Dear John,

All of us at OutRight hope you are finding ways to stay safe, healthy, and connected with your loved ones and community this week.
 
I write today to share exciting news with you. Yesterday, OutRight released a new and groundbreaking report, “Vulnerability Amplified: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on LGBTIQ People,” documenting effects of the pandemic on LGBTIQ communities around the world. Drawing on 59 rapid research interviews our staff conducted with LGBTIQ people in 38 countries, the findings overwhelmingly show that LGBTIQ communities everywhere are suffering disproportionately in comparison to other groups - challenges include food insecurity, disruptions in health care and medication access; increased exposure to family violence; mental health impacts; and threats to organizational survival. 
 
OutRight remains profoundly grateful to human rights advocates around the world who bravely shared their truth with us and sound the alarm loudly that LGBTIQ people are at extremely high risk as a result of the pandemic and containment efforts. We hope this report will serve to educate and activate governments, UN agencies, and other multilateral institutions, humanitarian organizations, corporations, foundations, non-governmental and civil society organizations to be inclusive in their pandemic response strategies. LGBTIQ communities, which are struggling everywhere, must not be left behind during this crisis. Please read the report, share it widely, and let us know if we can provide more details or give a briefing to your colleagues or networks.
 
I also invite you to listen to an 8-minute segment on BBC Newshour that covers OutRight’s research. The interview between Paul Henley and me, which aired May 7, provides a snapshot of the situation around the world and features Lua Stabile from Brazil, Jelena Vasijevic from Serbia,  and Davis Mac-Iyalla from Ghana. During the interview, I also shared our COVID-19 Global LGBTIQ Emergency Fund to encourage listeners to contribute and join OutRight in responding to the dire need among LGBTIQ people globally. 

We also have two webinars coming up that you might be interested in:

May 15, 11 AM -12.30 PM EDT
Deep Dive into OutRight's Research on COVID-19
The researchers and participants discuss the detailed data from the report followed by Q&A.
Register here

May 21, 11 AM -12.30 PM EDT
Lessons from OutRight's COVID-19 LGBTIQ Global Emergency Fund
The Fund received 1500 applications from all regions of the world, mostly for basic necessities like food, shelter, and health care. Hear more about the applicants and the first two rounds of grants from our program staff and grantee partners.
Register here
 
Finally, it’s also my pleasure to invite you to a special virtual event OutRight is hosting with the UN LGBTI Core Group on Monday, May 18 at 11:00 am Eastern time to commemorate IDAHOBIT - the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia. The UN LGBTI Core Group is a coalition of 30 UN Member States that are committed to LGBTIQ human rights, and at the event, I will be moderating a panel on the impact of COVID-19 on LGBTIQ people around the world. I’ll be joined by Victor Madrigal-Borloz, the UN Independent Expert on Protection against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, activists from Tunisia and the Cayman Islands, and representatives from the missions of Argentina, The Netherlands, Uruguay, and Spain. I hope you will join us for this very informative and important conversation. Click here to register.
 
As we continue to navigate the short- and long-term implications of COVID-19 on the lives of LGBTIQ people globally, I cannot underscore strongly enough how grateful I and all of my colleagues are for your support, your generosity, and your solidarity. Now is the time to come together and ensure that no segment of our community, no matter how challenging their situation, is rendered invisible.  
 
Thank you for standing with us, and my very best wishes for your continued safety, health, resilience, and a wonderful weekend!
 
In Solidarity,
 
Jessica Stern
Executive Director
OutRight Action International
 
P.S. One more piece of good news: yesterday Germany became the fifth country to ban so-called “conversion therapy” for minors. This is an important step forward! OutRight will continue working with our partners in several countries to address and end conversion therapy around the world.