United for Global LGBTIQ+ Rights
The Advocates for Human Rights works in collaboration with partner organizations to meet this moment of pride and strife.
Most people know what a Pride celebration is, but many don’t understand why it holds such importance. Pride gives LGBTIQ+ people and their allies the opportunity to demand respect and make their voices heard. Standing up for what is right remains as important now as in years past, especially when facing strong opposition. This year, many of the values of Pride are under attack, including our basic, fundamental rights.
Discrimination and violence toward LGBTIQ+ people have increased. This discrimination and violence particularly compound for those who are also at risk from growing anti-immigration attitudes and policies. LGBTIQ+ people who are also refugees, asylum seekers, and noncitizens face particular vulnerability. The Advocates collaborated with partner organizations* that also work at this intersection to be part of this year’s Twin Cities Pride festival.
The United for Global LGBTIQ+ Rights booth maintained a strong presence at the festival and drew in people from across the state and region. This year we saw new organizations joining us at Pride, building a larger, stronger coalition of organizations focused on providing resources to those facing immigration challenges and educating the public about their rights. By giving individuals important resources – including Know Your Right cards - our group met each person where they were at that moment.
Additionally, people stopping by the booth found learning opportunities to discuss the global state of LGBTIQ+ rights, including the status of legal gender recognition in different countries, criminalization of consensual same-sex sexual acts, and same-sex marriages and civil unions. Unfortunately, the growing challenges in the U.S. that LGBTIQ+ people are facing are not unique; sadly, LGBTIQ+ people around the world have experienced a retrogression of rights. We all face more risk now, but Pride remains a place for LGBTIQ+ people to insist that governments give them the equality they deserve.
This growing repression has forced many LGBTIQ+ people to flee their homes and communities and try to establish a new life elsewhere. There are a number of LGBTIQ+ people who have sought refuge, asylum, or simply safety in Minnesota. Recognizing this, we invited people stopping by the tent to write notes to LGBTIQ+ people who have made Minnesota home. These messages act as a small way to remind people that they are not alone.
There is no question that being a member of the LGBTIQ+ community presents challenges, both in the US and internationally. We hope that—collectively–we can continue to build relationships among organizations, educate the public, share our resources, and empower our clients. With Pride month behind us, The Advocates for Human Rights looks to the coming days with unwavering determination.
*Partner organizations include Center for Victims of Torture, International Institute of Minnesota, ORAM, and the City of Minneapolis Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA).
