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Kaleidosope Trust - Updates /rss/recent/ 2018-03-23T00:00:00Z Sir Elton John and David Furnish issue statement supporting Kaleidoscope Trust's efforts to improve LGBTQI+ rights in the Commonwealth 2018-02-28T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2018-02-28:135
Sir Elton John and husband David Furnish have lent their backing to young adults from across the Commonwealth who joined forces this week to call for their governments to recognise and strengthen LGBTQI+ rights and tackle abuses, ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2018, taking place in London this April.

In a letter of support, Sir Elton says "I urge you to work with advocates and influencers to engage in new, cross-boundary dialogue to develop greater understanding, compassion and tolerance of an individual's sexuality." Furnish, who married John in 2014 and serves as Chairman of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, added "Growing up in Canada, being part of the Commonwealth was a source of great pride. As an institution it has incredible potential to reset the balance in terms of human rights and human dignity. It would also have a huge impact on the HIV epidemic in the Commonwealth."

Working with global advocates, charity leaders, academics and policy influencers, the international postgraduate students – all currently studying at UK universities - tackled these issues at a round-table conference, 'Freedom & Sexuality: LGBTQI+ rights in the Commonwealth', convened by Kaleidoscope Trust and Cumberland Lodge in Windsor Great Park, on Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 February.

The conference addressed the continuing human rights abuses that LGBTQI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex) communities face daily, across the Commonwealth, where:
Same-sex relations are criminalised in 37* countries in the Commonwealth of Nations, with convictions often carrying a penalty of imprisonment, ranging from three years, to a life sentence.
More than 90% of Commonwealth citizens live in a jurisdiction that criminalises LGBTI people (Kaleidoscope Trust, 2015)

High-profile participants in the conference, alongside the 36 international student delegates, included: Crispin Blunt MP; Baroness Liz Barker (LGBT Spokesperson, Liberal Democrats); Paul Dillane, (Executive Director, Kaleidoscope Trust), the Reverend Jide Macaulay (Founder & CEO, House of Rainbow CIC); Jonah Chinga (Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya); and Donnya Piggott (Barbados Gays and Lesbians Against Discrimination).

Sir Stephen Wall, former Foreign Policy Adviser at 10 Downing Street, Chair of Trustees at Cumberland Lodge and Chair at the Kaleidoscope Trust, commented: "This conference allowed the voices of young people from different countries and backgrounds to be heard and to send a message that the baton is passing to a new generation with a different and more inclusive view of the world."

A conference statement was produced which calls on the governments of Commonwealth nations to:

Affirm that the rights of LGBTQI+ people are human rights as defined by the United Nations, and uphold these alongside the rights of those facing other forms of discrimination.

Commit to decriminalise same-sex sexual activity among consenting adults, and enshrine the rights of LGBTQI+ people in anti-discrimination legislation.

Adopt the Yogyakarta Principles plus 10 which affirm binding legal standards with which all states must comply.

A full version of the conference statement is available here.

A link to the Yogyakarta Principles plus 10 can be found here.

A link to the Kaleidoscope Trust's report, 'Speaking Out 2015: The Rights of LGBTI People Across the Commonwealth' is available here.

* N.B. Gambia has rejoined the Commonwealth of Nations in February 2018, so previous reports referring to 36 states are out-of-date.
 Sixth Annual Gala Dinner 2017-11-15T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2017-11-15:121
Kaleidoscope Trust's 6th Annual Gala Dinner will take place on Thursday 25 January 2018 at The Churchill, Portman Square, London.

Kaleidoscope Trust campaigns for a free and equal world for LGBT+ people everywhere. Now in its sixth year, the Gala raises funds to support courageous LGBT+ activists campaigning around the world, especially in the 72 countries that continue to criminalise homosexuality, many of which are Commonwealth countries, a legacy of British colonial rule.

We speak out loud when we need to. But we also work behind the scenes, looking to persuade governments that access to healthcare, education and employment for their LGBT+ citizens is not just their human right but also in the national interest of the countries of which they are citizens.

At home, we have continued to collaborate with civil society partners through the UK Alliance for Global Equality, which we now chair. We work closely with parliamentary allies individually and through groups like the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Global LGBT Rights, which emerged of the Parliamentary Friends of the Kaleidoscope Trust. And we engage with other branches of the British government to ensure that the UK does all it can to support the global struggle against discrimination and criminalisation based on sexual orientation and gender identity, so that LGBT+ people can live freely and equally, everywhere.

None of this vital work would be possible without the support and generosity of people like you.

Tickets start from £350.00. For more information, and to register and purchase tickets, click here.

For ticket enquiries, please contact email@example.com.

If you are unable to attend, you can still make a donation.

 'Roofstock': Dalston Superstore, The Glory and Dalston Roof Park come together to raise funds for global LGBT rights 2017-07-20T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2017-07-20:132

Hackney's premier queer venues to host 'Roofstock' fundraiser for Hackney-based international LGBT+ rights charity on 23rd August!

In 72 countries it's a crime for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people to be who they are or to love who they love. And in many more, LGBT+ people face violence, discrimination and persecution.

This is why legendary Hackney hot spots Dalston Superstore and The Glory are teaming up with garden music venue Dalston Roof Park on 23rd August for Roofstock, an exciting night of DJs, dancing and cabaret.

All proceeds from ticket purchases for the event will be donated to Kaleidoscope Trust, the UK's leading international LGBT+ charity.

Based in Dalston, Kaleidoscope Trust believes it should never be illegal to be you. The charity strives for a world where LGBT+ people everywhere are free and equal, by working in close partnership with over 40 international activists to promote the human rights of LGBT+ people and to challenge their governments to do better.

Paul Dillane, Kaleidoscope Trust's Executive Director, said: "As the UK's leading international LGBT+ charity, we are thrilled to be partnering with our neighbours Dalston Superstore, The Glory and Dalston Roof Park. Recent crackdowns in Chechnya, Tanzania and Indonesia—to name a few—show the scale of the challenge and we see through our work every day the importance of solidarity among queer communities and across borders. Tonight's fundraiser will help us to support courageous activists around the world to continue collaborating in the struggle for equality and freedom."

Speaking about the event, owner of Dalston Superstore, Dan Beaumont, said: "This is a great opportunity to combine forces with our favourite neighbours and raise some money and awareness for the Kaleidoscope Trust. We've partnered up to put together an amazing line-up that combines the best of Superstore and The Glory."

John Sizzle, co-director of The Glory, said: "This will be the ultimate post-work rooftop summer party. Unwinding and sipping chilled drinks in the sun, listening to Rudi Douglas on the piano, watching some amazing performance from East London's finest drag superstars and then dancing under the stars. Bliss."

Kirsty Davide, from Dalston Roof Park, which is run by Bootstrap Company, said: "Being a community organiser at Bootstrap gives me the unique opportunity to introduce and connect our tenants to each other. We combine to come up with amazing ideas of how we can collaborate both within our own community and with those from the local neighbourhood, on issues that mean so much to all of us. Teaming up with Kaleidoscope Trust, Dalston Superstore and The Glory to put on what will be an incredible event has been fantastic, and will raise lots of money and awareness for a great charity."

Tickets are now on sale at: https://kaleidoscopetrust.eventcube.io/events/7583/roofstock-queer-roof-party-fundraiser-for-kaleidoscope-trust/.

NOTES TO EDITORS

What: A night of DJs, dancing and cabaret for a cause (with a very special guest)

Where: Dalston Roof Park, 18 Ashwin St, London E8 3DL

When: Wednesday, 23rd August. 5:00pm-11:00pm with after party until 2:30am at Dalston Superstore (117 Kingsland High St, E8 2PB)

Who: Open to all, while tickets last. 18+

www.kaleidoscopetrust.com

www.dalstonsuperstore.com

www.theglory.co

www.bootstrapcompany.co.uk/about-drp/

Performers will include:

Ginger Johnson (host)

Drag, cabaret, and nightclub ne'er-do-well Ginger Johnson has been causing a stink on the East London scene for longer than she chooses to remember. Expect songs, swearing, and three pairs of spanks from Newcastle's answer to Elaine Stritch.

Margo Marshall

Professional dancer, singer, actress, drag superstar and West End regular who stole the show at The Glory's recent 'Liza With A Z' Gala. Margo will be presenting tight choreography with leggy abandon.

Rodent Decay

2016's winner of The Glory's Lipsync1000 competition and alternative cabaret feral goddess who mixes the macabre with glamour to produce high-octane avant-garde performance.

Phoenix

Professional dancer, singer and poet. This ingénue has already graced the stages of all the LGBTQI stages including a stint at the V&A last summer. She'll be presenting sensual moves and erotic prose most probably to some Beyoncé beats!

Rudi Douglas, singer/pianist

One half of The Glory's 'Big Gay Songbook' show with Jonny Woo, Rudi sings a unique blend of pop and soul classics with new arrangements and original material. He'll be presenting a summery set of Whitney, Madonna, Kelis and probably some Girls Aloud to boot.

PRESS ENQUIRIES

For more information please contact Paul Dillane, Executive Director, Kaleidoscope Trust.

firstname.lastname@example.com

07764871363

 Kaleidoscope Trust Co-founds New UK Alliance to Help Global LGBT Equality 2017-07-05T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2017-07-05:131

Eight UK-based organisations join forces to help secure global LGBT equality

Activists from Russia and Jamaica among the speakers for the launch party

Lord Ahmad, Nick Herbert CBE MP and 150 guests join the event at JP Morgan

International activists and human rights campaigners came together to celebrate the launch of the UK's first alliance to help secure global equality for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.

LGBT activists including Dmitry Spodobaev, from Russia and PJ Samuels, from Jamaica were among the speakers at the event at JP Morgan in London on Wednesday 5 July.

They were joined by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the UN at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Nick Herbert CBE MP, the chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Global LGBT Rights.

The UK Alliance for Global Equality is made up of All Out, Commonwealth HIV & Aids Action Group (CHAAG), Human Dignity Trust, International HIV/Aids Alliance, Kaleidoscope Trust, Stonewall UK, Stop AIDS and UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG). The group is also open to other UK charities and groups working to promote the human rights of LBGT people around the world.

Across the world, LGBT people continue to face discrimination and abuse. In 72 countries sex between same-sex people is criminalised, and it is punishable by death in eight. Most governments do not allow trans people to legally change their name and gender from that assigned at birth.

Recent international emergencies, such as the persecution of gay and bi men in Chechnya, have highlighted the role that UK-based organisations can play in affecting international action on LGBT abuses.

After news broke of the Chechnya crisis, UK-based organisations contacted the UK government to raise concerns. This intervention led to a high-profile debate in the House of Commons and ministers, including the Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister, issuing statements of concern and calling for an inquiry by Russian authorities.

Charities and organisations based in the UK can clearly have a positive impact internationally but it is vital that interventions, both in the UK and abroad, are coordinated. The UK Alliance for Global Equality has been formed is to ensure this happens.

Paul Twocock, Chair of the UK Alliance for Global Equality, said: 'All of the organisations involved are highly effective advocates and campaigners for equality both here and abroad. Now is the time to pool our talent, our expertise and our resources to create a formidable force to support LGBT people internationally.

'By creating this coalition, not only can we provide cohesive support for international LGBT activists, we can also more effectively advocate on their behalf, ensuring all the diverse issues facing the community are fully represented.

'We're also able to draw together our network of supporters in the UK and inspire and empower them to become effective advocates for global LGBT equality.

'Together, our collective voice will be louder, our unified message clearer and our overall impact greater.

'This is the start of a long campaign, but one we are determined to play an active and constructive role in until every LGBT person globally is accepted for who they are and can live a free and prosperous life.'

ends

Enquiries

Paul Dillane, Executive Director of Kaleidoscope Trust

email@example.com

+44 7764 871 363

Notes

The UK Alliance for Global Equality is a coalition of UK-based civil society organisations working together to support progress and promote the human rights of LGBT people around the world. Our mission is to use our collective resources and influence to promote the human rights and equality of LGBT individuals and communities around the world, to end persecution and discrimination.

Our vision is a world where everyone can participate fully in their society whatever their sexual orientation or gender identity.

UK Charities and groups working to promote the human rights of LGBT people around the world who are interested in joining the alliance should contact email@example.com or for more information visit www.ukallianceforglobalequality.org.uk.
 Voodoo Ray's Partner with Kaleidoscope Trust on Limited Edition Pride T-Shirt 2017-06-29T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2017-06-29:130

London pizza gurus Voodoo Ray's and its sister venue, Dalston Superstore, are delighted to announce a celebration of the upcoming London Pride with a limited-edition Rainbow tee shirt. 100% of profits will go to Dalston-based LGBT+ charity the Kaleidoscope Trust.

The tee shirt, which incorporates the LGBT rainbow flag into the Voodoo Ray's logo, will be on sale on Tuesday 4th July at midday, with a limited run of 100. Tee shirts will be available to buy from www.voodoorays.com/merch.

