A Call to Action: Creating Safe and Celebratory Spaces for LGBTQIA+ People
Note to get in the building - if there's not someone there to greet you - use the call box to the left of the door. Use the search box to find "3" - you'll see one entry. Press the call box and the door will unlock. Take the elevator to the third floor.
The Rainbow Road is coming to New York!
This session will explore how the global development and social impact ecosystems can create and foster more diverse, welcoming, safe, and celebratory environments for LGBTQIA+ people. Our goal will be to brainstorm and co-create a framework that could become a call to action for all global development conferences and gatherings to create safe, welcoming, and joyful environments for LGBTQIA+ folks.
Discussion Questions
Have you ever felt unsafe or uncertain about your inclusion at a global convening? What was the context, and how did you navigate the situation?
What are the current challenges the LGBTIQ community faces in global development and social impact spaces, and how can we collectively address these to ensure safer, more inclusive environments for all?
In what ways can global development conferences and gatherings intentionally foster welcoming and celebratory spaces for LGBTQIA+ participants, beyond mere representation?
How can we co-create a practical framework that encourages global development events to prioritize the safety, inclusion, and joy of LGBTQIA+ individuals, and what elements should be essential in this framework?
Discussion Leaders
Adam Sargeant is the Co-Founder of Queer and Allied Chamber of Commerce Africa and Director of Partnerships & Stakeholder Management, advocating for DEI&A and economic justice in Africa, with a focus on inclusion and equality for the queer community.
Brian Aliganyira is the Executive Director of Ark Wellness Hub in Uganda, running a sexual and mental health clinic serving over 5,000 clients across five districts, focusing on LGBTQ health education, advocacy, and student training.
Chris Muriithi is the Co-Founder of Queer and Allied Chamber of Commerce Africa, committed to creating a more inclusive and accepting Africa by promoting economic justice and freedom for the queer community.
Helen Davies is the Chief of Staff at Operation Fistula, a queer feminist working to build health systems for women and girls, with a decade of experience scaling social impact organizations to serve marginalized communities.
Klau Chmielowska is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Lafiya Nigeria, a nonprofit focused on improving maternal and child health outcomes through universal access to family planning.
Melissa Pierce is the Director of Development at ORAM, dedicated to democratizing access to resources and opportunities for marginalized communities, known for fostering collaboration and empowerment.
Rodney Otieno is the Co-Founder of Queer & Allied Chamber of Commerce Africa, a social protection expert focused on restoring human dignity and advocating for community-driven change.