OutRight Now: #OutRight30
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Dear John,

This year marks the 30th anniversary ([link removed]) since OutRight was founded by Julie Dorf. We made this short video ([link removed]) to mark the occasion! Then called the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, we began our journey of activism by protesting along with local activists against the ban on same-sex relations in the Soviet Union ([link removed]) and pushed mainstream human rights organizations to take up LGBTIQ issues. Thirty years later we are still fighting for the rights of LGBTIQ people to be who we are and love whom we choose without fear of persecution, violence, or discrimination around the world.

Since we were founded in 1990, a lot has changed. Colonial-era laws criminalizing same-sex intimacy have continued to fall, most recently in Botswana, Angola and India. Ever more countries are recognizing same-sex partnership, most recently in Montenegro. The same year that OutRight was founded, the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases – and last year, gender identity was also removed from the same list. “Conversion” practices to change, divert or suppress same-sex attraction or gender identity, through a variety of psychologically or physically abusive means, are coming under fire from the EU, the UN, and the number of countries banning these practices is on a slow rise.

But not enough has changed. There isn't a single country in the world in which LGBTIQ people can live safe from harassment, stigma or violence. “Conversion” practices continue to take place even in places where they are banned. The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected LGBTIQ people, including being blamed for the outbreak. And a concerted backlash by conservative civil society and an increasing number of states is on the rise.

As we mark the incredible milestones achieved to date, we can not be complacent. We must be even more determined, even more strong, even more relentless, to not only keep pushing for LGBTIQ equality everywhere, but to also make sure that the progress made to date does not backslide.

Here is how you can get involved:
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Watch ([link removed]) and share our brand-new anniversary video

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Share ([link removed]) your memories of the last 30 years and hopes for the next 30

Save the date for our annual OutSummit ([link removed]) conference December 9-11, which will be held virtually for the first time, featuring activists and leaders in our movement from all over the world

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Become a sustaining supporter ([link removed]) through our monthly giving program – donate $30 a month to mark 30 years – or any amount!

Host a virtual birthday or anniversary celebration for OutRight! Contact (mailto:[email protected]?subject=I%20want%20to%20host%20a%20virtual%20celebration%20for%20OutRight) our Development Department for details.

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Join our new OutStanding Legacy Circle ([link removed]) and invest in the future of our work by making OutRight a beneficiary of your will, retirement plan, life insurance, etc.

In solidarity,
Jessica Stern
Executive Director, OutRight Action International

PS. Since we cannot hold any in-person events to screen our new video ([link removed]) - will you help us share it on social media using the hashtag #OutRight30? Thank you for celebrating with us!

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