The Kaleidoscope Trust works to uphold the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people internationally. They believe that the rights of all people should be respected equally, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Speaking about the partnership, Paul Dillane, Executive Director of Kaleidoscope Trust, said: "We are delighted our friends and neighbours at Voodoo Ray's and Dalston Superstore have chosen Kaleidoscope Trust as their charity partner for this fantastic initiative during Pride Month. At Kaleidoscope Trust, we believe it should never be illegal to be you, yet, in many countries, LGBT+ people continue to face discrimination and violence because of who they are and who they love. Every pound raised strengthens our efforts to defend equality and human rights for LGBT+ people around the world."

Owner of Voodoo Ray's and Dalston Superstore, Dan Beaumont: "We just realised that the Kaleidoscope Trust, Voodoo Ray's, and Dalston Superstore are all very near Dalston neighbours, and this collaboration grew out of our first meeting. The Kaleidoscope Trust do amazing work for LGBT+ rights across the world, and we are all really happy to be working with them."

www.voodoorays.com

www.dalstonsuperstore.com

www.kaleidoscopetrust.com

About Voodoo Ray's / DMD

Voodoo Ray's is part of DMD, an independent company that also owns Dalston Superstore and Ray's Bar. Passionate about gourmet pizza and about bringing the flavour of New York's famous slice culture over to London, we opened our Dalston restaurant in November 2012, launched our second site in the prestigious Boxpark development in Shoreditch in May of 2015 and our third, in Camden, in September 2016. Dalston Superstore opened in 2009. For more information please contact email@example.com.

 BIG STEP FORWARD FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AS COMMONWEALTH OFFICIALLY ACCREDITS FIRST LGBTI ORGANISATION 2017-06-20T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2017-06-20:129
The Commonwealth Equality Network (TCEN) welcomes the decision by the Commonwealth to approve the Network for accreditation as a Commonwealth organisation.

As a result of this landmark decision, TCEN is now the first and only LGBTI-focused organisation to be officially accredited by the Commonwealth.

Accreditation means that TCEN activists will benefit from increased access to, participation in and information about Commonwealth matters. It also sends a strong signal that the voices and needs of LGBTI people are legitimate and LGBTI activists have a vital role in civil society.

Established in 2013, TCEN is a diverse network of 38 civil society organisations in 39 countries working to challenge inequality and end discrimination against LGBTI people in the Commonwealth. The majority of TCEN members originate in low- and middle-income countries in the Global South. The Government of Canada has welcomed the Network's accreditation, noting that TCEN "has challenged discrimination and countered homophobia and transphobia around the world—and today it represents a diversity of civil society organizations within the 52 member nations of the Commonwealth. This step will ensure that LGBTQ2 rights are an ever more important priority for the Commonwealth."

TCEN is greatly encouraged by accreditation.

Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, Chair of TCEN and Executive Director of EQUAL GROUND – SRI LANKA, said: "Considering the process it takes, it is a small wonder and a great victory for TCEN to have been given accreditation as a Commonwealth organisation. I am certain TCEN can make great inroads into gaining LGBTI rights in the Commonwealth. I look forward to the day when all countries within the Commonwealth adhere to the principles of human rights and equality enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter, safeguarding LGBTI rights and upholding freedom and equality for all."

Caleb Orozco, Executive Director of the United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNIBAM) and the winner of the 2017 David Kato Vision and Voice Award, whose successful lawsuit ended in Belize's anti-homosexuality being law struck down in 2016, said: "Finally, Commonwealth governments have acknowledged that their LGBTI citizens' dignity and rights are a part of democratic principles that should be at the policy table. As a citizen of the Commonwealth, it gives me hope that states will not leave totally the defence of rights to be the burden, alone, of individuals."

Paul Dillane, Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, a London-based Network member and host of the TCEN Secretariat, said: "Let us be clear about the scale of the challenge: 36 countries in the Commonwealth continue to criminalise consensual same-sex acts and in many others LGBTI people experience discrimination and violence.

TCEN provides an important platform for activists around the world to organise and collaborate in the struggle for equality and freedom. This decision provides TCEN with a vital opportunity to put the human rights of LGBTI people on the agenda."

In 2015, a group of TCEN members participated in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta, where a Barbadian activist became the first person to address Commonwealth foreign ministers on the lived reality of its LGBTI citizens. Such activism is resulting in the emergence of progressive policy; research on LGBTI rights in the Commonwealth shows how Commonwealth governments have made progress on LGBTI rights and presents best practice that other governments can learn from.

TCEN will harness the momentum accreditation gives to continue the struggle for the dignity, equality and basic freedoms of all LGBTI people throughout the Commonwealth, particularly during next year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit hosted by the UK in April 2018.

Notes to Editors

The decision was made on 1 June during the Board of Governors Meeting at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, in the presence of Secretary-General The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC.

The Board of Governors consists of the High Commissioners or delegates of all 52 Commonwealth member states, including the UK.

Same-sex relations are still criminalised in 36 of the 52 Commonwealth countries, largely as a legacy of laws imposed during Britain's colonial past.

90 per cent of Commonwealth citizens live in countries where same-sex relations are illegal.

Accreditation is a demonstration of the values of the Commonwealth Charter, which all 52 member states consented to in 2013. In particular, Article II states, "We are implacably opposed to all forms of discrimination, whether rooted in gender, race, colour, creed, political belief or other grounds" and Article IV states, "We accept that diversity and understanding the richness of our multiple identities are fundamental to the Commonwealth's principles and approach".

EQUAL GROUND – SRI LANKA is a non-profit organisation seeking human and political rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning (LGBTIQ) community of Sri Lanka. EQUAL GROUND is committed to creating a safe space for all LGBTIQ individuals and to providing opportunities for self-help including mental well-being, economic, social and political empowerment, access to health, education, housing and legal protection for the LGBTIQ community.

United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNIBAM) is the oldest and only LGBT led policy and advocacy non-governmental organisation in Belize. Its broad theme of focus is health and human rights. Its mission is to be an advocacy organisation that uses rights-based approaches to reduce stigma and discrimination.

The David Kato Vision and Voice Award recognises the leadership of individuals who strive to uphold the sexual rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people. It is awarded annually at the Kaleidoscope Trust Gala.

The Kaleidoscope Trust is a leading NGO working to advance human rights and inclusion for LGBT+ people internationally. Founded in 2011, Kaleidoscope Trust partners with 38 organisations in countries where LGBT+ people face discrimination and persecution.

Press Enquiries

Paul Dillane, Executive Director of Kaleidoscope Trust

email@example.com

+44 7764 871 363
 African Champions Urge World to 'Leave No One Behind' in the Fight to Eradicate AIDS 2017-03-31T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2017-03-31:128
The Champions for an AIDS Free Generation have declared that to eradicate AIDS as a public health threat, the world must 'Leave No One Behind'. The declaration was made at a meeting of Pretoriabased Commonwealth diplomats and civil society experts in Pretoria, South Africa to discuss challenges around the rights and access to services of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex people as well as sex workers, adolescent girls and young women.

His Excellency Festus Mogae, Chairperson of the Champions and former President of Botswana, informed the meeting that to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, no one should be left behind and that "We can only do so by engaging everyone". He acknowledged the cultural sensitivities of the discussions but told the meeting that, "We cannot afford taboos in this day and age". Fellow Champion, His Excellency Joaquim Chissano urged governments to decriminalise consensual same-sex activity between adults and stressed that this was crucial to stopping the spread of HIV. Meanwhile, His Excellency Benjamin Mkapa, the former Tanzanian President, called for a greater focus on removing barriers to accessing education on sexual and reproductive issues for young people, especially adolescent girls between the ages 10 to 19 years old.

Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé, also attended and supported the call. "Protection of LGBTI persons and ensuring their access to HIV and health services must remain at the heart of our intervention and advocacy. We therefore need to intensify our efforts in addressing stigma and discrimination in health care settings through sensitization of health care personnel." He also added, "We need a new paradigm shift in addressing gender inequalities, gender based violence and inequalities in access to health services which are fueling the HIV epidemic among adolescent girls and young women".

The meeting also heard from Mr Danilo Da Silva, Executive Director of Mozambican organisation Lambda. He spoke about the recent progress of Mozambique in reforming its penal code to decriminalise same-sex relations and modernise colonial-era legislation. Discussing the event, Mr Da Silva said, "This begins the debate and the Champions' leadership will hopefully lead to a more open conversation about inclusion of the most at risk populations such as LGBT people and their access to health services in the African region".

Justice Oagile Dingake of the High Court of Botswana, Co-Chair of the African Think-Tank on HIV, Health and Social Justice, also praised the dialogue, saying "As sensitive as the subject might be, it is time that we have, in the African continent, a frank and inclusive dialogue regarding LGBTI persons and their rights in accessing health services without discrimination. The fundamental principles of equality and non-discrimination must apply to every citizen".

Steve Letsike, Executive Director of South African organisation Access Chapter 2 stressed the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue. She stated that "Taboos create silence and silences create injustice. This leads to gender-based violence and violence to other groups".

Notes to editors

This dialogue was convened by the Champions for an AIDS Free Generation in Africa, Access Chapter 2, The Royal Commonwealth Society, the Kaleidoscope Trust and the African Think Tank on HIV, Health and Social Justice.

The debate was held on 30th March 2017 in Pretoria, South Africa.

In addition to Champions HE Festus Mogae, HE Joaquim Chissano and HE Benjamin Mkapa, attendees were drawn from Pretoria-based diplomats representing Commonwealth nations, civil society representatives and other experts.

Same-sex relations are still criminalised in 36 of 52 Commonwealth countries, largely as a legacy of laws imposed by the British Empire.

The Champions for an AIDS Free Generation, established in 2008, is a group of former heads of states and eminent persons from Africa. The Champions' 2017 to 2018 Strategic orientation focuses their advocacy on "Taking on complex issues to expand access to HIV services and leaving no one behind". The orientation is premised on shifting focus from general HIV and AIDS advocacy to a directed effort on removing barriers to access and leaving no one behind.

The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS), founded in 1868, is a network of individuals and organisations committed to improving the lives and prospects of Commonwealth citizens around the world. Through youth empowerment, education and advocacy, the RCS promotes the value and values of the Commonwealth.

Access Chapter 2 of Pretoria, was initiated to promote the human rights and empowerment of women and LGBTI people, and the participation of civil society organisation in governance and policy processes by creating space and coordinating platforms for engagement on governance, policy and accountability.

The Kaleidoscope Trust was established in 2011. The Trust works to uphold the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people in countries where they do not have their equal rights and are discriminated against because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

The African Think-Tank on HIV, Health and Social Justice seeks to apply a human rights and social justice lens to the distinct African contextual realities of the ongoing HIV pandemic, with particular attention to people living with HIV and other key populations, including LGBTI persons.

Press enquiries

Makha Mohale

Executive Secretary of the Champions for an AIDS Free Generation in Africa

firstname.lastname@example.com

Paul Dillane

Executive Director of Kaleidoscope Trust

email@example.com

 A Peaceful Commonwealth for All Must Mean All, Regardless of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity/Expression 2017-03-13T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2017-03-13:127
Sir Stephen Wall, GCMG, LVO Chair.

The Kaleidoscope Trust welcomes the Commonwealth's 2017 theme, "a peace-building Commonwealth," and the acknowledgement that the rich diversity of the Commonwealth is a unique strength for building the peaceful and secure societies that are essential for the progress and prosperity of all Commonwealth citizens.

Values such as human rights, tolerance, respect and understanding lie at the heart of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Charter 2013 highlights the strong link between these values and peace, stating that the "respect for the dignity of all human beings is critical to promoting peace and prosperity"[1] and recognising the critical role of human rights "for all without discrimination on any grounds as the foundations of peaceful, just and stable societies".[2]

In her Commonwealth Day statement this year, Her Majesty the Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, stressed the importance of these values as "the cornerstones on which peace is founded"[3] and affirmed that "working together, we build peace by defending the dignity of every individual and community".

The Kaleidoscope Trust looks forward to constructively engaging with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in the UK next year, in collaboration with our partners in The Commonwealth Equality Network (TCEN) and the UK Alliance for Global Equality. In 2015, the Leaders of the Commonwealth emphasised "the need to protect individuals from all forms of violence and discrimination".[4] At the Commonwealth summit in London, we are keen to ensure that the Commonwealth's strengths of its collaborative nature, diversity and shared aims contribute to the peace and prosperity of everyone. Unless words are translated into action that protects the basic safety and promotes the universal human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans citizens of the Commonwealth, they will be a betrayal of the values of which the Queen has spoken.

[1] Paragraph IV of the Commonwealth Charter

[2] Paragraph II of the Commonwealth Charter

[3] http://thecommonwealth.org/media/press-release/commonwealth-day-message-her-majesty-queen

[4] http://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/news-items/documents/CHOGM%202015%20Communique.pdf

 The Kaleidoscope Trust Fifth Annual Gala Dinner 2017-02-17T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2017-02-17:125
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our supporters who attended our Fifth Annual Gala Dinner on 26th January 2017.

It was very successful and we received excellent feedback from our guests. We would like to especially thank our inspirational and distinguished speakers, Rt Hon Nick Herbert MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Global LGBT Rights; and David Kato Vision and Voice Award 2017 winner, Caleb Orozco; as well as Christopher Green for his brilliant performance of Ida Barr. We also extend our appreciation to all of our sponsors and the team of volunteers who made the event possible.

