The initial planning of the conference is being undertaken by a Steering
Committee which originates from links developed in the cooperation on other initiatives within the trade
union movement.
The initial meetings of the Steering Committee have considered the ways in which the conference can
be organised, its aims, proposals for the format of the conference, and an outline development plan.
The conference will be made up of workshops, seminars and plenary sessions and will include presentations
by experts on particular issues. A first draft program for the workshops shows issues such as cooperating
for the change of labour conditions, lesbian/gay workers rights in specific areas of work, the position of
lesbians, and the rights of people with HIV or AIDS -- which is, of course, not a specific lesbian or gay
issue.
One of the key principles underlying the conference is that it should seek participation from all regions of
the world, and that it should positively reflect the diversity of lesbians and gay men.
The Steering Committee is to be supported and advised in the preparation of the conference through the
establishment of an International Advisory Group, and is in the process of drawing together proposals for
its composition and membership. The Advisory Group will include trade union / labour movement representatives and experts from regions other than Western Europe.
As the conference is being held just before the Gay Games Amsterdam 1998, the Steering Committee
has established a practical form of cooperation with the Gay Games Organisers. This cooperation includes
publicity activities as well as hotel reservation services for conference attenders.