Purpose LGBT rights Region served Worldwide | Headquarters London Director Lance Price | |
Formation 13 September 2011; 5 years ago (2011-09-13) Legal status Non-profit organisation | ||
The Kaleidoscope International Diversity Trust is a nonprofit organisation that campaigns for equality for LGBT people around the world.
Contents
History
The Kaleidoscope Trust was founded in 2011, and launched with a reception held by the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow MP. Kaleidoscope has received support from Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, and Leader of the Opposition Ed Miliband. Elton John and George Michael were also supporters.
Founders of the Kaleidoscope Trust include Bisi Alimi, who became the first man to come out as gay on Nigerian television in 2004. He was subsequently abused, and fled the country in 2007. At the Kaleidoscope launch reception, Alimi said:
Activities
The organisation works with existing groups campaigning for LGBT groups in other countries by using international lobbying in order to better enable groups to achieve their aims.
In November 2011, the Trust worked towards ending Russian laws intended to stop the "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships". This followed a proposed anti-propaganda Bill in St Petersberg. The Bill was criticised by MEPs and the United States Department of State. Gay rights activists in Russia condemned the Bill; they see it as a further way to stop rallies in favour of further gay rights. The Trust launched a campaign to prevent the Bill in St Petersberg from coming into effect, and for existing laws in Ryazan and Archangel to be overturned by legal challenges at the European Court of Human Rights and the United Nations Human Rights Committee.
In March 2012, the Trust was announced as the Official Charity Partner for World Pride 2012.
In September 2013, Kaleidoscope Australia Human Rights Foundation was established as an independent organisation working in the Asia Pacific in partnership with Kaleidoscope Trust.