Kristin Davis, also known as Charlotte from the series Sex And The City, will take part in UNHCR’s Queer Thinking line-up at the Mardi Gras Festival.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) High Profile Supporter Kristin Davis, known  for portraying Charlotte in the revolutionary HBO series Sex and the City, is now headed down under for a series of UNHCR events including the launch of the incredible and diverse 2016 Queer Thinking line-up.

Running throughout the entire Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival, Queer Thinking will work on some of the meaty LGBTQI community issues for 2016, presenting over 18 panels, discussions, and workshops to inspire action.

Following her 2015 mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, Davis joins Naomi Steer, National Director of Australia for UNHCR in conversation at Carriageworks (Fri 12 Feb, 8pm – 9pm) to discuss UNHCR’s work preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

In light of the high levels of SGBV in conflict settings worldwide and the growing number of asylum claims based on gender or sexual orientation, this event is presented as an urgent conversation on prevention and response.

Queer Thinking curator Dino Dimitriadis says, “The Queer Thinking series is a keystone Mardi Gras event in provoking discussion about issues important to LGBTQI people and communities, both at home in Australia and abroad. The 2016 program delves into what 'momentum' can mean to the LGBTQI community and celebrates our diversity without shying away from some of the more difficult conversations”, says Dimitriadis.

Program Highlights include:

LGBTQI Refugees – Australia can do more: Queer Thinking Forum (Wed 24 Feb) explores the unique challenges faced by LGBTQI refugees fleeing persecution based on gender or sexuality.

Families Come in all Shapes and Sizes (Sun 28 Feb) brings together a diverse panel to address some of the key challenges facing LGBTQI families and what it means to be, create and raise a family in 2016.

Out Loud: About Domestic and Family Violence in LGBTQI Communities (Sat 27 Feb) is a forward-looking discussion on domestic violence within LGBTQI relationships. With one in three LGBTQI people having experienced violence at the hands of their partner, the forum looks at the reasons why and explores avenues of support for those in need.

Online Dating – The Dos and Don’ts of Modern Lust and Love (Tues 1 March) brings together a flirty mix of love, laughter and online hookups. More than just a talk, comedian Nath Valvo and a panel of special guests drill down into the tips and techniques for setting up the perfect gay dating profile that’s sure to guarantee a ‘right swipe’.

To view the full program and purchase tickets, click here