Blog: Perspectives

In this episode of OutRight TV, human rights lawyer Mostafa Fouad speaks with Nazeeha Saeed about the life and legacy of LGBTIQ activist Sarah Hegazi, just days after she took her own life in Canada, where she was seeking asylum. Mostafa discusses the violence and hate that Sara received in the three years since her arrest, the ways in which her identities and beliefs were used against her, and how Sarah's story has changed the climate around queer identity in Egypt.

OutRight Action International was saddened to hear the news of Sarah Hegazi, a fearless, pioneering queer and feminist Egyptian activist, taking her life on Saturday, 13 June 2020. Sarah became the target of severe government persecution after exercising her basic right of freedom of expression - she raised the rainbow flag in Cairo during the Mashrou’ Leila concert in 2017. This expression of existence and solidarity resulted in Sarah being imprisoned for three months, including in solitary confinement. Due to the severity of the psychological and physical abuse which Sarah experienced in detention, and the ongoing hate speech against her from the government, in the media, and from the general public, Sarah fled Egypt to seek asylum in Canada. 

For 50 years, Pride has been a time for celebration, visibility, protesting, and pushing for social change. In a time of crisis, Pride is also an opportunity to show up for each other and for the most marginalized in our community - everywhere. With this in mind, and recognizing the history of Pride, OutRight believes unequivocally that Pride must include an unwavering commitment to the struggle against racism and violence against Black people here in the US and around the world.

Crain’s New York Business honored 70 LGBTIQ leaders and executives from various industries and occupations, among them our own fearless leader Jessica Stern. Crain’s honorees were selected for their involvement in community and industry organizations, mentorship of others, and career accomplishments. 

Executive Director Jessica Stern talks to George Ayala from MPact Global Action for Gay Men’s Health and Rights. They discuss how COVID-19 is impacting the global HIV response, including organizational setbacks, and increased scapegoating.

Nazeeha Saeed speaks to Emmy nominated journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin about why he ended up in Kuwait, about enjoying time at home, exploring new ways of telling stories, and losing oneself in music.

The bold commitments in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are being tested by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many long-standing inequalities and vulnerabilities impacting LGBTI people globally are magnified by this crisis. Governments must take action that specifically aims to include LGBTI people in policy responses to ensure no one is left behind. This is an opportunity to get back on track and radically shift “business as usual” to benefit the most marginalized and furthest left behind.