17 August 2021
OutRight Mourns Passing of Long-Time Supporter, Ambassador Jim Hormel
James Hormel, the first openly LGBTIQ ambassador of the USA, died in San Francisco, CA on Friday, August 13, 2021. Jim was a pioneer in terms of LGBTIQ representation in government and foreign diplomacy. In addition to being the country’s first openly LGBTIQ ambassador, serving in Luxembourg between 1999 and 2001, he was a member of the United Nations (UN) delegation from the USA to the Human Rights Commission and an alternate for the UN General Assembly.
Outside of his professional career, Jim was a significant force in the establishment and growth of numerous organizations promoting LGBTIQ equality, including being an active supporter of OutRight for over twenty years. Together with his husband Michael, Jim’s support bolstered OutRight’s global work overall and helped launch OutRight’s flagship annual conference for global LGBTIQ equality, OutSummit, now in its 7th year, which brings together stakeholders from across civil society, State and private sector boundaries.
Executive Director of OutRight Action International, Jessica Stern, reflects:
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of our long-time supporter and friend Jim Hormel. His investment in the global LGBTIQ movement provided crucial support for OutRight at a time when LGBTIQ issues were contentious even in countries which are heralded as torchbearers for equality now. Jim’s support also sent an important signal to other political leaders and donors that LGBTIQ people and issues must be included in the broader fight for human rights - and that the movement for LGBTIQ equality goes beyond our borders. We will remember his leadership, friendship and solidarity with LGBTIQ people everywhere, and we send our heartfelt condolences to his husband Michael and his family and friends.”

Jim and his husband Michael at OutRight’s 25th anniversary gala
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OutRight Action International works at a global, regional and national level to eradicate the persecution, inequality, and violence lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) people face around the world. From its offices in 7 countries and headquarters in New York, OutRight builds 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.
Published on August 17, 2021 | OutRight Action International an LGBT human rights organization
