ILGA – Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa

IDNOWA Executive Director Davis Mac-Iyalla and Project Assistant Daniel Uchechkwu represented the network at the world conference.

The ILGA World Conference is a place to assess where our communities stand, share experiences and best practices, build alliances and partnerships, discuss the future of our movement, and collectively chart ways to advance equality worldwide. The 31st edition of the ILGA World Conference took place from 2 to 6 May 2022 in LA Long Beach, hosted by the It Gets Better Project under the theme LGBTIQ youth: future present change.

IDNOWA fully participated in the conference including speaking at the interfaith pre-conference organized by the Global Interfaith Network (GIN)

IDNOWA focused mostly on issues affecting the marginalized LGBTIQ+ community in West Africa such as social injustice, economic disparities, climate change, and criminalization based on sexual identities and orientations, to mention but a few of the deadly presence we are battling against.

IDNOWA as a proud member of ILGA were able to attend this conference. We took part in an inter-faith pre-conferences, workshops and various panels. On our arrival, we were sadden to hear about the shootings in Christ Church. We were able to attend the vigil for the 50 Muslims that were killed at Christ Church.

We took part in the regional pan-African Caucus of ILGA, contributing to strategies and organising the next conference in West Africa.

At the conference, we were able to establish links with other inter-faith networks and groups who were also attending the conference.

Davis Mac-Iyalla, Executive Director, along with other partners organised a workshop called “Freedom for all” LGBTI, Women, HIV/AIDS – By countering Religious Right. The workshop was well attended. Participants engaged and learnt more about West Africa and the impact of colonisation on women and LGBTI groups.