


Jeff Wolfanger
Dec 28, 2021
Worldwide
Categories:
Social Justice, Equality, LGBTIQ, Freedom
OutRight International authored a comprehensive analysis of Pride movements worldwide in a yearly briefing report to the United Nations.
OutRight Action International works to eradicate the persecution, inequality, and violence of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) people worldwide. The organization operates at a global, regional, and national level. From its offices in seven countries and headquarters in New York, OutRight builds the capacity of LGBTIQ movements, documents human rights violations, advocates for inclusion and equality, and holds leaders accountable for protecting the rights of LGBTIQ people everywhere. OutRight has recognized consultative status at the United Nations.
OutRight focused on the rise of the right and the consequent repression of pride movements in a recent paper. Outright noted the resilience of LGBTIQ movements, despite the odds, in creating coalitions with feminist and ethnic activists to evolve societies toward a more just and inclusive future.
With focused stories from Poland, Turkey, The Philippines, among others, where conservative leaders and governments have attempted to repress burgeoning Pride movements, an equal and opposite reaction highlights enormous courage and resilience rising up against those attempts at repressive policies.
OutRight's conclusions from their most recent report state that:
"Pride events are the most visible element of the global movement
for LGBTIQ equality and a moment in time when the spotlight
shines on LGBTIQ issues. They take many forms, and sizes, in
some places being more celebratory and marking progress to
date, in others taking the shape of protest and demanding recognition
and protection of rights. By this point in time, Pride and related events
are held in 102 countries - more than half the countries in the world.
However, even in places with a history of Pride events, they are under
fire in many places. Whether called Pride, or taking names such as
Equality Marches (in Poland) or Queer Cultural Festivals (in South Korea),
these events give visibility to LGBTIQ people, push against social
prejudice and challenge repressive state measures and call for greater
equality for LGBTIQ people. They are an absolutely crucial element of
the movement."
"Further testament to the importance of Pride is the fact that every year
a new Pride event is held somewhere. In 2018 North Macedonia held
its first Pride weekend, in 2019 Botswana held its first march, in 2020
the first Global Black Pride took place. As opportunities arise due to
a liberalization of the respective state, or strengthening of the LGBTIQ
movement, activists take the opportunity to affirm the existence of
LGBTIQ people, challenge harmful and misleading perceptions about
the community, and demand recognition and protection of our rights.
According to OutRight's findings, eight countries hosted their first Pride
events in the last three years."
"Unfortunately, there are many countries where Pride events cannot occur. Governments may criminalize same-sex relations. There may be other types of repressive legislation or even outright persecution of gay people. The capacity of local LGBTIQ communities may be limited. These issues are continuing challenges facing the LGBTIQ movement on the road to achieving equality.
Beyond LGBTIQ equality, Pride events serve as a litmus test for democracies. Pride events manifest the freedom of assembly, a fundamental human right to all regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. It is not an absolute right, and can be limited for, for example, national security concerns, but not for arbitrary reasons such as public opinion or LGBTIQ-phobia. As such, whether or not a state allows and protects a marginalized, often hated community to hold an event such as Pride is indicative of the health of their democracy."
"This briefing paper shows that Pride can take various forms and that it plays out somewhat differently in different countries. We have noted the countries where Pride is under fire, as well as those in which Pride is emerging as a new social movement, showing that LGBTIQ people are innovative and determined to claim their place as citizens, with full human rights, in the social body."
I grew up in the socially repressive 1950s and '60s as a member of the LGBTQI community in the US. I could never have dreamed of the gains made during my lifetime. Still, I am also aware there is much more work to do.
So what is your vision of a just future? What stands have you taken to evolve your community and your corner of the world Against All Odds? Mashable.com provides several suggestions to support social justice causes, including:
-Educate yourself on a particular movement.
-Work on your habits and beliefs.
-Research the local presence.
-Take action in your community.
-Go to a protest or demonstration.
-Use social media.
-Volunteer your time.
-Donate to an impactful organization.
Where there is a will, there is a way. What is your cause?
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