Out Leadership’s Post

This week I am delighted to share that in collaboration with Philip R. Crehan of KOPPA and caleb orozco of UniBAM Belize, we launched (hosted by the US Embassy and Ambassador Michelle Kwan) a first report on "A legal and Empirical Analysis of LGBTQ+ Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, A Case study in Belize”. The report is a legal-socio-economic analysis of #LGBTQ+ exclusion.  The data tells us the trauma of LGBTQ+ Belizean people having a tax in the form of being forced to do more without reaping the benefits of their extra effort to exist, with the added fine/penalty in the form of violence in their citizenship.  This revelation begs the question: How is LGBTQ+ death not controversial?  While such shocking revelations may not dramatically change anything at once, its legal analysis calls for a legal imperative to change as a consequence of the domestic constitution, the international obligations of Belize and the leadership of the Caribbean Court of Justice with its precedents, which without hesitation support human dignity and equality for all Caribbean people. Feel free reach out for the report, and see the US press release for more... https://lnkd.in/eJzfXN-2

In the fight for LGBTQ+ equality it's sometimes easy to get stuck on the bad news, but victories did happen in 2023. 🇪🇪 Estonia became the first former Soviet-ruled country to legalise gay marriage. 🇰🇷 South Korean court ruled that a same-sex couple should receive the same benefits as different-sex couples. 🇦🇬🇧🇧🇰🇳 Three Caribbean states: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, and St. Kitts and Nevis decriminalized consensual same-sex relations. 🇻🇦 Vatican approved blessings for same-sex couples. But as so often before, with progress comes setbacks. 🇺🇸 In the United States 84 anti-LGBTQ bills became law across 23 states. 🇺🇬 Uganda’s new anti-homosexuality law bans identification as LGBTQ. 🇧🇮 Burundi's president says homosexuality is 'imported from the West', and calls for stoning gays. Despite the world changing, my LinkedIn in 2024 stays the same – a friendly space where I'll spread knowledge and inspiration about diversity, inclusion and the power of kindness. And as long as equality is not universal, I'll keep sharing pictures like this for those who can't, spreading the message that #loveislove 🏳️🌈 #lgbtq #equality #diversityandinclusion #love

This weekend, the Founder of DMI, Rina Sunder, was featured on Nyhetskompaniet. Here are some snapshots from the discussion: 🇳🇴 Last week, the Norwegian Government decided that Norway will recognize Palestine as a state. 🇮🇳 Did you know that India was the first non-Arab state to recognize the PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people? 🇳🇴 She welcomed a proactive foreign policy where Norway takes stronger stands. 🇳🇴 Sunder highlighted the need for leaders who demonstrate courage and vision. 🇮🇳 On the topic of Pride, she mentioned that Congress promises to legalize LGBTQ+ couples and plans to enact laws for civil unions. At DMI, we are dedicated to bridging the gap in understanding about India in Norway. Take a look at the video below: 👇 #India #Norway #Geopolitics #LGBTQ #ForeignPolicy #KnowledgeSharing #DetModerneIndia

LGBTQ-inclusive church in Cuba welcomes all in a country that once sent gay people to labor camps. In recent years, Cuba has experienced a remarkable transformation in its approach to LGBTQ+ rights, marked by the passage of a government-backed "family law" in 2022 that granted same-sex couples the right to marry and adopt, a significant milestone in a country that previously repressed gay individuals. Despite opposition from some religious institutions, including the Catholic Church and evangelical groups, the measure was overwhelmingly supported by voters, signaling a shift towards greater acceptance and equality. Led by advocates like Mariela Castro, daughter of former President Raul Castro, and supported by initiatives such as Rev. Elaine Saralegui's LGBTQ+ inclusive church in Matanzas, Cuba, the country has made strides in providing a safe and welcoming environment for the LGBTQ+ community, fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging that was previously unimaginable. Read more: www.2slgbtqi.org 🏳️🌈 #lgbt #lgbtrights #2slgbtqi #pride

