A two-day Sexual Diversity Conference to be held in Whanganui next week aims to create awareness of sexual orientation issues and provide a safe environment to learn and share ideas which promote positive sexuality and gender identity.

Intersex educator Mani B. Mitchell will present a self-care workshop and intersex discussion, Karanga Morgan of the Te Puaawai Tapu Trust will speak about sexuality and reproductive health issue facing Maori, Elizabeth Kerekere and Laressa Donaldson will showcase Rainbow Youth's initiatives for queer young people, Silipa Take of the New Zealand AIDS Foundation will talk about being Fa'afafine, and Hannah Ho Wai Ling from Schools Out will present on the topic of queer youth in secondary schools.

HIV/AIDS, adolescence, mental health and sexulity-based prejudice will be other hot topics at the event.

Co-organiser Carla Donson of the Whanganui Women's Network says all interested people are welcome at the conference, which is particularly designed to target health practitioners, youth workers, teachers, counsellors, social workers, parents and caregivers.

The conference will take place on Wednesday and Thursday 19 & 20 November at the Stellar Function Centre, Taupo Quay, Whanganui. Cost is $100-190. Call Carla on 06 345 6833 or email womnet.wang@callplus.net.nz for more information.