While LGBTQ groups have achieved remarkable, rapid progress in many Western democracies, other regions of the world continue to repress and actively discriminate against LGBTQ individuals.
A panel of international experts and transnational activists will explore the issue that we face globally, not just nationally and locally. Crosscut is helping to sponsor a panel discussion this Wednesday featuring: Anthony Adero, LGBT activist from Nairobi, Kenya; Amie Bishop and Jessica Stern, International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission; Marsha Botzer, transnational trans-activist; Angeline Jackson, executive director of Quality of Citizenship Jamaica; and state Rep. Brady Walkinshaw, D-Seattle. Bishop, an independent global health and human rights consultant and co-chair of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, will moderate the discussion.
The doors open for this free event at 5:30 p.m. May 13 at Capitol Hill's Sole Repair, 1001 E. Pike Street, and the discussion begins at 6 p.m. This event is part of the Intersections in International Affairs series, hosted by the University of Washington Master of Arts in Applied International Studies, in partnership with the World Affairs Council and Crosscut. Register for the event and mingle with panelists at a reception afterward here.
Whether you attend or can't make it, here’s some background reading to turn you into a smartypants on LGBTQ global equality.
LGBTQ Global Equality:
The New York Times featured panelist Jackson in "Jamaica Woman Brings Attention to Rapes Targeting Lesbians" on April 28.
She was also mentioned in an April 9 speech by President Barack Obama here.
"Serious Concerns Raised Over Discriminatory Malawi Law Targeting LGBTI People" International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission, April 17.
"Count Us In survey shows numbers of homeless youth holding steady" Crosscut, March 12.
"Sawant forum to tackle Capitol Hill’s anti-LGBTQ crime spike" Crosscut, March 3.
"Quorum: Global LGBT Voices": Several talks and panels from different global voices around the world.
The Global Forum on MSM & HIV: Advocates for equitable access to effective HIV prevention, care, treatment, and support services.
"Erasing 76 Crimes: The human toll of 76 countries' anti-gay laws and the Struggle to repeal them," 76crimes.com, May 8.
"Meet the LGBT youth who chose homelessness over staying in the closet," Crosscut, Jan. 14.
"Q&A: How to tackle the backlash against gay rights?" World Economic Forum, November 10.
"Revitalizing the Fight against Homophobia in Africa" Center for Strategic & International Studies, May 12.
Bishop, who is also a member of the the UW Master of Arts in Applied International Studies' Civic Council, contributed research to this article.