We are delighted to announce that we raised a record amount of money. As the major fundraising effort for the Trust proceeds from the Gala, we will continue working with courageous LGBT activists and influencing British and Commonwealth stakeholders to advance the human rights of LGBT people around the world.

Please click here or here to see the Kaleidoscope Trust video shown at the Gala and here to see some photos taken on the night. Should you wish to purchase prints, choose the 'Buy Image' option. A percentage of all photo sales will be donated to the Trust - but hurry, this link is only available online until the end of February.

Last but by no means least, if you would like to make a one-off donation to the Trust or join our supporters scheme, please click here.

To stay up to date on news and events from the Kaleidoscope Trust, sign up to our newsletter.
 The Commonwealth Equality Network Advocacy Strategy Meetings 2017-02-13T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2017-02-13:126
The Kaleidoscope Trust is a leading member of The Commonwealth Equality Network (TCEN), a coalition of LGBTI and human rights activists working to end discrimination against LGBTI people in the Commonwealth.

Last month, we hosted a conference in London for representatives from 20 of the Network's member organisations in 19 countries. Over three productive days, we developed and agreed a clear roadmap going forward for advancing our cause as a network. This new advocacy strategy will take us from now through to the spring 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), when the UK government will welcome prime ministers and other government decision-makers from the 52 countries of the Commonwealth to London to discuss common issues.

CHOGMs are critical opportunities for TCEN: we made ground-breaking progress at the 2015 meeting in Malta, where—for the first time ever—we ensured LGBTI issues and people were visible and used our influence to get language directly relevant to our cause included in the Leaders' Communiqué.

Our ambition is to push the envelope on what is possible to continue advancing the human rights of LGBTI people and communities across the Commonwealth. With this new strategy—and your support—we can make this happen.

Want to know more about The Commonwealth Equality activists who the Kaleidoscope Trust exists to support? Click here to watch our latest video.
 New Executive Director of Kaleidoscope Trust 2017-01-03T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2017-01-03:124
The Kaleidoscope Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Dillane as the charity's new Executive Director. Paul brings a great track record of achievement to the trust which works to uphold the rights of LGBT citizens globally, and especially in the Commonwealth.

Since 2014, Paul has been Executive Director of the UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG), championing the rights of LGBT asylum seekers and refugees and achieving demonstrable and measurable improvements in their lives. Prior to this, Paul enjoyed a career as a refugee lawyer and specialist including at Amnesty International UK. He has extensive policy, advocacy and fundraising experience - working with other NGOs, with government and with Parliamentarians both regionally and internationally.

Kaleidoscope has sponsored and developed a unique network of activists across the Commonwealth: courageous people who campaign for the basic human rights which they and other LGBT citizens are not allowed to enjoy and for whose attainment they put their lives on the line. The next big challenge and opportunity is the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in the UK in 2018. From March 2017, Paul will lead our work in seeking to make it a landmark meeting for LGBT rights.

John Fingleton, Chair of the Trustees of the Kaleidoscope Trust said "Paul's experience working with LGBT asylum seekers and refugees means he brings a deep understanding of the personal impact of discrimination and persecution globally. This, combined with his policy expertise and experience in advocacy and fundraising, makes him an exciting choice to lead the work of the Kaleidoscope Trust in working to improve the lives of LGBT people across the world."

Paul Dillane, incoming Executive Director, said: "It is a real privilege to be joining the Kaleidoscope Trust, which has established itself as a leading voice in advancing the human rights of LGBT people. I have seen at first-hand the terrible consequences of the discrimination and persecution LGBT people experience on a daily basis via my work with refugees and front-line activists. Now is a critical time to step up our efforts to support LGBT rights defenders in their struggle for freedom and equality. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with such a talented and committed team, including the inspiring members of The Commonwealth Equality Network, as we seek to build on our successes in defending the human rights of LGBT people around the world."
 Caleb Orozco Wins David Kato Vision and Voice Award 2017 2016-12-08T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2016-12-08:122
Caleb Orozco, an LGBT activist from Belize, has been awarded the 2017 David Kato Vision and Voice Award for his campaign to overturn anti-gay laws in his home country in Central America.

In 2006 Caleb co-founded the United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNIBAM), the only LGBT-led campaign group in Belize. In 2016, after a six year battle, UNIBAM won its case at the Supreme Court of Belize, challenging the constitutionality of the country's anti-sodomy law.

This historic victory offers a precedent in overturning discriminatory LGBT laws in other former British colonies, notably in the Commonwealth, where homosexuality remains illegal in 36 of 52 countries.

Caleb has become the face of the LGBT community in Belize but his surname, Orozco, is used as a term of verbal abuse by bigots when targeting those thought to be gay.

Caleb said, "The award is not about me, but about the aspirations of my community and the sacrifices and support they have shown in overcoming bigotry and taking on our opponents. I am hopeful that awareness of the award will inspire more of my community to be publicly visible and to be proud about who they are. We hope we can inspire other LGBT activists that change is possible, especially in a difficult political environment".

John Fingleton, Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Kaleidoscope Trust, commented, "Despite great personal hardship and threats to his safety, Caleb has never faltered. He has remained courageous, strong, out and proud throughout his battle for justice and equality. Hosting the David Kato Voice and Vision Award Secretariat is one of the concrete ways in which the Kaleidoscope Trust can recognise and support LGBT activists around the world, many of whom are campaigning at great personal risk".

Caleb won from a shortlist of five activists from Iraq, Nigeria, Kenya and Kyrgyzstan. He will receive his award at a ceremony at the Kaleidoscope Trust's annual fundraising gala dinner on 26 January. Tickets are on sale here.

The case had the support of the University of the West Indies Rights Advocacy Project, the International Commission of Jurists, the Commonwealth Lawyers' Association and the Human Dignity Trust.

Caleb's fight continues, however. While the Belize Government has accepted most parts of the judgment, an alliance of religious groups has filed an appeal against the judgment.
 Global LGBTI Human Rights Conference 2016-07-12T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2016-07-12:119
Global LGBTI Human Rights Conference – Non Violence, Non Discrimination And Social Inclusion

This week our Executive Director will attend the Global LGBTI Human Rights Conference – Non Violence, Non Discrimination And Social Inclusion, from 13th to 15th July in Montevideo, Uruguay, and the civil society pre-conference on 12th July.

Dr Felicity Daly is the delegate from UK civil society and has been appointed to the working group on LGBTI inclusion in Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

The UK government delegation, headed by Ian Duddy, Counsellor at the UK Mission to the UN in Geneva, is contributing to a working group on Donor Coordination.

Their work will reference the 2013-2014 Global Resources Report: Government and Philanthropic Support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex Communities which can be found here.

In this report, the Kaleidoscope Trust published an annex which found 0.02% of all Official Development Assistance was targeted to LGBTI/SOGI over 2002-2013 under the Millennium Development Goals.

We will be among the voices calling for greater disbursements of aid to meet the Sustainable Development Goals that delivers for the basic needs of LGBTI people and contributes to the movement to end discrimination, persecution and violence on the basis of sexual orientation and gender.

 Fundraising for The Kaleidoscope Trust at the Pyongyang Marathon by Will Parry 2016-05-20T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2016-05-20:117
I've been a competitive runner for most of my life, and am a member of London Frontrunners, the capital's LGBT running team. On April 10th I – along with two friends from Frontrunners - competed in what has to rank as one of the world's strangest races: the Pyongyang marathon and half marathon in North Korea (DPRK). I ran the half marathon with one of my friends, whilst the other ran the full marathon.

Though the race began in 1981, it's only been open to amateurs for three years. My reasons for running were less to do with the race itself than the opportunity it offered to visit North Korea, a country that's fascinated me for many years. Independent travel is impossible, and the only way to gain access is via an organised tour.

I race frequently, and rarely try the patience of my friends by asking for sponsorship. However, I decided to make an exception for the Pyongyang Half Marathon and fundraise for the Kaleidoscope Trust. I've supported the Trust for several years, and see its international work as the most important LGBT struggle that we currently face. The legal and social changes that have taken place around LGBT rights over the last two decades in Europe and the US have been remarkable. Whilst we still have plenty of work to do at home, it's now crucial for us to use our relatively fortunate position to support the struggle for acceptance in countries where prejudice is on the rise, and where criminal penalties for simply being LGBT are on the rise.

Though defectors and human rights activists differ in their opinions on the ethics of tourism, travel to North Korea is undoubtedly a moral grey area, and fundraising for the Kaleidoscope Trust was one way of ensuring the trip had a slightly lighter hue of grey than might otherwise be the case. I set myself the goal of raising £500, which, thanks to my generous friends and supporters, I achieved.

The four-day trip was preceded by a security briefing in the Beijing offices of our tour company. Some warnings were expected. If requested to delete photographs by our guides, don't argue. Others were less so. Don't fold the English language newspaper across the face of any member of the Kim family, and don't crunch the paper up and bin it in a disrespectful way.

After forty-eight hours of hectic tourism - always escorted by two North Korean guides - it was race day. The marathon and half marathon began in the May Day Stadium, the world's largest, with a capacity of 150,000 people. (Wembley seats 90,000.) The stadium itself was three quarters full, and the experience of emerging from the entrance tunnel into the vast space was overwhelming. It seemed unlikely that all the spectators were there voluntarily. Watching from the roof of the stadium were portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il – portraits that were omnipresent in almost every space we entered, from subway carriages to university classrooms. Running kit had been carefully vetted, with no outsize logos or slogans permitted. And our guides politely but firmly reminded us that there should be no shouting or banner waving along the course.

Before leaving the UK, I'd read that western runners would start fifteen minutes behind Korean athletes to ensure there was no communication. That wasn't true, nor did there seem to be any overt photography restrictions on the course – with one notable exception. One street was undergoing extensive reconstruction, and we were warned that any attempt to take photos was strictly prohibited. The reasons are unclear - perhaps they simply want photographs to reflect the country in the best possible light, perhaps they worry about construction standards – but it seems that building sites and cameras in North Korea are never allowed to mix.

The two-lap course (four for the marathon) attracted a crowd of curious Pyongyang citizens, some with their children. Unlike the locals who filled the stadium - and unlike the unsmiling soldiers and traffic police who marshalled the route - I had the distinct feeling that they were watching because they wanted to, not because of any official edict. They smiled and cheered – just like supporters in any race. Most of the Western runners that I saw did the same back (a few attempting high fives, to the general bafflement of the spectators.) They were small moments of friendly communication, but hopefully ones that went a tiny way to breaking down barriers.

I completed the half marathon in 1.29.45 – over two minutes off my best time, but one I was happy with given that I'd slowed several times to take photos. The next day I left by train to Beijing, a trip which offered fascinating glimpses of the country outside of Pyongyang.

North Korea certainly offers a different kind of marathon tourism, but the race is an intriguing glimpse into a closed society. Some expectations were confirmed, some were confounded, but I'm glad I ran, and very happy that I was able to use the opportunity to fundraise for the Kaleidoscope Trust.

For pictures of Will Parry's marathon go to our Kaleidoscope Trust Facebook album.

 KT and The Commonwealth Equality Network are raising alarms about these threats with the UK government and the diplomatic community. 2016-05-13T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2016-05-13:116

KT and The Commonwealth Equality Network are raising alarms about these threats with the UK government and the diplomatic community.

Rossana Flamer-Caldera is the Chair of the Commonwealth Equality Network and we stand in solidarity with her, her colleagues and all LGBTI Sri Lankans in the face of this extremism.

Annual Colombo PRIDE celebrations are held each year to bring together the LGBTIQ community in one safe space to celebrate their diversity in an environment free of discrimination and prejudice.

EQUAL GROUND, a non-profit organisation seeking human and political rights for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning community [hereinafter referred to as "LGBTIQ community"] of Sri Lanka has successfully organized LGBTIQ Pride through Colombo PRIDE events for over a decade. In fact, this year marks 12 years of PRIDE in Sri Lanka.

EQUAL GROUND wishes to draw your attention to some disturbing incidents that are threatening to derail progress towards ensuring equal rights for all persons regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Such incidents not only violate domestic laws, if left unaddressed will be tantamount to Sri Lanka failing to fulfil its international treaty obligations and thereby lower its standing in the eyes of the international community.

A politically motivated group known as "The Island Nation of Sinhale" (Lion's Blood), notorious for spewing radical ideologies intended to sow hatred and incite discrimination, hostility and even violence against minorities has targeted Colombo PRIDE on Facebook and threatened to derail scheduled events. Articles on online news portals have also been published circulating derogatory and false information regarding the LGBTIQ community and EQUAL GROUND.

Please find attached hereto, images of the threats/article and their respective translations.

http://kaleidoscopetrust.com/usr/library/documents/main/attachment-srilanka-2-.pdf

Furthermore, EQUAL GROUND has faced resistance from institutions such as the Colombo Municipal Council and Sri Lanka Police when attempting to obtain permission for events commemorating IDAHOT and Colombo PRIDE. The aforesaid institutions have not expressly refused permission but have resorted to delay tactics to unreasonably withhold approvals without providing any reasons for such delay.

