Advocates for LGBTIQ rights have made significant strides around the world over the past three decades. Since 1994, 48 countries have decriminalized same-sex relations, and marriage equality is now recognized at the federal level in 37 nations. Transgender and gender-diverse individuals in 18 countries can now self-determine their gender on official documents. Pride events were held in at least 100 countries in 2023, signaling a growing global movement for LGBTIQ rights.
However, the fight for equality is far from over. In 63 countries, homosexuality remains criminalized, with harsh penalties, including death in some regions. Transgender and gender-diverse people face targeted discrimination in 104 countries. The rise of authoritarian regimes has led to crackdowns on LGBTIQ activism, and well-funded anti-LGBTIQ groups are coordinating efforts to roll back human rights.
While the need for advocacy and activism is clear, the global LGBTIQ movement is underfunded. For every $100 given by foundations in 2021-2022, less than 39 cents went to LGBTIQ causes. Of that, less than a third supported programs in the Global South and East, where 90% of the world’s population lives. As extremist donors continue to invest millions in rolling back fundamental human rights, it's imperative that we mobilize resources to support marginalized communities.
Introducing The Meridian Fund
Outright International has launched The Meridian Fund, a bold and collaborative philanthropic initiative aimed at supporting underserved and under-resourced LGBTIQ communities globally. The goal is simple: safeguard the progress we've made while accelerating social and legal changes in regions where they are desperately needed.
Join UsThe Meridian Fund's Three Core Goals
Building the Movement
The Meridian Fund seeks to dramatically increase the number, size, and strength of local and national LGBTIQ groups and support leadership development for visionary LGBTIQ activists in under-resourced countries and regions.
Safeguarding Progress & Accelerating Social and Legal Change
The Meridian Fund will maintain existing and advance new legal protections and freedoms for millions of LGBTIQ people around the world, including decriminalizing same-sex relations, ensuring legal gender self-determination, enshrining comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, and codifying marriage equality and other policies that protect LGBTIQ families.
Advancing Economic Empowerment & Financial Inclusion
The Meridian Fund will improve the lives and livelihoods of LGBTIQ people by advocating for inclusion of LGBTIQ populations into government programs funded by the World Bank and national development strategies, ensuring greater access to financial services, and supporting the creation of small enterprises and entrepreneurship opportunities.
A Strategic Start
In June 2024, Outright announced the initial round of pilot grants funded by a $500,000 seed contribution from longtime supporter Paul Albert. These 13 grants were awarded to LGBTIQ civil society organizations in a number of significantly under-resourced countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, with an emphasis on LBQ and trans groups. The initiatives supported range from human rights advocacy to health, community organizing, and economic empowerment.
One grantee, Arcoiris Timor Leste, is an LBT organization that has grown significantly since its founding in 2020. With the support of The Meridian Fund, Arcoiris is launching a sustainability project to further its organizational development and support local Pride events. Another grantee, La Maricada Collective, is using support from The Meridian Fund to enhance non-stigmatizing, quality health care for LGBTIQ individuals in Honduras.
A Collaborative Opportunity for Exponential Impact
As an individual or institutional donor, your support of The Meridian Fund will have a lasting impact on the global LGBTIQ movement. With a goal of raising $100 million in new funding over the next 10 years, The Meridian Fund is poised to transform the lives of LGBTIQ individuals worldwide by directly supporting those on the frontlines of the movement.
Download the OverviewThe Benefits of Our Collaborative Model
Established Infrastructure & Precision Philanthropy
Outright has decades of experience identifying and supporting grassroots organizations around the world - and deep grantmaking expertise. With The Meridian Fund, you can be confident that your donation is being used effectively, with a direct impact on underserved LGBTIQ communities that need it most.
Collaborative Network Building
Your donation will support individual groups and an entire global network of activists working together to drive change. The Meridian Fund will create opportunities for grantees to connect, share strategies, collect and disseminate research, and engage in advocacy efforts together at the United Nations and other key platforms.
Donor Education & Engagement
As a supporter of The Meridian Fund, you will have opportunities to engage with grantees, participate in advocacy efforts, and learn about the pressing issues facing LGBTIQ communities. Whether through site visits, application reviews, or virtual and in-person events, you’ll have a deeper connection to the causes and people you support.
Join Us in the Fight for Equality
By joining The Meridian Fund, you invest in a future where all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics, can live with dignity and equality. Your contribution to The Meridian Fund will help secure a brighter future for LGBTIQ individuals worldwide. Let’s work together to accelerate equality and ensure that no one is left behind.
For more information, or to set up a confidential discussion with our leadership team, please contact: Katie Hultquist, Director of Leadership Giving: khultquist@outrightinternational.org or 206-353-7756.
Gifts to The Meridian Fund are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.