Global initiative celebrates heroes driving positive change and advancing equality
17 May 2024 – Embracing the spirit of diversity and inclusion, the United Nationsan international organisation comprising 193 member States. It has the mission of maintaining peace and security, protecting human rights, providing humanitarian aid and ensuring economic and social development across the globe. It is a network of many different bodies and agencies, each of which has a particular role and responsibility. More Development Programme (UNDP) and ILGA World (the International Lesbianadjective/noun to describe a woman whose enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction is to other women. Women and non-binary people may use this term to describe themselves. More, Gayadjective to describe people whose enduring physical, romantic, and/ or emotional
attractions are to people of the same gender. Men, women and non-binary people may use this
term to describe themselves. More, Bisexualadjective used to describe a person who has the capacity to form enduring physical, romantic, and/ or emotional attractions to those of the same gender or to those of other genders. More, Transadjective/umbrella term to describe a person whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. More and Intersexan umbrella term for the spectrum of variations of sex characteristics that naturally occur within the human species. Intersex people are born with variations of sex characteristics (such as genitals, reproductive organs, hormonal and chromosomal patterns) that are more diverse than stereotypical definitions of male or female bodies. Up to 1.7% of the global population are born with such traits; yet, because their bodies are seen as different, intersex children and adults are often stigmatised and subject to harmful practices – including in medical settings - and discriminated against. More Association) proudly announce the launch of the International Pride Awards. This ground-breaking initiative aims to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and queerpreviously used as a derogatory term to refer to LGBT individuals in the English language – and still perceived as offensive by some - queer has been reclaimed by people who identify beyond traditional gender categories and heteronormative social norms. Although not universally accepted, it is often used as a catch-all to include many people within the larger community of people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics. More (LGBTIQ+) equality heroes around the world.
All countries should promote and protect the human rights of all persons without discriminationunequal or unfair treatment which can be based on a range of grounds - such as age, ethnic background, disability, and diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions or sex characteristics, amongst others. More and are obligated to do so by international law. Despite this, many millions of LGBTIQ+ people continue to suffer discrimination, marginalization, poverty, violence, incarceration and even loss of life solely because of who they are. In 62 countries, consensual same-sex sexual acts between adults in private are criminalized, with 7 of these countries imposing the death penalty for such acts (in 5 more, there is no full legal certainty). Only 12 countries provide constitutional protection against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientationrefers to a person’s capacity for profound emotional, affectional and sexual attraction to - and intimate and sexual relations with - individuals of a different gender or the same gender or more than one gender. More, 5 based on gender identityrefers to a person’s deeply felt internal and individual experience of gender, which may or may not correspond with the sex assigned at birth. More, just 1 on gender expressionrefers to how a person presents their gender through physical appearance – including dress, hairstyles, accessories, cosmetics – and mannerisms, speech, behavioural patterns, names and personal references. More, and none on the grounds of sex characteristicsa term that refers to physical features relating to sex - including genitalia and other sexual and reproductive anatomy, chromosomes, hormones, and secondary physical features emerging from puberty. More. (For more information visit the ILGA World Database).
Nevertheless, across the globe there are courageous and visionary advocates for equality who are effecting positive change – through ground-breaking initiatives – and often at great risk to themselves. The International Pride Awards seeks to shine a light on their work, tell their stories and inspire more people to advocate for equality.
Nominations for the inaugural International Pride Awards will be open from 1 June for the whole of June – inviting members of the public to nominate individuals whose tireless efforts have made a significant impact in advancing equality and inclusion of the LGBTIQ+ community.
The 2024 award categories are: 1) Movement building in the face of hostility; 2) Celebrating diverse lives; 3) Emerging leader; 4) Lifelong pursuit of equality; and 5) Extraordinary allya term used to describe someone who is actively supportive of LGBTI people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as well as LGBTI people who actively support other populations within the community at large. More.
This year’s awardees will be announced at an event on 13 November 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa, in a special event during the 31st ILGA World Conference. The ceremony will bringing together global leaders, activists and advocates to honour the resilience and achievements of LGBTIQ+ equality champions from diverse backgrounds and regions. Awardees will be selected by an Awards Committee, made up of 11 highly experienced LGBTIQ+ campaigners, advocates, academics and non-governmental organization and civil society leaders.
“We are thrilled to be working with ILGA World in launching the International Pride Awards. At a time when we are witnessing a backlash against LGBTIQ+ people and human rights in many countries that threatens progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and the pledge to leave no one behind, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate individuals who have dedicated themselves to creating a more inclusive and just world for all.”
Mandeep Dhaliwal, Director of the HIV and Health Group at UNDP
The International Pride Awards represent a landmark opportunity to highlight the often-overlooked contributions of LGBTIQ+ activists and allies.
“We are proud to come together with UNDP in honouring the courageous individuals who are paving the way for progress and change for everyone. Through the International Pride Awards, we hope to amplify the voices of LGBTIQ+ communities worldwide and reaffirm our commitment to building a future where everyone can live in equality and freedom, and can thrive without fear of discrimination.”
Julia Ehrt, Executive Director of ILGA World
As the world comes together to celebrate Pride Month in June, the International Pride Awards offer a powerful reminder of the ongoing work needed to create a more inclusive and equitable society. Together, let us recognize and celebrate the resilience, courage, and achievements of LGBTIQ+ equality heroes around the globe.
For more information, including how to nominate, please visit the International Pride Awards website: https://internationalprideawards.org.
ILGA World – the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association – is a worldwide federation of more than 2,000 organizations from over 170 countries and territories campaigning for the human rights of people with diverse sexual orientations, genderrefers to a social construct which places cultural and social expectations on individuals based on their assigned sex. More identities and expressions, and sexrefers to the classification of a person as male, female, or other - usually made at birth, written on a birth certificate, and usually based on the appearance of their external anatomy. A person’s sex, however, is actually a combination of bodily characteristics, including chromosomes, hormones, internal and external reproductive organs, and secondary sex characteristics. More characteristics.
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.