Despite the obstacles EQUAL GROUND is faced with this year, we wish to state that that we will not be intimidated by bigoted radicals and or parochial definitions of sexual identity. EQUAL GROUND will proceed with the events planned for Colombo PRIDE 2016 and continue to fight for equal rights for every individual regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact the EQUAL GROUND team on [+94 11] 2-806184 or via email onfirstname.lastname@example.com.

Rosanna Flamer-Caldera Executive Director EQUAL GROUND, Sri Lanka

 Kaleidoscope Trust's Annual IDAHOBIT Lecture 2016 2016-05-12T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2016-05-12:115

Here are some of the photos captured at our Kaleidoscope Trust's Annual IDAHOBIT Lecture 2016 to mark the International Day Against

Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) focusing on the global theme for IDAHOBIT 2016: Mental Health and Wellbeing.

With many thanks to all of our sponsors, supporters and everyone who made the event so successful.

In particular a very special thanks to our panel of speakers : Ms Aderonke Apata for sharing her life story is a such an open and moving way and Professor Michael King & Mr Dominic Davies for for their insightful sharing of their work. This created a very thought provoking, intelligent and inspiring evening. Thank you

 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1100282813343832.1073741832.229064177132371&type=3

 Highlights of progress on LGBT rights in the Commonwealth 2016-04-20T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2016-04-20:114

A COMMONWEALTH TOOLKIT FOR POLICY PROGRESS

CLICK HERE TO READ
 Kaleidoscope Trust launches A Commonwealth Toolkit for Policy Progress on LGBT Rights published in collaboration with the Royal Commonwealth Society and the Commonwealth Equality Network 2016-04-20T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2016-04-20:113

PRESS RELEASE: New research shows extent of progress on rights of LGBT citizens in the Commonwealth

Research launched today shows the extent of progress being made by countries across the Commonwealth in upholding the rights of LGBT citizens. The research shows that many governments are reforming laws, speaking out to protect minorities and creating new policies to educate societies. Many of these have been undertaken with the support of local LGBT communities and organisations.

The research is contained in a new report, A Commonwealth Toolkit for Policy Progress on LGBT Rights published by the Royal Commonwealth Society, the Kaleidoscope Trust and the Commonwealth Equality Network.

TO DOWNLOAD THE REPORT PRESS HERE

Highlights of this policy progress include:

Non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment law in countries as diverse as Botswana, Seychelles, Samoa and Saint Lucia.

Repeal of colonial-era bans on consensual same sex relations between adults, most recently occurring in Mozambique.

Supreme court judgments upholding the rights of 'third gender' groups such as Hijras and Kothis in India and Pakistan.

The formation of a Consultative Council of LGBT organisations to advise the Government of Malta on areas of policy and legislation.

The report also highlights that, despite the fact that 40 of the 53 Commonwealth members criminalise same sex relations between consenting adults in some way, the modern Commonwealth can play a positive role in improving the lives of LGBT citizens. Speaking about the report, the Director of the Royal Commonwealth Society Michael Lake CBE said, "We have got to move beyond a finger wagging approach and use the Commonwealth to offer practical support to governments wanting to make positive change to support LGBT citizens".

The role of local civil society groups in supporting governments to create policies that protect the rights of LGBT citizens is another feature of the report. It includes several examples of collaboration between governments and LGBT communities and organisations in areas of police training, education for health care professionals and anti-bullying campaigns. Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, Dr Felicity Daly said, "the growing influence of LGBT activism on national stakeholders demonstrates what can be achieved when such activists have sufficient support to engage in developing effective interventions that are informed by their experiences."

Many of the laws which discriminate against lesbian, gay and bisexual citizens have their roots in anti-sodomy laws imposed on Commonwealth countries by the British Empire. Several countries are seeking to reform these laws and increase protections for LGB people. The Chair of the Commonwealth Equality Network, which includes LGBT organisations from all five regions of the Commonwealth, Rosanna Flamer-Caldera from Sri Lanka said, "As countries face sometimes insurmountable challenges particularly on LGBTIQ issues, it is more vital now than ever that we push harder for change in the Commonwealth in order to ensure that all LGBTIQ person's issues are always on the table, with the final goal of decriminalization in ALL countries of the Commonwealth."

The report also includes policies which seek to improve the rights of transgender citizens.

---ENDS---

Notes to editors:

A Commonwealth Toolkit for Policy Progress on LGBT Rights is published by the Royal Commonwealth Society, Kaleidoscope Trust and the Commonwealth Equality Network. A full downloadable version of the report can be found here.

The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS), founded in 1868, is a network of individuals and organisations committed to improving the lives and prospects of Commonwealth citizens across the world. Through youth empowerment, education and advocacy, the RCS promotes the value and the values of the Commonwealth. We champion human rights, democracy and sustainable development across the 53 member states which are intrinsically linked through their common history and shared values.

The Kaleidoscope Trust works to uphold the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people internationally by listening to, amplifying and communicating their voices to a wider audience, and by standing with them in persuading public and political opinion of the need for an end to all discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. We work with activists and organisations around the world to advance the belief that the rights of all people should be respected equally, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Commonwealth Equality Network (TCEN), established in 2013 is a network of Commonwealth civil society organisations working to challenge inequality in the Commonwealth, based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Network was set up with the aim of giving a voice to LGBTI communities across the Commonwealth and to support joint advocacy in identifying a Commonwealth solution to a Commonwealth problem. Much like the Commonwealth itself, the membership of the Network is dominated by organisations in low and middle-income countries, in particular sub Saharan Africa.

For more information on the report please contact:

Lewis Brooks, Policy and Research Manager, the Royal Commonwealth Society

firstname.lastname@example.com +44 203 727 4308

Dr Felicity Daly, Executive Director, the Kaleidoscope Trust

firstname.lastname@example.com

 Kaleidoscope Trust welcomes All Party Parliamentary Group on Global LGBT Rights Report: The UK's stance on international breaches of LGBT rights 2016-04-14T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2016-04-14:109
The Trust's welcomes key recommendations that the APPG has made to ensure that the UK use help prevent the ongoing, serious and often profoundly concerning violations of their civil, political and economic rights faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people.

We applaud the APPG's acknowledgement that British leadership to overturn this is crucial given the majority of jurisdictions that criminalise same-sex activity do so on the basis of legislation inherited from Britain during their colonial histories, citing both the Trust's Speaking Out 2015 Report and The Commonwealth Equality Network's (TCEN) website.

http://media.wix.com/ugd/<wbr />cf74d6_<wbr />9aef960a172749b6ae9da560b09e8e<wbr />61.pdf

The Trust welcomes the report's emphasis on the Commonwealth as a forum in which to advance the rights of LGBT people forums wherein which discussion around decriminalisation may remain controversial, a focus on opposing violence can build support. We are pleased of the recognition of the collaboration between the Trust, TCEN and the FCO in the outcomes of the 2015 Commonwealth Leader's Communique to "protect individuals from all forms of violence."

The Trust strongly welcomes the inquiry's call for a broader approach to LGBT health issues, including the health impacts of violence, with a particular focus mental health and the health of LBT women which cites our Executive Director Dr Felicity Daly's research.

The Trust is pleased that the inquiry echoes our calls for enhanced cross departmental strategy and coordination and strategy and we remain willing to contribute to this including by taking part in a stakeholder steering group to help assist its development and implementation.

On the role of the FCO we agree that the UK has demonstrated High level leadership needed champion LGBT people globally and urge for enhanced practical support for local LGBT organisations, both financial and political, should be encouraged and the exchange of good practice systematised.

We support the call for the FCO to develop a targeted county strategy that sets out clear and realisable objectives, in key countries responsive to change, and the interventions that are effective and contextually appropriate. We strongly support the inquiry's call for mechanisms that spread good practise between geographical locations to allow British diplomats to share and learn good practise between missions and we echoes the call for the FCO LGBT Toolkit to be revised.

We welcome the inquiry's focus on the need for links between defending human rights and advancing prosperity especially as a country's full economic potential cannot be reached without LGBT inclusion.

We support the emphasis on the private diplomacy over public condemnation and we agree that this should not prevent stronger, public diplomatic censure when necessary.

While our Executive Director is credited with making a statement that seems to strongly endorse the use of targeted visa bans that limit the ability of politicians and public figures at the forefront of introducing discriminatory legislation to travel we clarify that consideration of such strict measures should always include consultation with LGBT movements in the country in question.

We also support the report's welcome of DFID's approach to LGBT rights and its links to the Sustainable Development Goals. The report highlights our concerns that it is not yet clear how implementation will proceed due to a perceived lack of internal resources and limited identification of additional funding streams for LGBT specific programming.

The Trust was cited in pointing out that "Overwhelmingly, the greatest need identified by our partners is the challenge they face in resourcing their work" It also presents the Trust's evidence that the inadequacy of funding to support LGBT specific programming and advocacy is thrown into high relief by the amount of funding available to those opposed to the realisation of rights by LGBT people

The report notes that tracking funding with an LGBT component is necessary to measure successful implementation of DFID's LGBT agenda and we are pleased that the Trust's work in tracking Overseas Development Assistance benefitting LGBT people will soon be published in the 2016 Global Resource Tracking Report.

We note that the report grapples with the application of aid conditionality noting that it may inadvertently entrench the perspective that support for LGBT rights is being driven by international actors and undermine collaboration between LGBT organisations and the rest of civil society.

The report acknowledged the important role of the Private Sector in exercising influence and nots that business interventions should be contextually relevant and engage with civil society in the country of operation. The Trust reiterates the approach of Open for Business and applauds its member companies' actions to ensure a safe working environment for LGBT employees across the world.

The report cites the Trust's recommendation that wherever possible it is important for parliamentarians to meet and work with grassroots LGBT activists in order to construct effective, contextually responsive interventions informed by their expertise, their concerns as well as the opportunities they have identified. We support the potential areas for further examination that have been identified in this report include and the Trust would particularly like to play a role in exploring how to better support data collection and research on the inclusion of LGBTI people and the role of faith communities in confronting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

We welcome the commitment of the APPG to work with civil society organisations both in the UK and internationally and utilise its convening power to highlight issues and agree effective responses and the Trust will continue to collaborate closely with the APPG.

 Foreign Affairs Select Committee Report Published The FCO's administration and funding its human rights work overseas 2016-04-05T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2016-04-05:108

Foreign Affairs Select Committee Report Published

The FCO's administration and funding its human rights work overseas

We welcome the Foreign Affairs Select Committee report published today, which finds a perception that the FCO has de-prioritised human rights. While this seems difficult to evidence, the response from the Foreign Secretary does not provide enough specifics to dispel this sense, particularly in relation to the FCO's work protecting and promoting human rights of LGBT people.

We echo the committee's concern that access to the Magna Carta Fund is constrained for small LGBT organisations and those unable to legally register in their countries due to restrictive legislation. Therefore we recommend that the FCO create a mechanism to help assess NGOs who might apply, with input from the Trust and other organisations with a record supporting LGBT rights organisations around the world.

We were especially pleased that the committee recommends that LGBTI rights in the Commonwealth should be a standard to measure FCO progress. We continue to provide such analysis of progress on the rights of LGBTI people in all 53 member states in our biennial report Speaking Out which the FCO has helpfully disseminated throughout UK Embassies and High Commissions.

We welcome further opportunities to consult with the FCO on its efforts to advance the human rights of LGBT people and help to dispel any perception of deprioritisation.

 31 March 2016 transgender day of visibility 2016-03-31T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2016-03-31:107

While there have been breakthroughs in trans visibility trans people are still silenced and marginalised around the Commonwealth.

Elizabeth Taylor, a trans activist from Papua New Guinea shared in our Speaking Out report http://kaleidoscopetrust.com/<wbr />speaking-out-report-2015/ "stigma, discrimination, abuse and violence are part of my daily life. It is not safe for me to walk around freely in my own country. My voice has not been heard when fronted up at the police station. I am not utilising my rights as a human because I am in fear."

Lady Jessica, a transwoman from Jamaica reflected on her experience in the report "I arrive at Norman Manly International Airport …the Immigration Officer came back and asked "are you a male or female because your passport states male"…I said I am biologically male but identify myself as a woman. Then I told her that I rather to be called Lady Jessica. I arrived at the security checking point. I clearly state I am a woman. She said "no because your identification states male." She said "well the male security will have to search you" then I…said I needed female officer to search me, she said "ok". Whispers of 'gal bowy' spread like wild fire throughout the airport among staff, male Security Officers leave duty to witness the famous 'gal bowy'."

 --

Felicity Daly DrPH

Executive Director

 We Must Encourage a Truly Inclusive Commonwealth 2016-03-14T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2016-03-14:105
NEWS RELEASE

14 March 2016 – Commonwealth Day

The Kaleidoscope Trust welcomes the Commonwealth's 2016 theme: An Inclusive Commonwealth and the intention to recognise and celebrate the diversity of the more than two billion people who are Commonwealth citizens.

Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma, who leaves his post at the end of this month, recently reflected that "discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity…remains one of our most pressing human rights challenges and we will continue to work with our member states towards inclusiveness.[1]"

Inclusivity is meant to be a central Commonwealth value. The Commonwealth Charter asserts "We are implacably opposed to all forms of discrimination, whether rooted in gender, race, colour, creed, political belief or other grounds.[2]" Yet 40 out of 53 members of the Commonwealth have laws which criminalise same sex relationships in some way – representing over half the countries in the world that do so. Moreover few member states

protect the right to gender identity and/or expression for trans persons.

