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OutSummit 2023

Date

12/04/2023 - 09:00

Type

Hybrid

On December 4, 2023, join Outright International, LGBTIQ activists, and allies from around the globe for our 9th annual OutSummit.

Every year, around Human Rights Day (December 10), Outright convenes OutSummit: a conference to advance the human rights and inclusion of LGBTIQ people everywhere. OutSummit is where people from across civil society, government, philanthropy, and business come together to strategize and build momentum to accelerate change for LGBTIQ people. This year’s OutSummit will be hybrid, with limited in-person participation in Washington, D.C., and virtual participation.

Keynote Speakers

Sessions

Session 1: Inclusive Economies

Advocating for Inclusion in Government Development Programs

Each year the World Bank makes $USD 100 Billion in loans to governments in low and middle-income countries. These funds pay for education, health, and social protection programs. LGBTIQ advocates want to ensure that these programs are inclusive. This session will describe the Inclusive Bank Advocacy Network -- a new global advocacy network, and feature examples of activism to ensure inclusion of LGBTIQ people.

Moderator

Andrew Park

Senior Advisor, Inclusive Development, Outright International

Panelists

Roberto Zapata

Amate, El Salvador

Rachel Burton

Social Inclusion Officer, Bank Information Center

Biljana Ginova

LGBTIQ+ human rights defender and trans-feminist activist

Session 2: Trans Liberation

Trans Liberation

Around the world, trans people are calling on their governments to uphold their human rights through laws and policies that recognize their existence, prohibit discrimination, and address violence based on gender identity and expression. At least 18 countries have passed rights-based gender identity laws that allow trans people to change their gender markers through a simple process based on self-determination, while others are taking steps toward recognizing trans people. This progress has been countered by an unprecedented increase in anti-trans sentiment and a surge of legislation that is undoing the progress made by trans-diverse people in obtaining their fundamental rights. The pushback is coming from an unholy alliance of conservatives and groups of feminists who typically have nothing in common and use misinformation to gain traction. Our panel will debunk some of the myths, give examples of successful countering, and discuss strategies to move forward.

Moderator

Rikki Nathanson

Senior Advisor of the Global Trans Program, Outright International

Panelists

Aisha Mughal

Trans activist and researcher, Pakistan/Germany

Tampose Mothopeng

Executive Director, The People’s Matrix Association, Lesotho

Marina Sáenz

Marina is the President of the LGBTI Participative council in the Spanish Ministry of Equality

Leanne MacMillan

Director of Global Programmes, Stonewall UK

Session 3: Movement Resourcing

Increasing Our Impact: How Funders Can Help Radically Accelerate the Global LGBTIQ Movement

Activists, advocates, and allies have made tremendous progress in the movement for LGBTIQ rights around the world, yet their work remains drastically under-resourced, especially in the Global South and East. At a time with immense opportunity for positive social change - and a dangerous, rising global backlash - much more investment is needed. Join a conversation with philanthropic leaders to explore emerging trends and opportunities in our field and how we can partner with local leaders to better resource and propel our movement forward.

Moderator

Russell Roybal

Outright Board Member, VP and Chief External Affairs Officer, National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy

Panelists

Michael Heflin

Global Grants Director, Outright International

Ezra Berkley Nepon

Senior Program Officer for Knowledge and Learning, Global Philanthropy Project

Rebecca Fox

VP of Programs, Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice

Jay Gilliam

Senior LGBTQI+ Coordinator, United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Session 4: Inclusive Democracy

Pride & Politics: The Fight for LGBTIQ Rights in Changing Democracies

In 2024, over two billion people will head to the polls to vote for their next government at the local, national, and regional levels. For many countries, the results could mean the difference between further entrenchment of authoritarian policies and practices or a turning point in the fight against democratic backsliding. The days leading up to and after the elections will be essential for citizens, particularly LGBTIQ communities, to elevate their voices and make it clear to decision-makers their expectations for inclusive governance, accountability and transparency, and the protection and promotion of human rights. This panel will explore the inextricable link between democracy and LGBTIQ rights and feature the perspectives of both activists and allies who are utilizing democratic mechanisms to counter the anti-democracy and anti-LGBTIQ movements in their countries and regions. Panelists will speak to ways LGBTIQ communities are already participating as well as highlight different avenues of democratic engagement LGBTIQ movements can explore to further their priorities.