25th Anniversary of International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission

The International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC), will mark its 25th anniversary at its annual gala, A Celebration of Courage, on Monday, September 28th on board a New York Harbor yacht cruise.

IGLHRC will honour Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ), which also celebrates 25 years fighting for LGBTIQ rights. Chesterfield Samba, GALZ director, will be attending the event as well.

At the gala at 6:00 p.m., Moisés Kaufman, creator of The Laramie Project, will be host; singer-songwriter Jill Sobule will perform, and Juliana Huxtable will be recognised with the organisation’s first Inspiration Award for her work leading the cause for acceptance of transgender people.

Each year, A Celebration of Courage honours and recognises LGBTIQ groups from around the world who are having an impact in the struggle for human rights for LGBTIQ people by presenting the Felipa De Souza award. This year IGLHRC awards Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) which has persevered in a hostile environment. On multiple occasions the government has raided GALZ offices – but they continue to provide welcome refuge and visibility for LGBITQ people in Zimbabwe.

“We are proud to celebrate 25 years advocating for LGBITQ people all over the world who are struggling not only for dignity and equality but to be accepted –and celebrated—for who they are,” said Stern. “Not only do we honour the struggles of global advocates but those who inspire and change hearts and minds.”

Over 200 people will attend this year’s special event, which kicks off at 6:00pm from Pier 40 on a Hornblower Cruises Hybrid Yacht and sets sail at 6:30pm, returning to the dock at 9:00pm.