We must encourage a truly inclusive Commonwealth so that citizens whose sexual orientation is outside the heterosexual mainstream or whose gender identity/expression does not fit within binary genders are able to live lives free from the discrimination, harassment, marginalisation, persecution and violence they currently experience, to greater or lesser degree, in every member state.

The LGBT activists which the Trust works with through The Commonwealth Equality Network have been calling on Commonwealth leaders to "commit to open and free debate across the Commonwealth on how best to safeguard the rights of LGBTI people and engage in meaningful dialogue with their own LGBTI communities…about the means to remove all legal and other impediments to the enjoyment of their human rights.[3]"

Baroness Patricia Scotland becomes Commonwealth Secretary General next month and has said that in order to advance the rights of LGBTI people in the Commonwealth she will help member states understand the "direct correlation between the human capacity, social development in a country and its wealth.[4]" She has also indicated that she will urge the Commonwealth to have "a real conversation, where we acknowledge the humanity in each other and bring out the best that there can be.[5]"

We welcome her action this year to realise a more inclusive Commonwealth, one that embraces sexual and gender diversity. We encourage her to maintain an ongoing focus on ensuring the inclusivity of LGBTI citizens of the Commonwealth both in her dialogue with member states as well as establishing a substantive agenda on the rights of LGBTI people item at the next Commonwealth Summit to be hosted by the UK in 2018.

Dr Felicity Daly, Executive Director

[1] Statement of the Commonwealth Secretary-General. 31st Session of the Human Rights Council United Nations Geneva, Switzerland. 2 March 2016.

[2] Charter of the Commonwealth. 2013.

[3] Kaleidoscope Trust. Speaking Out: 2015 The Rights of LGBTI People Across the Commonwealth. http://kaleidoscopetrust.com/speaking-out-report-2015/

[4] Commonwealth Secretary General Candidates Debate. November 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM5shb_MXDY&feature=youtu.be

[5]ibid

 The Trust was very disappointed that once again Indian politicians have voted down a bill that would decriminalize homosexuality 2016-03-13T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2016-03-13:104
The Trust was very disappointed that once again Indian politicians have voted down a bill that would decriminalize homosexuality. As shared in our 2015 report Speaking Out The rights of LGBTI people in the Commonwealth, Gowthaman Ranganathan a lawyer for the Alternative Law Forum, Bangalore, India said "A confused canvas has been portrayed before the LGBTI community in India. On the one hand the Supreme Court of India has upheld the rights of transgender persons and the other, it has refused to declare the anti sodomy law being section 377 of the Indian Penal Code as unconstitutional. Post the Supreme Court decision in 2013 recriminalising homosexuality, the message from the LGBT community was clear that there is No Going Back. The struggles of the LGBT community continue in the court…as well on the streets and our everyday lives seeking justice." The Trust will continue to support their struggle through solidarity and particularly through Commonwealth advocacy to challenge discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in all Commonwealth countries, particularly the most populous one.

 The Kaleidoscope Trust's Response to the Department for International Development's approach on LGB&T rights 2016-02-10T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2016-02-10:101
The Kaleidoscope Trust's Response to the Department for International Development's approach on LGB&T rights

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dfids-approach-on-lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-lgbt-rights

The Kaleidoscope Trust welcome's the Department for International Development's publication of its approach to LGBT rights and international development.

It reflects the growing consensus that protecting the rights of LGBT people beneficial to economic development and integral to social development.

Throughout the modern era of development LGBT people have been excluded from the benefits of economic and social development, facing barriers in access to basic services, such as education and health care.

Given the recent adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals which promise to 'leave no one behind' it is a crucial time for DFID to demonstrate how it will promote development for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Kaleidoscope Trust welcomes DFID's commitments to:

Recognition of LGBT rights as a 'core development issue'.

Increased Engagement with LGBT civil society.

International Dialogue initiated by DFID and Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO) to increase high level support for the human rights of LGBT people.

Developing and Utilising Evidence to support policy and programmes.

The Trust will continue to work with DFID to support implementation of the approach in DFID partner countries particularly in ensuring LGBT rights defenders are able to access UK support. We are particularly keen that this approach is undertaken with enhance cross government cohesion, particularly with the FCO's human rights work and funding initiatives.
 Indian Supreme Court to reconsider decriminalization of homosexuality. 2016-02-03T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2016-02-03:100

The Supreme Court on Tuesday referred to a five-judge bench a curative petition challenging its verdict criminalising homosexuality in the country.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday referred to a five-judge bench a curative petition seeking re-examination of its verdict criminalising homosexuality in the country under section 377 IPC.

A bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur heard the curative petition filed by gay rights activists and NGO Naz Foundation against the apex court's December 11, 2013 judgement upholding validity of section 377 (unnatural sexual offences) of IPC and the January 2014 order, by which it had dismissed a bunch of review petitions.

The petitioners were the NGO Naz Foundation, working for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community.

Reacting to the court's move, an activist said, "This is a progressive step in the right direction, it is a corrective measure ."

Another activist said, "For today, this is a good news."

The plea had stated that the judgement was reserved on March 27, 2012, but a verdict was delivered after around 21 months; during this period lots of changes took place, including amendment in laws, which were not considered by the Bench, which delivered the judgement.

The gay rights activists had said thousands from the LGBT community became open about their sexual identity during the past four years after the Delhi High Court 'decriminalised' gay sex in 2009, and they were now facing the threat of being prosecuted.

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-supreme-court-refers-petition-challenging-section-377-to-five-judge-bench-2173086

 Kaleidoscope Trust's 4th Annual Gala Dinner 2016-01-29T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2016-01-29:99
We are so grateful for the support shown by close to 200 guests at the Kaleidoscope Trust's 4th annual gala dinner last night. There was a strong sense of solidarity for LGBTI people around the world in the room. We had a very successful night and the income will help us to continue our work! Special thanks to RT Hon John Bercow and Executive Director - Equal Ground, Sri Lanka, Rosanna Flamer-Caldera for their inspirational speeches and Singer Songwriter Dan Gillespie Sells for his special performance. More to come.

 2015 CHOGM Communiqué includes language that can advance the rights of LGBT people 2015-12-04T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2015-12-04:98
Read our analysis here.

You can read the full CHOGM 2015 Communiqué here.
 Kaleidoscope Trust Releases Video on LGBTI Rights in the Commonwealth 2015-11-23T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2015-11-23:97

More than 90% of Commonwealth citizens live in a jurisdiction where LGBTI people are criminalised, face violence, discrimination and significant barriers in accessing their rights to health, employment and education.

For the first time in its history The Commonwealth People's Forum, which opens today in Malta will host LGBTI activists in dialogue with policy makers to consider what Commonwealth institutions and member states can do to protect the rights of LGBTI people.

Listen to what some of these activists have to say about what keeps them resilient in the face of adversity.
 Kaleidoscope Trust Releases New Report Speaking Out 2015: The Rights of LGBTI People Across the Commonwealth 2015-11-20T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2015-11-20:96

 The Kaleidoscope Trust has released their biennial report on the state of LGBTI people's rights across the Commonwealth.

Speaking Out 2015 documents the Commonwealth's poor record in protecting the rights of its LGBTI citizens. Of the 53 member states, 40 continue to criminalise same-sex activity. More than 90% of Commonwealth citizens live in a jurisdiction where LGBTI people are criminalised.

There are hopeful signs that the Commonwealth is willing to reflect on how to improve this record. For the first time in its history The Commonwealth People's Forum, the official gathering of Commonwealth civil society, is hosting two session examining the challenges facing LGBTI people. Activists and policy makers will be looking at ways in which Commonwealth institutions and member states can do more to protect the rights of LGBTI people. The People's Forum convenes in Malta 23-25 November in advance of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 27-29 November.

Drawing on contributions from LGBTI human rights organisations from across the Commonwealth, Speaking Out 2015 demands that the Commonwealth take action to overcome the discrimination and violence faced by LGBTI people through:

Following the example of other multilateral forums including: the African Commission on Human and People's Rights; the Organisation of American States and the UN Human Rights Council the Commonwealth must condemn violence on any grounds and make concrete efforts to prevent acts of violence and harassment committed against individuals because of their sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.

Commit to open and free debate across the Commonwealth on how best to safeguard the rights of LGBTI people.

Commit to include a discussion on equal rights for LGBTI citizens as a substantive agenda item at the next CHOGM.

Engage in meaningful dialogue with their own LGBTI communities to facilitate an informed debate about the means to remove all legal and other impediments to the enjoyment of their human rights.

Speaking Out 2015 includes testimonies from LGBTI people in almost every Commonwealth country which reveal pervasive and debilitating discrimination and violence.

"My safety would be my biggest concern…there have been a few acts (of violence) on LGBT members, they were just attacked because they looked at somebody funny, or give a funny stare, they've been pelted with stone, or chased. I just don't feel safe walking in town." Anonymous Gay Man, Dominica

"Our challenge remains in reaching out to poorer LGBTs, LGBT teens, and LGBTs in rural Malaysia who are being bullied by peers, punished by teachers, abandoned by parents, and harassed by authorities." Pang Khee Teik, Co-Founder Seksualiti Merdeka, Malaysia

"stigma, discrimination, abuse and violence are part of my daily life. It is not safe for me to walk around freely in my own country. My voice has not been heard when fronted up at the police station. I am not utilising my rights as a human because I am in fear." Elizabeth Taylor, trans activist, Papua New Guinea.

"Many people think we are useless... Some of us cannot even get jobs just because of our sexuality" Mwijuke, Gilbert, Rwanda

The report also demonstrates the resilience of individual activists and the growing strength of human rights advocacy and LGBTI movements in Commonwealth countries.

"In a country where the whole concept of sex and sexuality is a taboo, we are learning to navigate our ways by highlighting love as the center of all, a human right that can't be denied, hoping for broader acceptance some day!" Xulhaz Mannan, Bangladesh

"Despite the many hardships, trials and struggles we face as individuals, as an organization and as a community Barbados has a tremendously resilient set of LGBTI people that make an invaluable contribution to Barbadian society." Donnya Piggott Barbados Gays & Lesbians Against Discrimination (B-GLAD), Barbados

Dr Felicity Daly, Executive Director, Kaleidoscope Trust said:

 "While we welcome the positive changes for LGBTI people living in Commonwealth member states since the last CHOGM in 2013 - our report shows there is serious cause for concern remaining in every Commonwealth country. Speaking Out 2015 details LGBTI people are still criminalized in the majority of member states, and face violence, discrimination and significant barriers in accessing their rights to health, employment and education. The Commonwealth, as a network of states, institutions and civil society actors, must play a vital role in ensuring equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity."

 The Kaleidoscope Trust welcomes John Fingleton as the new Chair of its Board of Trustees 2015-10-15T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2015-10-15:95
The Kaleidoscope Trust is pleased to announce that John Fingleton has taken over as Chair of its Board of Trustees Trust from October 1st 2015.

John Fingleton said:

 "The rapid improvement in LGBT rights in the the UK and other countries in recent years is hugely welcome, but it is not replicated internationally, and in some cases has deteriorated. This has a huge unnecessary negative impact on individuals, their friends and families, and the societies in which they live.

The Kaleidoscope Trust's support to movements and leaders upholding the human rights of LBGT people helps drive change from within these countries, building political will and challenging harmful social norms.

I look forward to working with our Trustees, our great team of staff and volunteers led by Dr Felicity Daly, and our wide circle of friends and supports to continue and step up the impact of our important work to make a real positive difference to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity."

Notes

The Kaleidoscope Trust works to advance the human rights of LGBT people internationally by listening to, amplifying and communicating their voices to a wider audience, and by standing with them in persuading public and political opinion of the need for an end to all discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The challenge. In over 78 countries across the globe LGBT people face the possibility of imprisonment, attack or even death. In these countries, including 40 of the 53 Commonwealth member states, laws exist that can be used to prosecute people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

John Fingleton is an economist and was head of the Irish Competition Authority from 2000 to 2005 and CEO of the Office of Fair Trading from 2005 to 2012. In 2013, he founded Fingleton Associates, a boutique advisory firm. He is a Trustee of two other charities: Stepchange and the Center for Economic Policy Research.

 All-Party Parliamentary Group on Global LGBT Rights launched 2015-07-23T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2015-07-23:94
MPs and peers across party lines have formed an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on LGBT Rights. The aim of the group is to help tackle breaches of LGBT rights around the world and push LGBT rights issues forward in Parliament. APPGs are informal groups working on specific issues across party lines. The group is chaired by Conservative MP Nick Herbert, while Caroline Lucas (Green) and Stewart Macdonald (SNP) serve as vice chairs.

The Kaleidoscope Trust attended the launch event hosted by the APPG's patron, Speaker of the House John Bercow MP alongside other charities and leaders in the LGBT movement, including the Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group, Black Pride and Justice for Gay Africans.

Speaking at the launch reception, Chair Nick Herbert MP acknowledged the importance of the Kaleidoscope Trust's Parliamentary Friends group, a group of MPs concerned with LGBT issues internationally established in early 2013, in laying the foundations for the current APPG.

