Hours (with Nordic and international poems, writings, music, art, photography ) at the Södergården Culture Center´s "Blå Salong." This is to take place on the 3rd Tuesday of the month..
Stockholm -- On Tuesday January 27, the International Holocaust Day, Tupilak & the ILGCN will present comments, films, art, photos on "The Often Forgotten Victims of the Holocaust -- not only the Jews and the Roma -- but also the LGBT prisoners, Polish intellectuals, Soviet prisoners, international volunteers fighting against Franco, dissidents, the disabled, etc." at Södergården's "Blå Salong" (16.00-18.00).
The event is to include nominees to Tupilak/ILGCN's "2025 Burning Swastika" for the imprisoment, murder of LGBT folk, journalists, enemy soldiers, national soldiers, hired mercenaries, civlians, refugees in the past and in present war fare.
The Stockholm "International Holocaust Day" event will have a follow-up of "Forgotten victims..." at Fröbis. (Götgatan 30) (19.00-21.00). Presentations. films. art. .Announcement of the recipient of the "2025 Burning Swastika". -- designed by Sweden's Bitte Andersson.
Tupilak (Nordic rainbow culture workers) ILGCN (interntional rainbow culture network)
