Summary
As of 1 October, Chaber – former Executive Director of the Polish LGBT organisation KPH (Campaign Against Homophobia), and ILGA-Europe’s Finance Director for the past five years – has been appointed by the Board to be the new Executive Director.
For the past 18 years with ILGA-Europe, 14 of which she spent as the organisation’s Executive Director, Evelyne Paradis has worked closely alongside hundreds of LGBTI activists and groups across Europe and Central Asia, expanding the organisation to become a true cornerstone of human rights movements in the region.
“It is an emotional moment for everyone in the ILGA family as we say goodbye to Evelyne”, said Julia Ehrt, Executive Director at ILGA World. “I have countless memories of the battles that we shared, side by side, and I know how much dedication, commitment and energy she put into her work every day. Our movement will continue to build on what could be accomplished thanks to her leadership, and we are truly grateful.”
After years of remarkable growth, the transition at the head of our region working in Europe and Central Asia – which is home to more than 700 member organisations – comes at a time of turbulent and transformative change.
“Evelyne’s leadership has been crucial in expanding ILGA-Europe’s ability to support the movement in flexible ways, deepening its work on structural inequalities, and growing its reach and political impact,” commented ILGA World co-Secretaries General Luz Elena Aranda and Tuisina Ymania Brown. “But we know that no advance is forever set in stone. Our movement, both in Europe and across the world, is seeing a horrific wave of hostile, violent and at times even deadly opposition to the many advances conquered over the years.”
“Now more than ever,” Aranda and Brown continued, “ILGA needs to be by the side of our member organisations and amplify their voices, as we strengthen alliances with other movements, ensure the resources to withstand oppositions, and keep bringing about change. Over the years, Evelyne has set a very hard leadership bar, and we know Chaber will be up to the challenge: with their knowledge of grassroots movements, their ability to navigate difficult political situations and to propose viable solutions, ILGA-Europe will continue to be in very good hands. To Evelyne, we simply say: it has been a pleasure and an honour to have shared this road with you. We know our movement will always count on your unwavering support, and we wish you every success in your journey from here.”