A unique collaboration among Outright International, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, and Victory Institute, the Alliance will advance long-lasting social and economic change for the LGBTIQ community in at least 11 countries through robust grantmaking and technical support. Additionally, the Alliance will build partnerships with private-sector companies, and country-level civil society organizations and community-based organizations to better equip them to advance social change for LGBTIQ people.
Global efforts to advance LGBTIQ equality have been particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and a continued rise in anti-rights movements and authoritarianism. The geopolitical landscape has worsened unemployment rates, food insecurity, and political and social exclusion, and has reduced access to services and civic spaces.
“The launch of the Alliance for Global Equality comes at a time when the backlash against our communities around the globe is growing,” noted Maria Sjödin, Executive Director of Outright International. “It is critical that we accelerate the availability of resources both in countries where LGBTIQ civil society is under increasing pressure, as well as where clear progress is being made so that momentum can be maintained.”
USAID Senior LGBTQI+ Coordinator Jay Gilliam noted, “Our Agency is proud to support the Alliance for Global Equality, which builds on USAID’s LGBTQI+ inclusive development work.” He went on to say, “Through the Alliance, USAID is furthering efforts to ensure LGBTQI+ persons can help transform their own societies, from living with dignity to participating in civic life to accessing sustainable livelihoods and social services.”
