Dear Federica et al, While I understand the challenges that were faced in selecting a venue for the 2023 conference and the subsequent need to reschedule, I am troubled by the choice of host country for the 2024 event. I firmly believe in the importance of ensuring that the SotM conference is accessible and welcoming to all members of our global community. The decision to host the conference in a country that criminalizes LGBTQ+ individuals, such as Kenya, raises significant ethical concerns.
It is my understanding that the OpenStreetMap Foundation (OSMF) has established policies that prioritize inclusivity and respect for human rights. The recent crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights in Kenya and other countries in the region is well-documented [1][2][3], and this goes against the principles of inclusivity that the OSMF stands for. By choosing a host country where a significant portion of our community would face the risk of imprisonment and discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, we risk alienating and excluding valued contributors who would otherwise seek to attend the SotM conference. It is essential to remember that the strength of OpenStreetMap lies in its diverse and global community, and we should strive to create an environment that is safe and respectful for all. I kindly request that the SotM Organising Committee provide a clear and transparent explanation for the decision to host the conference in Kenya. It is essential for the community to understand the rationale behind this decision, especially in light of the potential impact on LGBTQ+ contributors and other participants who may not feel comfortable or safe attending the conference in such a location. Furthermore, I urge the committee to reconsider the choice of host country for the 2024 SotM conference. While I understand that logistical and financial factors must be taken into account, I believe it is possible to find alternative venues that align with the OSMF's commitment to inclusivity and human rights. I share the concerns of many in the OpenStreetMap community regarding this issue, and I sincerely hope that the SotM Organising Committee will listen to these concerns and take them into serious consideration. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to a productive and open dialogue about the future of the State of the Map conference. Sincerely, Aimee Knight OSM: speedbirdsunflower [1] "Why are Kenya and Uganda cracking down on LGBTQ+ rights?" - Al Jazeera, March 23, 2023 [2] "Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan pass anti-homosexuality laws" - PinkNews, June 23, 2023 [3] Equaldex: LGBTQ+ rights in Kenya (https://www.equaldex.com/region/kenya) *Aimee - speedbirdsunflower* OSM Profile <https://www.openstreetmap.org/user/speedbirdsunflower> and Wiki Profile <https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/User:Speedbirdsunflower> On Mon, 14 Aug 2023 at 19:01, Federica Gaspari <federica.gasp...@live.it> wrote: > Dear all, > > > > Get ready to meet and connect with old and new mappy friends from the > global OpenStreetMap community again! > > > > The State of the Map Organising Committee is thrilled to officially > announce that the global conference of the OpenStreetMap community, State > of the Map (SotM), will be making its way to Nairobi, Kenya from September > 6th-8th 2024! This landmark event will bring together passionate mappers, > data enthusiasts, technologists, and community members from all corners of > the globe to celebrate the spirit of collaboration and open mapping. > > > > Following the good feedback for State of the Map 2022 Firenze, the > upcoming State of the Map 2024 will once again be held in a hybrid format. > Building on the valuable lessons and experiences from the previous events, > the SotM Organising Committee is committed to making this edition even more > accessible to everyone who wishes to partake in this grand celebration of > open mapping, sharing passionate voices with the entire community. > > > > Learn more about the SotM 2024 announcement on the OpenStreetMap blog: > https://blog.openstreetmap.org/2023/08/14/announcing-state-of-the-map-2024-september-6-to-8-2024-join-us-in-nairobi-and-online/ > > > > More details about the organization will be soon communicated. > > > > Federica Gaspari on behalf of the SotM Organising Committee > > > _______________________________________________ > talk mailing list > talk@openstreetmap.org > https://lists.openstreetmap.org/listinfo/talk >
_______________________________________________ talk mailing list talk@openstreetmap.org https://lists.openstreetmap.org/listinfo/talk
