We are entering the busiest time of year for OutRight, when we gear up for OutSummit, our annual global convening for the human rights of LGBTIQ people. This year it will be held virtually on December 9-11.
We are saddened that we can not come together in person this year, but the urgency of OutSummit has only grown in recent months. While the COVID-19 pandemic has left no country or person unaffected, as all crisis situations, this pandemic has affected those most vulnerable - among them LGBTIQ people - more severely than the general population. Across the world our communities have faced a devastation of livelihood, increased risk of domestic and family violence, rising mental health challenges caused by isolation and an inability to connect with communities, and an existential threat has befallen LGBTIQ organizations as they too battle to overcome and adapt to the current circumstances.
In this context, the need for a space to come together, to share insights and best practices, and to strategize across civil society, State and private sector boundaries for the human rights of LGBTIQ people is even more important. And the virtual format will enable us to engage with ever more people, across ever more countries.
As ever, we have a timely and exciting program planned. In recognition of the growing movement against racial injustice, and the fact that there can be no LGBTIQ equality without racial equality, we will host a discussion called “Movements for Liberation: LGBTQ Activism and Racial Justice”. In celebration of our 30th anniversary, we will host a plenary session entitled “Resistance and Resilience: OutRight and the LGBTIQ Movement over 30 Years”. Other sessions will cover a range of subjects, including tackling so-called conversion therapy, visibility of LGBTIQ people in the media, navigating faith-based discrimination, standing up against the anti-gender movement, and many others. And, as ever, inspiring keynote speakers will top off an incredible event.
We can’t be together in person, but that doesn’t mean we can’t continue our fight for LGBTIQ equality everywhere.
Registration for OutSummit opens today. We hope you will join us!
In solidarity,
Jessica Stern
Executive Director, OutRight Action International