Lord Cashman, Labour's special envoy on LGBT rights, also spoke at the event saying:

"Human rights and civil liberties need to be the top priority of every party that takes itself seriously."

Philippa Drew, Trustee of the Kaleidoscope Trust and Chair of the Doughty Street Group, also addressed the audience.

Chair Nick Herbert announced that as its first task the group will launch an enquiry into LGBT rights abuses internationally to understand the issue. The enquiry will include testimonies from individuals and organisations.

The Kaleidoscope Trust looks forward to working closely with the APPG in our work to tackle LGBT discrimination and abuses and ensure that LGBT rights are part of UK policy around the world.

 New UN report on discrimination and violence against LGBT people 2015-06-02T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2015-06-02:92
The Kaleidoscope Trust welcomes a new report on the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people launched yesterday by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human rights. The report, drawn up by request of the UN Human Rights Council, is the second UN report of its kind and details how LGBT people around the world face criminalisation, violence, discrimination and marginalisation based on their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

Persecution has a significant impact on the lives of LGBT communities in the Commonwealth. 41 of the 53 Commonwealth member states criminalise consensual same-sex activity in some way. Some 92% of Commonwealth citizens live in jurisdictions where same-sex activity is a criminal offence.

Anticipating publication of the UN report, the Commonwealth Secretary-General addressed the UN Human Rights Council in March this year stating:

"We are conscious of the importance of recognising that all individuals have a mutuality of respect, a multiplicity of identities reflecting their stage of life, their varied interests, their commitments, their beliefs, their aspirations, and much more. Each of these are rich veins of identity that become possibilities for building strong bridges over the sterile divides that are too-easily created, too-easily simplified, and too-easily exploited to our detriment as individuals and as a global community.

"We look forward to the publication of the report. We will be encouraging Commonwealth member states to reflect and act on its actionable recommendations in order to give effect to our shared commitment to dignity, equality and nondiscrimination." [Our emphasis]

Key amongst the more than 20 recommendations made by the report are that States:

Repeal laws used to punish individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, including laws that criminalise consensual same-sex relationships cross-dressing, and that restrict freedom of expression, association and assembly;

Conduct prompt, thorough investigations of incidents of hate-motivated violence against and torture of LGBT persons, holding perpetrators to account, and providing redress to victims;

Prohibit discrimination and incitement to hatred and violence against LGBT persons;

Ensure access to legal identity documents that reflect an individual's self-identified gender, without imposing abusive pre-conditions; and

End abusive therapies and treatments to which LGBT people are often subjected -- including so-called "conversion" therapy, forced sterilisation of transgender persons and certain medical procedures on intersex children.

We welcome the opportunity to work with the Commonwealth Secretariat, Commonwealth States and Commonwealth civil society toward implementing the report's recommendations in a way that is sensitive to the particular contexts of Commonwealth states and draws on the Commonwealth principles of diversity, tolerance and respect.

Read the full report here.
 The Commonwealth Equality Network welcomes Secretary-General's IDAHOT statement 2015-06-02T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2015-06-02:93
The Kaleidoscope Trust alongside colleagues from across the Commonwealth has welcomed the Commonwealth Secretary-General's statement marking this year's International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT).

In an open letter in response to the statement, the Commonwealth Equality Network, a coalition of civil society groups interested in the realisation of equal rights around the Commonwealth, applauded the Secretary-General's identification of the persecution and violence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Commonwealth citizens and encouraged the Commonwealth Secretariat to translate its sentiments into action.

"We continue to believe that the Commonwealth, with its unique shared values and history, its voluntarism and its respect for difference and diversity, can become a place where the rights and dignity of all its citizens are championed and their equality protected. We look forward to working with the Commonwealth Secretariat, and all Commonwealth actors, to make this vision a reality."

Read the full letter here.

 New Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Network launched 2015-05-20T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2015-05-20:90
The Kaleidoscope Trust was delighted to participate in the launch of the Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Network (CYGEN) this month in Malta. Convened by the Royal Commonwealth Society, the network brings together young experts on a range of gender issues from over 20 countries in a youth-led advocacy group that works towards policy change that improves the lives of young people.

At the network's inaugural meeting, the Trust's Programme Manager Alistair Stewart facilitated a working group of young Commonwealth experts on the challenges facing people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and sex characteristics (SOGIGESC). The working group produced key priorities that the Commonwealth needs to address in order to ensure equality for all: -

Equal access to, or the creation of, safe health practices.

Economic security through equal access to, and protection in, education, employment & housing.

Freedom from legal persecution based on SOGIGESC status.

Protection through the vigorous application of existing constitutions and legislation.

Freedom of expression, association and assembly through full inclusion in civil society spaces.

Key recommedations made by the group include: -

Commonwealth institutions work closely with states to create and improve access to safe, nondiscriminatory, and appropriate health practices using internationally recognised health indicators, as per the standards of the WHO, to assess progress.

Commonwealth institutions must include an understanding of the needs of SOGIGESC communities, developed in consultation with our communities, in the technical advice they provide to states in all areas related to economic security.

Member states work with Commonwealth institutions and other actors to expedite a process of reviewing and amending discriminatory legislation to be inclusive, as enshrined in their constitutions and in line with regional and international mechanisms.

Member states and Commonwealth institutions work to provide equal protection under existing laws, and to extend protection to other areas, including protection from violence, in labour rights, education and housing.

Member states must recognise the existence and operation of SOGIGESC organisations as legal entities and remove legislation that bans participation in civil society.

The network's full set of priorities were presented to the Maltese President along with a rainbow flag (see above).

The Trust's Programme Manager Alistair Stewart said:

It has been a real pleasure to work with such a broad range of young experts, drawn from all over the Commonwealth and from within our many communities. Their depth of knowledge and their real passion for change is inspiring. The Commonwealth would be wise to take into account their policy recommendations if it is serious about concretely improving the live of young people, regardless of the sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.

The forum brought together young professionals and experts in an inter-generational learning environment through workshops, discussions and training sessions. The interaction aimed to develop knowledge in a range of areas, including various gender issues, effective advocacy, and further practical skills.
 Three young activists deliver IDAHOT lecture 2015-05-15T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2015-05-15:89
This year we marked the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) by bringing together three exciting young leaders from across the world to discuss the challenges facing LGBTI youth and how they are stepping up to meet those challenges.

Donnya D. Piggott, co-founder and Executive Director of Barbados Gays, Lesbians and All-Sexuals Against Discrimination (B-GLAD),

Leng Montgomery, Trans* Activist from the UK, and Silas Mukangu, sexual health rights activist from Kenya, delivered the Kaleidoscope Trust's annual IDAHOT lecture in London's Canary Wharf.

The event was sponsored by J.P. Morgan and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.

Photos from the event are available on our Facebook page.

 New Director to take the helm at the Kaleidoscope Trust 2015-05-05T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2015-05-05:88
The Kaleidoscope Trust is excited to announce the appointment of Dr Felicity Daly as Executive Director. Felicity has an outstanding record of promoting sexual rights in development policy and programming.

Felicity has over 15 years professional experience in international development, working in international non-governmental organisations and as a consultant in academia, with bilateral donors and UN agencies. She has extensive technical expertise in the response to sexual and reproductive health and rights and HIV/AIDS in low and middle-income countries.

Most recently Felicity completed doctoral research into how South Africa's LGBTI sector has engaged in the development of strategies to mitigate poor sexual heath among lesbian and bisexual women in the context of high rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and rising homophobic violence.

Felicity's background in public health and social development programming will support Kaleidoscope Trust to expand its work to support partnerships with LGBT organisations in low and middle income countries.

Siddo Deva, Chair, said: "It is a privilege to welcome such a talented and committed individual to the Trust. Felicity brings a wealth of experience and skill that will greatly support the Trust's work around the world in defence of human rights for LGBT people."

Dr Felicity Daly, Executive Director, said: "I am delighted to be joining the Kaleidoscope Trust. This is a crucial time to provide support to LGBT rights defenders who continue to work on decriminalisation on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and face increasingly oppressive legislation. I am excited to lead this growing organisation in new directions and to build on its many successes."
 Kaleidoscope Trust hosts panel at new gay play 2015-04-29T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2015-04-29:87
The Kaleidoscope Trust hosted a panel discussion yesterday after a performance of the Glass Protégé, a play about gay love in 1940s Hollywood. When young British actor, Patrick Glass, embarks on a scandalous gay love affair with his famous co-star, he starts to feel the full force of the studio's career-destroying muscle. Forty years later, as the truths of the past are uncovered, the true consequences of this 'unacceptable' romance come to light.

After the performance Peter Tatchell, prominent LGBT rights campaigner, and Jide Macaulay, British-Nigerian founder of the House Of Rainbow Fellowship, an inclusive and affirming religious community, joined some of the play's cast members to discuss themes arising from the play and how discrimination continues to affect LGBT people around the world today. Though the play is set in the 1940s, the panellists felt its themes resonate with many of today's realities. The discussion was led by Philippa Drew, Trustee of the Kaleidoscope Trust.

The Glass Protégé is a production of Giant Cherry Productions, established with the aim of bringing a new wave of new LGBT productions to the global film, theatre and television scene, and written by Dylan Costello. The play runs at the Park Theatre in London until 9 May 2015.
 Join us at exciting new play and post-show panel 2015-04-07T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2015-04-07:86
The Kaleidoscope Trust will host a panel discussion as part of a special show of the Glass Protégé, a powerful drama written by Dylan Costello.

The play is set in Hollywood in 1949 - a time when passion was lauded but sex never discussed. So when young British actor Patrick Glass embarks on a scandalous gay love affair with his famous co-star Jackson Harper, he starts to feel the full force of the studio's career-destroying muscle. Forty years later, as the truths of the past are uncovered, the true consequences of this 'unacceptable' romance come to light.

On 28th April the Kaleidoscope Trust is hosting a post-show panel and Q&A session to discuss themes arising from the play and how discrimination continues to affect LGBT people across the world. The panel will feature Peter Tatchell, prominent human rights campaigner, Reverend Jide Macaulay, British-Nigerian founder of the House Of Rainbow Fellowship and Trustee of the Kaleidoscope Trust, and some of the play's cast and production team.

The play is produced by Giant Cherry Productions, set up to bring a wave of new LGBT productions to the global film, theatre and television scene.

Tickets are available from the Park Theatre. Supporters of the Kaleidoscope Trust can use the promocode KT15 to redeem a discount for the special show when booking online.

Please note that the play is suitable for over 16s only.

 The Kaleidoscope Trust launches groundbreaking report into discrimination in the Commonwealth 2015-03-23T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2015-03-23:85
The Kaleidoscope Trust launches today Collaboration and Consensus, a groundbreaking report into the challenges faced by LGBT people in the Commonwealth. The report, co-authored with The Royal Commonwealth Society, examines some of the ways in which Commonwealth institutions, nations and civil society can begin to use some of the unique mechanisms of the Commonwealth to address discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The report is the first in a series of papers looking at how the rights of LGBT people can be addressed within the Commonwealth context.

Of the 53 Commonwealth member states, 41 have laws that act to criminalise LGBT people. However, while the report presents the challenges caused by discriminatory legisaltion and attitudes, it also highlights the positive developments that are arising in law, Commonwealth actions and national processes. The report investigates how the strengths of the Commonwealth can be used to move away from the perceived polarisation within the Commonwealth and towards a Commonwealth consensus.

Speaking about the report, the Trust's Acting Executive Director, Alistair Stewart said:

The colonial history of the Commonwealth has left it with a serious problem combatting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This groundbreaking piece of work begins to map out some uniquely Commonwealth solutions to this problem - solutions that play to the Commonwealth's strengths and could make it an effective forum for positive change for the millions of LGBT people that live across its member states.

The report is available to download here.

 Human rights organisations from around the world raise concerns about Commonwealth record on LGBTI rights 2015-03-09T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2015-03-09:84
The Commonwealth Equality Network, a coalition of more than 30 human rights organisations including the Kaleidoscope Trust, has raised concerns about the Commonwealth's record on LGBTI rights in an open letter directed toward Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma. To mark this year's Commonwealth Day the coalition of NGOs urged the Secretary-General not to forget that same sex activity is illegal in 41 of the 53 Commonwealth countries.

The letter recognised that some progress had been made in the Commonwealth. The 2013 Commonwealth Charter commits members to oppose discrimination on any grounds. Last year the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma issued a statement calling for respect for all citizens regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. However the letter states that more needs to be done to address the pressing needs of LGBTI communities who face criminalisation, discrimination and persecution in all Commonwealth countries.

The Commonwealth Equality Network is a representative body of organisations working in Commonwealth countries to advance the rights of all, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

The organisations that make up the network have issued a list of specific asks to the Commonwealth. These include:

that the Commonwealth Secretariat should do more to identify and support good practice amongst member states;

that member states should engage more with their own civil society, who have knowledge and expertise on the challenges faced by LGBTI people and how those challenges can be effectively and sensitively addressed

that the Commonwealth institutions should give better support to civil society, that has led the way in promoting human rights in the Commonwealth.