Uganda’s Constitutional Court’s judgment on April 3 upholding the constitutionality of the Anti-Homosexuality law that prescribes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” constitutes a marked erosion and failure of the judiciary to effectively protect the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) people. The Court struck down only two sections and two subsections of the law on the basis that they violated the right to health, privacy, and freedom of religion. The judgment did not look at the failure of the entire law to respect the right to life, equality, dignity, freedom of association, and freedom from discrimination. The law has led to increased rights violations against LGBTQ+ persons in Uganda based on assumed sexual orientation or gender identity and has been weaponized to stifle activism and voices demanding state accountability. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e8G-rEDJ Judges read their joint judgment that upheld the anti-LGBTQ law at the Constitutional Court in Kampala, Uganda, on April 3, 2024. © Abubaker Lubowa/Reuters/Redux #OpenSociety #Uganda #LGBTRights #LGBTQ

RECOMMITTING TO #LGBTQIA RIGHTS IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS Could multinational corporations be a better force for the maintenance and progression of #LGBTQ rights than politicians? It is certainly a good possibility - after all we know that #inclusion and a prominent focus on #EDI / #DEI is good for staff morale, retention and the bottom line. Given the pressures on hard-won rights across the world, maybe we should be holding corporations to higher and better account. (As well as using our ballot slips of course) If the research stated here about #Zoomers / #GenZ demographic is accurate, change is coming so business better be ready.... https://lnkd.in/efadbaDG

🌈📢 New Blog Post Alert! 📢🌈 As we embrace #PrideMonth, a time dedicated to celebrating and commemorating LGBTQ+ pride, acceptance, equality, and raising awareness of issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, I’ve taken a deep dive into a commonly held belief: "Is homosexuality illegal in Kenya?" In my latest blog post, I challenge this statement and explore the intricacies of Kenyan laws relating to LGBTQ+ rights. Despite the frequent assertion that 'homosexuality is illegal in Kenya,' I find myself repeatedly asking, "Which law?" This question often goes unanswered, prompting me to investigate further. Join me in unpacking the legal landscape surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in Kenya to determine the accuracy of this claim. Let’s educate ourselves, promote equality, and support the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. Check out the full blog post here [https://lnkd.in/dHH9GcQm] and let’s continue the conversation! 🏳️🌈 #LGBTQ #Pride2024 #Equality #HumanRights #LGBTQHistory

It's live! The F&M Global Barometers team is pleased to announce that the 2024 LGBTQI+ Perception Index (GBPI) is now available at https://lnkd.in/e7NB-HA6! After receiving 160,000+ results from over 130 countries in 2022, the survey now includes 11 more languages and a question to capture the unique experiences of intersex individuals. The GBPI is a survey that gives the global LGBTQI+ community a chance to share their voice by answering six simple questions about their sense of safety, acceptance, fear, and experiences with violence and discrimination. The responses are used to inform policy and research and to advance LGBTQI+ human rights rights for all. Together, we can make our voices heard. #LGBTQ #LGBT #LGBTQNews #LGBTQPride #LGBTQIA #politics #worldpolitics #europeanunion #asia #africa #europe #americas #latinamerica #transrights #gayrights #LGBTQI

"The [LGBTQI+ Perception Index] results echo the findings of the barometers. The 381 respondents from Nicaragua confirmed the country is an unsafe place for LGBTQI+ people. Many respondents cited religiosity, machismo culture, and government corruption as motivations for the targeted violence, lack of rights, and lack of acceptance in Nicaragua. Others wrote about workplace discrimination and feeling forced to hide their LGBTQI+ identities at all levels of society to avoid persecution. Several individuals wrote that police ignore complaints, act violently, and commit arbitrary arrests." Read the F&M Global Barometers' newest asylum profile on Nicaragua along with our reports on Senegal, Honduras, Peru, El Salvador, Uganda, and Jamaica here: https://lnkd.in/eSMyGHQd. And don't forget to add your voice to the conversation. Take the LGBTQI+ Perception Index survey today: https://lnkd.in/e7NB-HA6 #LGBTQ #LGBT #LGBTQNews #LGBTQPride #americas #nicaragua #Managua #LGBTQIA #politics #worldpolitics #asylum

State and non-state actors have deployed tactics such as entrapment, doxxing, and cyberharassment to target LGBTQ+ people. Anti-LGBTQ laws are worsening threats facing LGBTQ+ people — both online and offline. Today, on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia + Transphobia, we continue to demand authorities repeal + reject these draconian laws! #ProtectLGBTQDigitalRights #IDAHOBIT