Hi Aimee,
thank you for bringing up this to public attention.
We are aware about this conflict and awful situation for queer community
during next years SotM. Nevertheless we decided to go to Africa next
year. A long time we planned this. It was interrupted by Corona
pandemia. We will do everything that _everyone_ who is not able to
travel (and there are a lot beside the queer community) are able to
participate nevertheless in the hybrid mode of the conference.
I'm very sorry about this and also aware that "kind words" don't help or
change the bad situation of the queer community ..
Christine
Am 16.08.23 um 00:23 schrieb Aimee Knight:
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
<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
<mailto: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/
<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____
__ __
_______________________________________________
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