Six years ago, GiveOut teamed up with Macquarie, The Funding Network, and Consortium to create City for LGBT+—a groundbreaking fundraising event uniting the LGBTQI community and its allies to champion human rights activism both in the UK and globally. Since its inception, City for LGBT+ has raised over £300,000, providing vital resources to LGBTQI organisations that are tirelessly advocating for equality and lasting change.
Today, LGBTQI rights are facing unprecedented threats, with hard-won freedoms being stripped away in many parts of the world. Activists are standing on the frontlines, bravely defending their communities and challenging oppressive laws, but they urgently need more resources to continue their vital work.
This year, City for LGBT+ is dedicated to those who are ‘Resisting the Rollback of Rights.’ We will hear powerful stories from Lini Zurlia from ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, Kutlwano Magashula from The Other Foundation, and Heather Paterson from Consortium, as they share their efforts to defend LGBTQI rights. After these inspiring pitches, guests will have the chance to pledge donations in an exciting auction-style session, making a tangible impact on the lives of LGBTQI people in the UK and around the world.
City for LGBT+ has already played a pivotal role in supporting LGBTQI communities, from the Middle East to the Caribbean. For example, thanks to funds raised in 2019, J-FLAG in Jamaica was able to rebuild ‘Rainbow House’ after a devastating fire, restoring a vital safe space for the community to gather and thrive.
“The community feels like they have a space again where they can just come and talk to us. It’s very important and critical for us to have a touchpoint.”
– Glenroy Murray, Executive Director of J-FLAG
As Glenroy Murray, Executive Director of J-FLAG, explained, “When we lost that space on December 30th, 2018, it was a hit not just to us as an organisation, but to the community. They lost that space.” Now, with Rainbow House restored, Glenroy notes, “The community feels like they have a space again where they can just come and talk to us. It’s very important and critical for us to have a touchpoint.”
In Kenya, the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC) has been engaging in high profile strategic litigation and provides free legal support to the community.
Samson is an LGBTQI refugee who fled Uganda and faced harassment and abuse in Kenya. He discovered NGLHRC and attended several training sessions to better understand his legal rights as an LGBTQI refugee. After receiving legal training from NGLHRC, Samson was able to stand up against an unlawful anal examination by police—an attempt to “prove” his sexual orientation—and with NGLHRC’s legal support, had the charges against him dismissed. Without this assistance, Samson believes he would still be in prison today.
In Lebanon, LGBTQI people continue to face severe discrimination and legal hurdles, including the criminalisation of same-sex sexual activity and restrictions on gender expression. In 2022, amidst a systematic crackdown on the LGBTQI rights, Helem, an LGBTQI rights organisation co-organised a protest march and successfully challenged the government’s ban on pride events in court. Helem’s victory marked a significant win for the LGBTQI community in Lebanon. Additionally, Helem has been active in safeguarding LGBTQI individuals from online harassment, partnering with other organisations to pressure tech companies to protect LGBTQI users on social media platforms.
“After receiving legal training from NGLHRC, Samson was able to stand up against an unlawful anal examination by police—an attempt to “prove” his sexual orientation—and with NGLHRC’s legal support, had the charges against him dismissed. Without this assistance, Samson believes he would still be in prison today.”
These stories underscore the immense challenges faced by LGBTQI communities worldwide —and the critical importance of community and corporate support including through City for LGBT+. From rebuilding safe spaces in Jamaica, fighting unjust legal actions in Kenya, or standing up against oppressive laws in Lebanon, the funds raised through City for LGBT+ are making a direct and transformative impact on the lives LGBTQI people.
So, as we gather once again for this important cause, remember that every act of support makes a difference. Together, we can resist the rollback of rights and help build a world where LGBTQI people can live freely and authentically, without fear of discrimination or persecution.
Join us this year and be part of a movement that is making a real difference for LGBTQI rights worldwide.