The World Outgames - a major international cultural and sporting event - took place in Copenhagen between 25 July to 2 August 2009. No fewer than 38 different sports disciplines were featured, from aerobics to wrestling, for competitors at all skill levels. In addition to this a wide variety of cultural events including performances, exhibitions and parties were staged in streets and venues throughout Copenhagen.
The organizers behind the World Outgames event described it as an "international event for the body, mind and spirit. We celebrate the talents and contributions of gay, bisexual and transsexual men and women from all corners of the globe."
Also included was a major human rights conference which addressed issues and concerns of the LGBT community [LGBT, an English acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transsexual people].
The Danish Institute for Human Rights was one of the partners supporting the conference, which focused on the core values of World Outgames 2009: Freedom for all, allowing people to love whom they wish to, regardless of who they are and where in the world they live.
Up to 1,000 participants took part in the conference, which discussed the human rights of homosexual, bisexual and transgender people
The conference, which aimed to cover many of the major political and social challenges that affect LGBT persons across the globe, focused on ten major themes:
- Human rights and politics
- Sports
- Culture and media
- Work life and rights
- Business and business opportunities relating to LGBT community
- Education
- History of LGBT
- Family and relationships
- Health
- Body and pleasure
One of the concrete goals of the conference was to collect and present numerous examples of good practice - for example in policies, activities and initiatives that contribute to a better and freer life for LGBT persons worldwide.
For further information, please contact Brendan Sweeney at