Pinkwatching Israel have called on all queers around the world to boycott the LGBTQ World Youth Leaders Summit in Tel Aviv as it directly violates the guidelines of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Campaign against Israel by accepting funding from the Israeli government. Interestingly, not only is the summit sponsored by the Israeli Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but it is also financed and supported by international foundations whose core mission is to support the state of Israel. While LGBTQ events around the world are typically sponsored by foundations advocating for human rights and supporting local organizations in their struggles against discrimination and violence, the summit remains an exception. It is endorsed by a majority of Zionist foundations whose raison d'être is to sustain Israel's colonial and Apartheid regime. Who else is sponsoring IGY's LGBTQ Youth Leaders Summit in Tel Aviv? Take a look at our infographic to find out.

Between December 3 and 10, Israeli Gay Youth (IGY) plan to hold a World LGBTQ Youth Leaders Summit in Tel Aviv, sponsored by the Municipality of Tel Aviv, the Israeli Ministry of Education, and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, among others. Pinkwatching Israel have called on all LGBTQ people of conscience to boycott the Summit as it directly violates the guidelines of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Campaign against Israel by accepting funding from the Israeli government. As part of the campaign to expose IGY's complicity in Israel's colonial and apartheid regime, Pinkwatching Israel have taken items directly from their Summit program and exposed the things they don't want you to know about them. Check it out here.

As we are nearing the deadline of application to the World LGBTQ Youth Leaders summit set for this December in Tel Aviv, Israel, applicants are being told that the event will include conversations with queer Palestinians and address “hot issues” and “political tensions” in Israel. Tell IGY that Israeli occupation cannot be reduced to a “hot issue” or “political tension”. Read more.

SPREAD THE WORD AND BLOG ABOUT THE SUMMIT HERE We call all those attending the LGBTQ Youth Leaders Summit to reconsider their participation. We ask you to refuse to let your minds, bodies, and struggles be instrumentalized in Pinkwash. Share with us and queers around the world why you choose not to attend the LGBTQ Youth Leaders Summit and why you think others shouldn't either. Write now.

Between November 6 and 13, 2011, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim French LGBT organizations Beit Haverim, David and Jonathan, and HM2F are organizing a trip to Israel/Palestine under the guise of “interfaith dialogue” and “solidarity with local LGBT movements”. This trip not only constitutes a clear violation of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Campaign against Israel, but is also the complete antithesis of solidarity. As queer activists working for justice in Palestine, we urge the organizations to reconsider this decision. Read more.