Outright International's GLIDE Initiative Receives POWER, TOGETHER 2023 Award

New York, USA - November 24, 2023 - Outright International, Synergía – Initiatives for Human Rights, and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) are proud to announce that their Global LGBTQI+ Inclusive Democracy and Empowerment (GLIDE) Initiative has been honored with the prestigious POWER, TOGETHER 2023 Award at the Reykjavík Global Forum. This recognition highlights GLIDE's exceptional efforts in inspiring positive change and fostering inclusive societies.

The POWER, TOGETHER Awards recognize global initiatives where people join forces and use their power collectively to advance society and achieve great change. GLIDE's commitment to stimulating the participation and engagement of LGBTIQ people and organizations in democratic spaces and processes has earned the Initiative this recognition.

The Global LGBTQI+ Inclusive Democracy and Empowerment Initiative is a unique collaboration between Outright International, Synergía – Initiatives for Human Rights, and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). The Global LGBTQI+ Inclusive Democracy and Empowerment Initiative empowers LGBTIQ people to participate in and influence decision-making, advancing acceptance and addressing exclusionary laws, practices, and norms that seek to dismantle democracy and LGBTIQ rights.

"At a time where LGBTIQ people are attacked and discriminated against, and same-sex relations are criminalized in over 60 countries; it is crucial to assert that inclusive democracies demand that minority rights are respected. LGBTIQ people must be able to participate and influence decision-making to advance acceptance and be a force for addressing exclusionary laws, practices, and norms that seek to dismantle democracy and uphold inequality," said Maria Sjödin, Executive Director at Outright International. 

"We are thrilled to see the GLIDE Initiative receive the POWER, TOGETHER Award 2023," said Stefano Fabeni, Executive Director at Synergía. "This recognition is a testament to the importance of empowering LGBTIQ individuals in democratic processes and ensuring their voices are heard. We are proud to be part of this collaboration and will continue to support GLIDE in its mission to ensure democracy is a reality for all."

Outright International is committed to advocating for the rights of LGBTIQ individuals worldwide. Through partnerships like the Global LGBTQI+ Inclusive Democracy and Empowerment Initiative, they strive to create a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.