Blog: Perspectives

In this episode of OutRight TV, UN Program Officer Luiza Veado talks to Human Rights Specialist Miguel Mesquita from Organization of American States. Together they talk about how the pandemic has exposed existing vulnerabilities, achievements in the LGBTIQ community, and solidarity among marginalized groups.

The enormous explosion in Beirut that killed almost 150 people and left more than 300,000 homeless, also impacted Helem, the oldest LGBTIQ organization in Lebanon. The Helem community and service centers were less than half a mile from the epicenter of the explosion and suffered heavy damages as a result. However, the true tragedy was the enormous number of individuals who are now left homeless and without basic needs. Staff and volunteers have been heavily involved in the relief effort around the city but they can do so much more with our help. Thousands of individuals are in need of shelter, food, money for repairs, and medical equipment. 

The Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda needs to address a more inclusive and equitable peace for people of all genders, sexual orientations, and gender expressions. Some organizations, including OutRight Action International, have been advocating for an LGBTIQ-inclusive understanding of the WPS agenda. This is why OutRight created a document that provides more information about how you can get involved in this effort at the UN level.

In this episode of OutRight TV, UN Program Officer Luiza Veado interviews Amanda McRae, Director of UN Advocacy at Women Enabled International. Luiza and Amanda discuss WEI's work at the intersection of disability and gender, the similarities in discrimination during the COVID-19 response, and how organizations can be more intersectional.

In this episode of OutRight TV, Arabic Media Coordinator Nazeeha Saeed speaks to Kuwait natives Nour and Yousef, a transgender woman and a transgender man. Staying anonymous due to safety reasons, the two talk to Nazeeha about violence, discrimination, and everyday struggles they face as a result of being trans and unaccepted in society.

I didn’t like girls. This mindset has, of course, adapted a little since I was 4, but I just liked boys better. Kickball, soccer, video games - those were my JAM. Still are to an extent. And though I may have enjoyed the occasional game of “house,” after 10 minutes of playing "mother," I wanted to get back to my boys. ...Wait, mother?? Growing up, I always knew I was different. Being the product of a Black father and a White mother had an influence on that frame of mind, but to me, it went beyond what my white peers referred to as my “exotic” looks. I am a transwoman. Coming to that conclusion – as you can imagine – was a life-long journey. 

In this episode of OutRight TV, UN Program Officer Luiza Veado speaks to Roberto Cuerto, founder of Somoskuir, a digital platform for queer people and stories. Roberto discusses how COVID-19 and it's consequential online events have expanded accessibility for those with access to the internet and encourages people to widen their digital circles and use their platforms to share their lived experiences.