LGBTI activist groups and their allies are gathering in Cape Town this week to discuss the progress being made to advance equality, freedom, and social inclusion for LGBTI people. The week-long conference – or kopano, as it is called – has the ultimate aim of achieving just and democratic societies, in which all people can live safe, dignified lives regardless of orientation. Kopano Rollbacks, Resilience and Reinvention will bring together about 200 participants from across southern Africa as well as other international participants. To date, many countries in southern Africa continue to criminalize homosexuality.