Dear John,
 

In April, OutRight launched a new initiative - OutRight TV - a video and podcast series bringing to light stories of LGBTIQ people, activists, and allies from across the globe. We thought that especially in the midst of a pandemic, we should connect with each other, hear each other's stories, and amplify each other's voices.

In the past 3 months, we have heard some incredible stories. I wanted to share some of my favorites with you.

Just last week we aired my interview with actor, singer, and activist Alan Cumming. We talk about “trans-exclusionary radical feminists,” the impact of J. K. Rowling's words on the safety of transgender lives, and Alan's history with forestry.

Earlier in the summer, I had the honor of speaking to my OutRight colleague Chandler Bazemore about growing up as a Black man in Virginia - the capital of the confederacy, about racial inequality in the US, and his hopes and fears about the possibility of change in the aftermath of the worldwide protests sparked by the brutal killing of George Floyd.

Our Arabic Media Coordinator Nazeeha Saeed interviewed human rights lawyer Mostafa Fouad about the life and legacy of Egyptian LGBTIQ activist Sarah Hegazi, just days after she took her life in Canada.

OutRight’s Project Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific Islands Ging Cristobal spoke to Ice Seguerra - actor, singer, bad-ass guitar player, and transgender activist from the Philippines about growing up in the spotlight, getting married and losing work, and being an activist simply by living an open life.

Our Africa Program Officer Yvonne Wamari talked to Kenyan Film Producer Toni Kamau, who recently produced the acclaimed documentary "I Am Samuel," about being queer, African, rural and traditional, and releasing the film during a unique Pride month.

And we have many more thought-provoking, humorous, and fascinating conversations! Tune in via video on our YouTube channel, or audio on SoundCloud. All episodes are also now being shared via Instagram. I hope you will enjoy and share these important conversations, and let us know if you have any suggestions for future episodes!

With warm wishes to you and your loved ones,


Jessica Stern
Executive Director
OutRight Action International

P.S. Next week, OutRight will be co-sponsoring a side event on banning “conversion therapy” as part of the 44th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Our Senior Research Advisor Amie Bishop will be speaking, along with the UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and other experts from around the world. Please join us next Wednesday, July 15 at 9am EDT. Learn more and register here!