Outright Program
We Connect
We Connect is a global virtual learning and mentorship program designed to support lesbian, bisexual, queer, trans, intersex, and nonbinary advocates, particularly from the Global South and East. Rooted in Outright's value as a broad-based LGBTIQ organization, this program brings together like-minded feminist activists to build collective power and amplify their voices at a critical moment for gender justice and human rights. By creating shared spaces across identities and experiences, the program aims to strengthen participants' leadership capacity, expand their networks, and build a lasting sense of community, while recognizing and addressing the specific needs of each community.
Who is Eligible?
We welcome applications from emerging advocates organizing and working on issues affecting lesbian, bisexual, and queer women, as well as trans, intersex, and nonbinary people, with a focus on the Global South and East.
What does We Connect offer?
Participants will gain access to a learning and networking program, as well as international advocacy opportunities, all conducted in English, French, and Spanish. The program will start in September 2026 and end in June 2027.Here is an outline of the program's structure:
Participants from all three cohorts—LBQ, trans, and intersex—will come together for a shared opening session, a closing session, and 6 joint strategy sessions on common topics identified collaboratively during the program. These sessions create space for cross-cohort learning, networking, and joint strategy-building alongside feminist human rights defenders who share a vision of a world based on equality and dignity.
Connecting spaces are a central and defining component of the program. Facilitated and owned by the affinity groups themselves—LBQ, trans, and intersex—they bring together advocates from around the world who share similar identities, interests, and experiences, fostering a sense of belonging to the same community. Each cohort holds monthly peer learning sessions tailored to its specific needs and priorities. Content is designed to reflect the unique needs and lived experiences of each group. An online platform will ensure continuity between sessions, providing an open space for participants to share reflections and stay connected.
Participants are accompanied by experienced LBQ, trans, and intersex advocates whose identities, lived experiences, and skills align, to the extent possible, with participants' learning goals. Monthly meetings, structured guidelines, and an optional mentorship workbook support this process.
Virtual monthly regional meetings, community-organized events, and opening and closing virtual networking events create ongoing opportunities for connection across the cohort and beyond.
Contingent on funding availability, some participants will have the opportunity to participate in international and regional advocacy activities in person or online.
Each cohort will have the opportunity to develop a project together, with all three projects presented to the full group at the close of the program. Note: We Connect cannot provide funding for projects; the program supports them as collaborative learning experiences.
What's Expected From Participants?
What's Expected From Participants?
Participants are expected to actively engage from September 2026 through June 2027. During this period, participants are expected to attend at least 2 remote meetings per month. Active participation is essential to the program. Outright will track engagement to ensure that international advocacy, networking, and representation opportunities are offered to participants who can fully commit. Participants who are unable to engage regularly may be asked to step back so their spot can be offered to another candidate.
How To Apply
Apply before July 3, 2026 at midnight EST.
Questions?
Intro Session: June 25, 2026 at 9 a.m. EST (New York time). The session will be held in English, French, and Spanish.
Register: https://outrightinternational-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_n4TmD6esRk-qjwvxb0qS9g
Email: [email protected]
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