Ifeanyi Oruzalike, TCEN member in Nigeria, said:

"This is a historic time for LGBTI people across the Commonwealth. Increasingly our voices are unified and we are demanding that the Commonwealth recognise and protect our basic rights to dignity and equality. It is a bitter irony that while this year's Commonwealth Day celebrates the contribution of young people, across the Commonwealth young LGBTI people face discrimination, criminalisation and persecution.

Even though many of its members continue to criminalise LGBTI people we believe that the Commonwealth can be a platform for progressive change. With its unique shared values and history, its egalitarianism and its respect for difference and diversity, the Commonwealth can become a place where the rights and dignity of all its citizens are championed and their equality protected."

Commonwealth Day is celebrated across the Commonwealth by young people, schools, communities and civil society organisations on the second Monday in March every year. It provides an opportunity to promote understanding on global issues, international co-operation and the work of Commonwealth organisations. The theme for 2015 is 'A Young Commonwealth'.

 Watch Human Rights Day Lecture 2015-02-13T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2015-02-13:83
A video recording of the Kaleidoscope Trust's annual Human Rights Day Lecture is now available. The lecture was delivered by the United States Ambassador to the UK, Matthew W. Barzun, who reiterated the U.S. government's strong commitment to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and talked about the power of symbols and words in effecting change.

The Human Rights Day Lecture was held in London on December 17th and was supported by Freshfields Bruckhaus Derringer and J.P. Morgan.
 Third Gala Dinner a roaring success 2015-02-03T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2015-02-03:82
Last week the Kaleidoscope Trust held its third annual Gala Dinner at London's glamorous Cafe de Paris.

This year's dinner was hosted by Simon Fanshawe and headlined by the fabulous burlesque artist Sukki Singapora, ambassador of women's rights and the first professional burlesque performer from Singapore.

Talking about performing at the Kaleidoscope Trust event, Sukki said "it's a cause which not only completely echoes my feelings on the importance of freedom of expression, but one which marries so well with everything my burlesque performances encompass."

The evening's programme included a charity auction and stand-up comedy from the hilarious Rosie Wilby. The audience also had the chance to hear about the Kaleidoscope Trust's work and from Jason Jones, Director of I Am One, one of the Kaleidoscope Trust's partner organisations in Trinidad and Tobago.

Profits from the dinner will go towards the Kaleidoscope Trust's work to uphold the rights of LGBT people across the world.

Images by Elliott Franks. More photos available here.

 Education conference explored tackling sexuality-related bullying and violence 2015-02-02T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2015-02-02:81
The Kaleidoscope Trust together with the UCL Institute of Education in London held a one-day conference on the 22nd January looking at how to tackle homophobia and sexuality related violence through education in low and middle income countries.

The first panel of the day brought together the experience of NGOs working to combat homophobia and transphobia in school settings. Phil Nicol, Head of Business Development at Diversity Role Models, presented good practices and models developed by the charity to educate young people about difference and challenge stereotypes.

DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION.

Euan Platt presented IGLYO's work in the field at the pan-European level and introduced IGLYO's research into the impact of homophobic and transphobic bullying on education and employment and their new publication, the Minimum Standards to Combat Homophobic and Transphobic Bullying.

DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION.

Kamila Gasinska, a researcher from Lithuania, presented the results of a recent study commissioned by the Lithuanian Gay League on teachers' and students' attitudes to homophobic bullying. Lithuania is an example of a country that has in place an 'anti-gay propaganda law' preventing minors from accessing information about LGBT issues. The results of the study indicate that teachers and students too often think that there are no LGBT people in the classroom and that bullying on this ground can be prevented by LGBT people 'not drawing attention' to themselves.

DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION.

DOWNLOAD RESEARCH REPORT.

UNESCO's Christophe Cornu then talked about UNESCO's comprehensive work at the global level to tackle homophobic and transphobic bullying, focusing on studies it has carried out in southern Africa and Thailand and possible entry points.

DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION.

UNESCO's objectives in the field are to:

collect solid evidence on the nature, scope and consequences of homophobic and transphobic bullying in educational institutions in countries where there is little or no data available, particularly Asia-Pacific and East and Southern Africa;

document and share best practice for action;

raise awareness and build coalitions at national, regional and global level, for example through the organization of regional consultations that will be bring together governments, civil society and academia; and,

facilitate action in selected countries to prevent and address homophobic and transphobic bullying in educational institutions.

 <address>Dr Jenny Parkes of UCL IOE built on work to address school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV), looking at what can we learn from promising practice in preventing and ameliorating SRGBV to better address homophobic bullying and victimisation in low income contexts.</address>
DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION.

Finally, Alistair Stewart, Acting Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, talked about the importance of a differentiated approach in upholding LGBT rights across the world.

Participants and speakers then broke into small groups to discuss possible steps forward

A detailed report of the conference will be available shortly.

 U.S. Ambassador to the UK delivers Human Rights Day Lecture 2014-12-18T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2014-12-18:79
The United States Ambassador to the UK, Matthew W. Barzun, delivered the Kaleidoscope Trust's Annual Human Rights Day Lecture, reiterating the U.S. government's strong commitment to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

Speaking to a full auditorium, Ambassador Barzun highlighted the words of Pope Francis "Who am I to judge?" when talking about LGBT clergy as symbolic in increasing acceptance of LGBT people, even though dogma around this issue has not changed in the Catholic Church.

"As we do hard policy work, I want us to reflect on all that we can do before policy, while policy is happening and after policy. The power of symbols and words can effect the kind of change we all want to see around the world."

Ambassador Barzun emphasised that symbols and actions need to be genuine.

"Proper symbols are the opposite of shallow. I am encouraged and I think we should all be encouraged to take risks on authenticity and vulnerability and openness and not get caught up in gimmicks of splash and controversy."

When asked about how U.S. policy on LGBT rights can influence change around the world, Ambassador Barzun said: "I love the image of it acting as a gentle push or pull and not being lectured at."

The U.S. State Department champions LGBT rights globally as an Obama administration foreign policy priority. The State Department uses a range of tools to promote LGBT rights around the world, and all of its diplomatic missions support the efforts of LGBT activists.

In 2011, Hillary Clinton, then-Secretary of State, delivered a historic speech at the United Nations, declaring that 'gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights' and that being gay is not a Western invention but a human reality.

The Kaleidoscope Trust's Human Rights Day Lecture was held in London on December 17th and was supported by Freshfields Bruckhaus Derringer and J.P. Morgan.

 Watch highlights from LGBTI Human Rights in the Commonwealth Conference 2014-11-24T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2014-11-24:78
Video recordings from the 'LGBTI Human Rights in the Commonwealth' conference are now available to watch online.

The conference was held at the University of Glasgow in July 2014 to coincide with the opening of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games with the aim of discussing the challenging environment faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people in Commonwealth states. The conference was led by Scotland's Equality Network in partnership with the Kaleidoscope Trust, Pride Glasgow and Glasgow Human Rights Network. It drew speakers from across the Commonwealth, and involved a range of activists, policy-makers and organisations in discussion of how to improve the human rights for LGBTI people in Commonwealth states, and the role of Commonwealth institutions themselves.

Prominent speakers included Fiona Hyslop MSP, the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Dr Frank Mugisha, Executive Director of Sexual Minorities Uganda, Dr Purna Sen, former Head of Human Rights at the Commonwealth Secretariat and Chair of the Kaleidoscope Trust, Silvan Agius, Policy Coordinator (Human Rights) of the Government of Malta, Bisi Alimi, LGBT/HIV advocate and lecturer from Nigeria, and Monica Tabengwa, human rights defender and activist from Botswana.

The conference produced a statement calling on Commonwealth governments and institutions to act on LGBT rights.

Read our report about the conference and watch the recordings online.
 Kaleidoscope Trust to hold third annual Gala Dinner in January 2014-11-05T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2014-11-05:77
The Kaleidoscope Trust is delighted to announce it will hold its third Annual Gala Dinner on the 29th of January 2015 at London's glamorous Cafe de Paris. The Gala Dinner is the Trust's most important fundraising event of the year. Funds raised at the two previous dinners have been vital in allowing the Trust to carry out its work supporting activists on the ground in places like Uganda and the Caribbean and working with the UK government and Commonwealth institutions to uphold the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people globally.

Alistair Stewart, the Kaleidoscope Trust's Acting Executive Director, said:

We are incredibly grateful for the generosity shown at past events and excited about welcoming our supporters to our third Gala Dinner, which is looking to be the biggest yet.

This time entertainers at the gala event include internationally renowned burlesque artist Sukki Singapora. Sukki is known for her lavish and elaborate performances and costumes, which she intertwines with a unique Asian-influenced style.

Speaking about her upcoming performance for the Kaleidoscope Trust Sukki said:

It's my pleasure to be able to help in a cause which is so close to my heart, and which marries so well with everything my Burlesque performances encompass.

Tickets to the event are now available online. There are also sponsorship packages available for companies, organisations and networks.
 Kaleidoscope Trust nominated for two LGBT Awards 2014-10-15T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2014-10-15:76
PinkNews Awards Community Group of the Year

We're delighted and honoured to be nominated for Community Group of the Year at the PinkNews Awards. The annual PinkNews Awards celebrate the contributions of UK politicians, businesses and community groups in upholding and promoting LGBT rights and equality. Winners will be decided by a public vote.

Vote for the Kaleidoscope Trust now!

The awards will be announced at an event held at the Houses of Parliament at the end of October and introduced by the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow. Presenters of the awards will include First Secretary of State and leader of the House of Commons William Hague, Business Secretary Vince Cable and Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls.

The Kaleidoscope Trust has been nominated for an award in the Community Group category alongside four other organisations, including our friends at the Human Dignity Trust and The Equality Network, Scotland. The vote will close at 12pm on Monday 20 October.

Ultimate Planet Awards Charity of the Year

We're also proud to be nominated for an Ultimate Planet Award in the Charity of the Year category. The Ultimate Planet Awards, part of the lesbian lifestyle and listings portal Planet London, celebrate everyone who works hard for the lesbian, bi & queer women's community in London, Brighton and further afield. Cast your vote here! Voting is open until the end of October, and the Awards will be held on 2 November. Tickets to the awards ceremony and after-party are available here.
 International LGBT rights at Conservative Party Conference 2014-09-29T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2014-09-29:75
LGBTory's first fringe meeting at the Conservative Party Conference was organised in co-operation with the Kaleidoscope Trust, a charity supporting LGBT rights internationally. The panel discussion asked the question "What should the next government do for LGBT rights in the world?" and was chaired by LGBTory's Colm Howard-Lloyd.

The Trust's Alistair Stewart opened up the discussion by giving an overview of what the current government is doing. The Conservative-led government has been supportive of LGBT rights in the world, but more needs to be done, especially in the Commonwealth where a majority of states criminalise homosexuality. Embassies are working on the issue, but we need to standardise how diplomatic missions address LGBT rights in the world. Kaleidoscope opposes the complete withdrawal of aid from countries which criminalise homosexuality, however, the next government needs to use aid more cleverly, specifically supporting LGBT communities. LGBT communities receive one one hundredth of one per cent of global aid (from all donors); they are disproportionately underfunded. On successes, one of the greatest achievements has been the overturning of Uganda's anti-gay law. Also recently the UN Human Rights Council passed a resolution on LGBT rights. This required a certain amount of diplomatic nous to get it passed, including from UK.

Nick Herbert MP spoke about how while there is a continuing domestic agenda on LGBT rights, after equal marriage the focus has been able to switch to the international level. Now the Uk can speak from a position of authority and this is quite different from the United States which still has its own internal discussion. He agreed that he shouldn't have a crude approach to aid as this can potential lead to less influence and not more. Nick recalled how he took part in the Euro Pride march in Warsaw at the behest of Prime Minister David Cameron. His presence was facilitated by the British Embassy and the UK Ambassador marched in the parade.

Stuart Andrew MP recalls how when he was attacked for being a gay man the police was on his side. He could not imagine what it would be like to be attacked in a country where the LGBT community doesn't have the support of - and is actively discriminated against by - the authorities. Stuart repeated the call to use more aid to benefit the LGBT community. Studies could also be conducted to see what the cost is to their countries of anti-gay policies. He said that we need to make sure that every embassy is supporting LGBT rights in the world and that when APPG groups visit countries they need to ask embassies what they are doing on LGBT rights. They also need to be challenging ministers in those countries on their policies.

Jens Spahn MdB talked about how Germany has travelled a long way. Homosexuality was criminalised in German until the eighties. When David Cameron said that he supported gay marriage because he was a Conservative it was an inspiration to other centre-right parties like the CDU. There is work to be done in Europe, not just in developing countries. The CDU raises issues LGBT rights issues with EPP partners such as Hungary's Fidesz. He spoke about how you need to address the issue head on. For example former German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle who is gay would regularly take his partner on official visits to countries which criminalise homosexuality.

Margot James MP spoke about when she was visiting Brazil with the Minister for Trade she was actively encouraged to talk to the local press about LGBT rights. It's important that when MPs travel to third countries that they act as ambassadors for supporting LGBT rights. It's also important to lobby for a large chuck on the Foreign Office and DFID funding to be used to support LGBT organisations in the world.

A lively discussion followed including questions on how to deal with wider public health issues, so-called "benevolent criminalisation," how to build an international coalition to support LGBT rights globally and the role that business has to play.

