Abbreviation OutRight Purpose LGBT human rights Founded 1990 | Formation 1990 Region served worldwide | |
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Key people Co-chairs: Amie Bishop, Tim Lane Website www.outrightinternational.org Headquarters New York City, New York, United States Motto Human rights for LGBTIQ people everywhere Similar National Association for Resea, National Center for Lesbian, GLAAD, Human Rights Campaign, Human Rights Watch Profiles | ||
The OutRight Action International, formerly known as International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (OutRight), is a US-based international non-governmental organization that addresses human rights violations and abuses against lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, intersex people, transgender people (LGBTIQ). OutRight documents human rights discrimination and abuses based on their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression in partnership with activists, advocates, media, NGOs and allies on a local, regional, national and international level. It is accredited by the United Nations and holds consultative status with that organization.
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History and work
OutRight, formerly known as IGLHRC, was founded by Julie Dorf in 1990, and incorporated as a non-profit organization on November 7, 1990. Though initially focused on human rights abuses in Russia, the organisation is now active in many parts of the world, including the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. OutRight is headquartered in New York City with satellite offices in St. Lucia, Johannesburg, and Manila.
In 2010, IGLHRC contributed in forming "An Activist's Guide" of the Yogyakarta Principles.
In 2015, IGLHRC celebrated their 25th anniversary by changing their name to OutRight Action International. "Why We Changed Our Name" explains why the organization changed its name.
In 2015, OutRight's executive director Jessica Stern presented the first-ever United Nations Security Council briefing on LGBTI human rights violations.
In 2015, OutRight in partnership with CUNY Law School hosted a first annual one day conference on Human Rights Day called OutSummit.
In 2017, OutRight received a Charity Navigator 4-Star Rating.
United Nations status
On July 19, 2010, the United Nations Economic and Social Council voted to accredit IGLHRC (now known as OutRight) as one of the NGO's granted consultative status with the international organization. This allows IGLHRC to attend U.N meetings, contribute statements, and collaborate with United Nations agencies.
Felipa de Souza Award
Since 1994, IGLHRC hands out an annual award, the Felipa de Souza Award, to honour a human rights activist or organisation.
Outspoken Award
In addition to the Felipa de Souza Award, IGLHRC occasionally presents the Outspoken Award to special honorees. The Outspoken Award "recognizes the leadership of a global ally to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community whose outspokenness has contributed substantially to advancing the rights and understanding of LGBTI people everywhere."
The first Outspoken Award was presented in 2005 to the Honorable Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. In 2008, IGLHRC presented its second Outspoken Award to Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The 2010 Outspoken awardee was Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. The 2011 Outspoken awardee was journalist and author Jeff Sharlet.
OutSpoken 2016 award recipients United Nations Free and Equal Campaign, Randy Barry, US Special Envoy for the human rights of LGBTI people, and Dan Bross, Microsoft executive, and LGBT rights Advocate.