LGBTIQ+ communities are at the heart of building democratic and inclusive societies. But in today’s shifting global political landscape, how do we creatively resist, organize, and thrive?

This conversation will explore real-world examples of resistance and community-building from across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Our guests will share stories, strategies, and sparks of hope from their regions.

Panelists:

Bonke Sonjani (he/they) is South African human rights activist and archivist dedicated to uplifting the voices of marginalised queer communities in Africa. You can follow their story from Soweto to Ljubljana Pride in 2025 throughout the documentary screening and artist-talk at Hana Karim Studio on Sunday, 7th of June, and hear their thoughts and work around queering democracy throughout the panel on Monday, 8th of June.

Aleksa Savić, he, Excecutive Director, COME OUT Aleksa is a youth worker, non-formal education trainer and an activist. He worked as the Executive Board Member of the local youth organisation BalkanIDEA Novi Sad for 6 years. In 2021 he became the Executive Director of COME OUT, leading the organisation in the process of purchasing the fist ever space owned by a queer CSO in Serbia. Aleksa serves as the spokesperson of the organisation, he managed the organisation of Novi Sad Pride Week and contributed to the organisation of Belgrade Pride 2024 as the Organisational Board Member. He graduated from Aspen Young Leaders Academy in 2024, and he studies molecular biology.

Monika Treut, Hyena Films, is a writer, director and producer from Germany, whose award-winning feature and documentary films have shaped queer cinema for over four decades. Monika’s films have been shown at festivals around the world and in 2017 she received the Teddy Award for her lifetime achievement. Monika also held teaching engagements at universities in the US and Germany.