As we step forward, lets remember the global struggle for LGBT equality

Dear Friends

Yesterday was a historic day.  President Obama’s support for same sex marriage represents a cosmic shift in the struggle for LGBT equality. Although there are still setbacks and disappointments, including Tuesday’s vote in North Carolina to outlaw same sex marriage and civil unions, no one can doubt that the global movement for LGBT equality is gaining strength and public support. 

Here in the United States we may be bracing ourselves for another election year where LGBT equality is used as a wedge issue in swing states.  Globally, however, the struggle can be much more fundamental.  In fact, more than 75 countries still criminalize homosexuality, some with the death penalty. 

Still, the global LGBT movement is at a critical stage in its history and maturity.  Vibrant LGBT rights movements and leaders have emerged in most of the world’s nations, and mainstream human rights organizations have become more inclusive of LGBT.  Many nations have acknowledged the importance of LGBT rights and made attempts to integrate basic protections into their laws and policies. 

However, increased visibility for LGBT rights movements has led to backlash – particularly in the Global South and East.  This backlash has made the need to support emerging rights movements even more vital, because every day LGBT people face harassment, arbitrary arrest and detention, separation from partners and children, and even murder – simply for trying to live with dignity and honesty.

The urgent need for a strong, global LGBT movement is why I joined the board of the International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC).  With staff in the Philippines, South Africa, Argentina and the US, IGLHRC supports local movements in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa.  Our work begins on the ground level, listening to, partnering with and training human rights defenders.  Then we help bring their voices to national, regional and international stages, including the United Nations, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Asia Pacific Forum, and the Inter-American Commission for Human Rights.

To learn more about IGLHRC’s work, check out their website: http://www.iglhrc.org/

IGLHRC’s work is funded primarily by private foundations, and government agencies, including the U.S. State Department that supports our groundbreaking work on Iran. 

I am writing in the hope that you will join me in helping to expand our support to include more individuals.  Individuals like you and me who were moved by President Obama’s groundbreaking announcement.  Individuals like you and me who understand that the struggle for human dignity does not end at our borders. 

To support IGLHRC’s important work, you can go directly to the IGLHRC the Donate Now  button on the IGLHRC web site.   If you plan to be in the New York area in July 16, you could also consider attending our annual event, Celebration of Courage where we are honoring Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin.

If you have any questions about IGLHRC, please let me know and what I can’t answer I can refer to our talented staff.

With hope and love,

Tod