This weekend OutRight will be leading Pride Marches across the U.S., bringing attention to global LGBTIQ issues.
On Sunday, the New York contingent will be marching at the front of NYC Pride. They will be accompanying OutRight Caribbean Advisor Kenita Placide, one of the 2018 Grand Marshals of NYC Pride, calling attention to the LGBTIQ community in a region that is too often overlooked.
In response to her participation as Grand Marshal of NYC Pride, Kenita Placide, Caribbean Advisor, OutRight Action International said,
It is an honour to be a Grand Marshal of NY Pride 2018 and to represent Caribbean activists and people both back at home and in the diaspora who continuously work to ensure equality and justice for LGBTIQ people. While there has been progress and we are making headway in this fight, there are many laws which continue to criminalise LGBTIQ people. We still have a lot of work to do to reduce stigma and move society into a place of acceptance.
On the West Coast, the Seattle contingent of OutRight will also be leading Pride, marching with the Mexican Consulate, Canadian Consulate, and LGBTQ Latinx activist group Somos.
The theme of Seattle Pride this year is «Pride Beyond Borders», which complements OutRight’s focus on highlighting international LGBTIQ issues. Pride is an opportunity to raise awareness around the country about the global impact of human rights violations perpetrated against LGBTIQ communities.
Jessica Stern, Executive Director of OutRight Action International, says:
We are excited to have this opportunity to bring attention to the important human rights violations against LGBTIQ people around the world. We currently live in a climate where human rights institutions are undermined, where human rights defenders face intimidation, and spaces for LGBTIQ people to be out and proud are threatened. This Pride month, and every month, OutRight is committed to working for equality and justice for LGBTIQ people everywhere.
On Friday, OutRight staff in New York will be participating in the 14th Annual Trans Day of Action, organised by The Audre Lorde Project. The OutRight group will be meeting at the Christopher Street Pier at 4pm to gather for the march, along with anybody else who wishes to join. We will then be hosting a happy hour at The Malt House on 206 Thompson St and hope to see you there!
OutRight’s Pride March participation is sponsored by global law firm Winston & Strawn LLP.