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Dear John,
Across the globe, LGBTIQ people are under growing pressure. Political backlash, funding cuts, and shrinking freedoms threaten hard-won progress.
But here's what gives me hope: Change is possible.
In 1990, at least 115 countries criminalized same-sex relations. Today, it's around 65 countries ([link removed]) . Just in the last few years, five Caribbean nations, plus Mauritius, Singapore, and Namibia have repealed colonial-era laws. Outright's partner ECADE in the Eastern Caribbean has led the way in their region ([link removed]) .
I won't sugarcoat it. This is one of the hardest moments our movement has faced. The backlash is real and growing. In our recent report on the 2024 "super election year," ([link removed]) we found that in more than 50 countries, anti-LGBTIQ rhetoric was a visible part of campaigns. Meanwhile, many LGBTIQ organizations have seen their budgets disappear almost overnight.
Yet across regions, activists continue to meet these challenges with courage, creativity, and determination. Together, we will not go backwards.
** Making Sure LGBTIQ Voices Are Heard
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Outright International works to ensure LGBTIQ people are included when decisions are made—at the United Nations, with governments, and in global policy spaces.
When leaders gather, we help make sure LGBTIQ people are not left out of the conversation or the solutions.
This week during the annual UN high-level week ([link removed]) , I chaired the annual event with the UN LGBTI Core Group—40 states committed to promoting human rights for all LGBTI people through the UN system. The representation was truly high level.
But the most moving testimony came from our colleague Latiyah Orneill, a trans woman from Côte d'Ivoire, who spoke directly to world leaders in the room: ([link removed])
"I am a 28-year-old trans woman born, raised, and living in Côte d'Ivoire.
When I came out as transgender to my parents, I was nervous. But fortunately, I have a mother who understood her child and supported me. She fought for the whole family to accept me. I am comfortable speaking up for my community because I know my parents have my back.
In nearby Ghana, Mali, and Burkina Faso, new laws ([link removed]) are targeting LGBTIQ people. Youth defenders face death threats and prison. We cannot do this work safely.
We need leaders like you to uphold rights for all people everywhere—not just for LGBTIQ people, but for everyone. Do not erase us. Be bold. Be strong."
** You Keep Us Moving Forward
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With major government donors pulling back, new individual supporters, companies, and foundations have stepped up to help continue this work.
Whether through funding, partnership, or amplifying our message, your support makes all the difference. Together, we can keep pushing forward even in the hardest times.
With gratitude and determination,
Maria Sjodin
Executive Director
Outright International
P.S. Want to stay connected? Follow us on social media and share our stories to help amplify LGBTIQ voices worldwide. ([link removed])
** Stay Connected With Us
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