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Dear John,

Fear is an emotion — but it is also a tactic. Many LGBTIQ people know this feeling well: wondering if it is safe to be visible, to be out, or simply to exist in the world in the face of discrimination, bullying, or persecution.

But political leaders and media figures can also use fear to divide people. In recent weeks, fear-based rhetoric has resurfaced in the United States, where trans people and their allies have been singled out in disturbing ways. One influential organization, the Heritage Foundation, known as the authors of the playbook Project 2025, even called for the FBI to treat what they describe as “violent transgender ideology” as a domestic terror threat.

But as my colleague Alberto wrote in this recent article ([link removed]) , this is not a uniquely American story. Labeling people fighting for equality as threats to society is a tactic we’ve seen before, from Russia to Nicaragua, Hungary to Ghana ([link removed]) . It’s meant to justify repression, silence dissent, and make it harder for allies to speak out.

This backlash is coordinated and well-funded. We may not have the same resources, but our movement is vast and deeply connected.


** Courage Travels, Too
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What keeps me hopeful is what we see everywhere: activists refusing to bow in the face of fear, communities coming together, allies refusing to stay silent. The courage that drives this movement crosses borders and it is stronger than the hate trying to divide us.

Outright works to ensure that LGBTIQ people are not erased ([link removed]) — not from the story of democracy itself ([link removed]) , not from humanitarian systems ([link removed]) , and not from global policy. Whether at the United Nations or in crisis zones, we’re helping to make sure our movement is seen, heard, and supported.

In just a few weeks we are meeting at Outsummit. This annual conference is hybrid and you can register to join from anywhere ([link removed]) . If you want an invitation to the in-person conference hosted by Deutsche Bank in New York City — please drop me a line!

Your support helps make that possible. Thank you for showing up for us, and for LGBTIQ people everywhere, at a time when solidarity truly matters.

With warmth and determination,
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Maria Sjödin (they/she)

Executive Director

Outright International



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