The Kaleidoscope Trust hosted a fringe event at the Conservative Party Conference jointly with LGBTory, the Conservative LGBT group, on 28th September. This is a guest post by LGBTory originally published on http://www.lgbtory.co.uk/news/lgbtory-conference-lgbt-rights-world.

 Commonwealth Secretary-General responds to LGBTI rights petition 2014-09-24T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2014-09-24:74
Kamalesh Sharma, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, has responded to a petition calling on Commonwealth institutions and member states to take action on LGBTI rights. The petition was jointly delivered to the Commonwealth headquarters in London earlier this month by representatives of the Equality Network, the Kaleidoscope Trust and the Peter Tatchell Foundation. Priyanka Chauhan, Acting Head of the Commonwealth Secretary-General's Office, received the petition.

The Secretary-General responded to the petition with a letter stating that 'equality and non-discrimination are important tenets of the Commonwealth Charter' and outlining ongoing work to build the capacity of national human rights institutions and parliaments to protect and promote equality and non-discrimination.

The petition, signed by 2,500 people, was collected by the Equality Network this summer as part of efforts to highlight LGBTI human rights during the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. These efforts included a conference gathering human rights activists from across the Commonwealth resulting in a joint declaration on LGBTI rights. Glasgow Pride also facilitated a Pride House for LGBT athletes and spectators.

Read the petition below, and the response of the Secretary-General here.

To the Commonwealth Secretary General

Of the 53 member states of the Commonwealth, 42 continue to criminalise consensual adult same-sex relationships, with maximum penalties in some states of life imprisonment or execution. Across the Commonwealth, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people are denied equal access to rights, education, employment, housing and
healthcare.

We call on Commonwealth member states to:

1. Immediately stop applying laws that criminalise lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or intersex (LGBTI) people and limit their access to human rights.

2. Work with local LGBTI and human rights groups to better understand the struggles they face in accessing their human rights.

We also call on the Commonwealth Secretariat to:

1. Work with member states to uphold the Commonwealth Charter in full, by developing a shared understanding of the required non-discrimination grounds as including sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.

2. Work with member states to meaningfully include LGBTI rights into national human rights frameworks.

3. Work with LGBTI groups across the Commonwealth to better understand the struggles they face in accessing their human rights.

 The Third Half - Tabs Breese on making documentary about transgender communities in India 2014-09-10T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2014-09-10:73
Guest post by Tabs Breese

Photographs © Sindhjua P

In April, we travelled to India to start filming 'The Third Half', a documentary about the transgender communities there. For centuries, transgendered individuals in South Asian society have been both respected and exploited. At the end of 2013, the Indian Supreme Court reinstated Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalises sexual activities 'against the order of nature'.

We'd prepared ourselves for a community still reeling from the harshness of the law. However, the 15-20 transgender people that we interviewed over the course of our 2 month shoot were anything but. Outspoken, articulate and lots of fun to hang out with, our subjects were determined not to be silenced.

Then, on the 15th April, only a couple of weeks into our shoot, the Supreme Court spoke again. We were midway through an interview with Pratiksha (left), an 18 year old sex worker who had told us how she'd been repeatedly raped while in police custody, when she received a text saying that the transgenders were now officially recognised as India's 'third sex.' It was an exciting moment for us all. Pratiksha and her 'guru' (a mother figure in the hierarchal communities that many Indian transgenders live in) Banu were overjoyed. However as the shoot progressed, we slowly became aware of the complications surrounding the new law.

Revathi Amma (pictured here with Georgia and I), an outspoken activist whose autobiography 'Truth About Me' was published 2008, explained about the reality of this ruling. "What will happen to transgenders who wish to be identified as women are not comfortable with being labelled as this new gender?", she asked us emphatically. "How many more toilets can the government build?"

 Banu (pictured here with her husband) was more optimistic however. She had met her husband at a march for Dalit (the 'untouchable' caste) rights and when we met them at their village home outside Chennai, had only recently been married. She'd encountered difficulties on the way of course (so few people whom we met hadn't). On learning that she was transgender, her parents had sent her to an psychiatric hospital. However, she felt that she'd put these troubles behind her and that, with the support of her husband and of the government, life was going to look up.

The last character I want to tell you about is Purushi (pictured here in the yellow sari). Purushi is the lead character in our feature. She's a sex worker but has high hopes for a job in the government.Unlike the majority of Indian transgenders, Purushi lives alone, having chosen not to enter into the 'guru'/'chela' (meaning 'daughter') system that provides financial and emotional support. She longs to undergo the SRS operation but fears that if she does so, her conservative neighbourhood will shun her. She has no family - her parents and sister are dead from TB (which she is currently suffering from). Regardless of these unimaginable hardships, Purushi is tough. Not only that, she is warm, welcoming and generous. From both a filmmaking and a friendship point of view (and the two are so often intertwined) she is a pleasure to spend time with.

The Next Stage…

Social change can take several years to enact and so we will be in production for the next few years, with a projected wrap date somewhere in 2016.

We have applied to several film funds for grants and are currently seeking funding to allow us to return next year to continue production.

If you'd like to learn anything more about 'The Third Half', or would like to watch the short trailer for the film, please feel free to email me at: firstname.lastname@example.com.

 Inspiring seminar explored advocacy options to tackle LGBTI persecution globally 2014-09-05T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2014-09-05:72
The Kaleidoscope Trust yesterday co-hosted a seminar focusing on exploring opportunities and challenges related to LGBTI rights advocacy. At the half-day event, held in London and chaired by our board member Philippa Drew, we heard from a wide array of speakers from across civil society, government and inter-governmental organisations.

UN Free & Equal campaign

The seminar opened with contributions from Charles Radcliffe, Chief of Global Issues at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human rights, and Celina Jaitly, acclaimed Bollywood actress and UN Equality Champion, who told us about the United Nations Free & Equal campaign. As part of the campaign in India, Celina Jaitly starred in a Bollywood inspired video supporting LGBT rights in India, where homosexuality has recently been recriminalised.

Advocacy and the Role of Law & Litigation

The first panel then focused on advocacy and the role of law and litigation. In response to the question posed by Jonathan Cooper, Chief Executive of the Human Dignity Trust, on whether litigation is the best way of bringing about law reform, Solicitor Conway Blake said that litigation can effect social change if used smartly and sparingly, always listening to local activists. Alice Nkom, human rights lawyer and first woman called to the bar in Cameroon, talked about her work on defending LGBT rights and said that the fight for decriminalisation must be part of a broader fight for democracy, rule of law and good governance.

An important point made was that the input of international partners can support the work of local lawyers and activists and show criminalising countries that the world is watching, but at the same time can be risky and have adverse effects if considered to be Western interference. The approach of international NGOs therefore needs to be nuanced, sensitive and well strategised. The panel also highlighted the importance of the Yogyakarta Principles and South-South dialogue in litigation work.

Advocacy and the Role of Diplomacy

Acting Chair of the Kaleidoscope Trust, Siddhartha Deva, opened the panel on advocacy and the role of diplomacy, outlining the Kaleidoscope Trust's diplomatic roundtable process with Commonwealth High Commissioners. The process has provided a space for confidential dialogue on LGBT issues. Continuing on the Commonwealth space, Lewis Brooks from the Royal Commonwealth Society talked about the mechanisms of the Commonwealth and obstacles to LGBT rights advocacy. Due to the nature of the Commonwealth as a family of nations where member states are equal, informal mechanisms rather than formal ones are useful for taking forward discussions on LGBT issues.

Advocacy and the Role of Politics and Campaigning

Talking about campaigning, Andre Banks, Executive Director of All Out, said that All Out was established after seeing the need for a large, global and visible community that can be mobilised in times of crisis. He pointed out that the visible part of a campaign is just the tip of the iceberg, and work of campaigners is mostly invisible work. There was some debate on the role of Western organisations particularly in different African countries, including criticism of campaigns for victimising African LGBTI people. Western organisations should work in collaboration and solidarity with local organisations, as a 'help' mentality just causes division. Another criticism was that campaigns often see LGBTI communities as homogenous, while in reality the community within a country can have a wide range of opinions and disagreements on strategies.

Advocacy and the Role of Culture

In the last panel we heard from grassroots activists from Nigeria, Belize and Indonesia and their experiences of using cultural events, engaging with religious leaders, and harnessing social media to change culture and attitudes. Jasmin O'Connor from Stonewall introduced the speakers, stating that law is one thing and culture and social attitudes another, but both need to be changed if we want to achieve equal rights for all.

The seminar, entitled Exporing the Efficacy of Advocacy, was co-hosted by the following UK-based NGOs concered with the persecution of the LGBTI community globally: Human Dignity Trust, the Kaleidoscope Trust, All Out, Stop AIDS, and the International HIV/AIDS Alliance. We are grateful to the European Commission Representation in the United Kingdom for allowing us to hold the event in Europe House.
 Generation Change - Watch highlights from Caribbean LGBT youth conference 2014-08-28T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2014-08-28:71
Coming together under the banner 'Generation Change', a new coalition of young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from across the Caribbean issued a passionate call for change at a unique conference held in Trinidad & Tobago in June. A video presenting some of the highlights of the conference and testimonies of young LGBT people from across the Caribbean is now available.

The conferece brought together activists from across the Caribbean and first accounts of the realities of young LGBT people in Jamaica, Guyana, Barbos, Belize, St. Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago were heard.

The British High Commissioner, Mr. Arthur Snell, also spoke and expressed his support.

The initiative was part of a project run by the Silver Lining Foundation with partners across the region. The Kaleidoscope Trust is incredibly proud to have supported this initiative and publication of a project report.

We will continue to work closely with activists across the Carribean working to uphold the rights of LGBT people.

 Conference highlights LGBTI human rights in the Commonwealth in run-up to Glasgow Games 2014-07-21T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2014-07-21:70
The 'LGBTI Human Rights in the Commonwealth' conference was held at the University of Glasgow on Friday 18th July 2014, to coincide with the opening of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and to mark the challenging environment faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people in Commonwealth states. The conference was led by Scotland's Equality Network, with partners including the Kaleidoscope Trust, Pride Glasgow and Glasgow Human Rights Network. It drew speakers from across the Commonwealth, and involved a range of activists, policy-makers and organisations in discussion of how to improve the realisation of human rights for LGBTI people in Commonwealth states, and the role of Commonwealth institutions themselves.

Read more about the conference:

Glasgow Human Rights Network | Equality Network

Prominent speakers included Fiona Hyslop MSP, the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Dr Frank Mugisha, Executive Director of Sexual Minorities Uganda, Dr Purna Sen, former Head of Human Rights at the Commonwealth Secretariat and Chair of the Kaleidoscope Trust, Silvan Agius, Policy Coordinator (Human Rights) of the Government of Malta, Bisi Alimi, LGBT/HIV advocate and lecturer from Nigeria, and Monica Tabengwa, human rights defender and activist from Botswana. A full list of speakers can be seen here.

The day included several panels covering among other topics the role of religion and culture in understanding the politics of sexuality, connections between economic development and LGBTI human rights, the role of litigation and international human rights law in bringing about decriminalisation for LGBTI people, and challenges of transnational and cross-border activism. There was also a strong focus on intersex and trans issues.

Participants in the conference drew up and released a statement following the conference, noting that the human rights record of Commonwealth Member States on sexual orientation and gender identity is poor relative to all states worldwide, with 42 out of 53 member states criminalising some or all adult same-sex sexual behaviour.

FULL CONFERENCE STATEMENT

'LGBTI Human Rights in the Commonwealth' conference was held at the University of Glasgow on Friday 18th July 2014, to coincide with the opening of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and to mark the challenging environment faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people in Commonwealth states. The conference was led by Scotland's Equality Network, with partners including the Kaleidoscope Trust, Pride Glasgow and Glasgow Human Rights Network. It drew speakers from across the Commonwealth, and involved a range of activists, policy-makers and organisations in discussion of how to improve the realisation of human rights for LGBTI people in Commonwealth states, and the role of Commonwealth institutions themselves.

We note that:

The human rights record of Commonwealth Member States on sexual orientation and gender identity is poor relative to all states worldwide. There is a poor understanding of intersex. Due historically to the legal legacy of the British Empire, of the 53 member states, 42 criminalise some or all adult same-sex sexual behaviour. Ninety per cent of people in Commonwealth states live in countries where such criminalisation exists. Over half the countries in the world with laws banning same-sex sexual acts are in the Commonwealth. Across the Commonwealth lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people are denied equal access to health services, employment, education, housing and human rights.

In 2013 the Commonwealth Charter was formally adopted by all member nations. The Charter states that the Commonwealth is "implacably opposed to all forms of discrimination, whether rooted in gender, race, colour, creed, political belief or other grounds." In 2013 the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Kamalesh Sharma told the UN Human Rights Council: "With regard to sexual orientation and gender identity our position remains that, based on shared Commonwealth principles, we oppose discrimination or stigmatisation on any ground." This language of anti-discrimination is reiterated by the Commonwealth Games themselves. Article 7 states that, "there shall be no discrimination against any country or person on any grounds whatsoever."

CALL TO ACTION

The participants in the conference:

Declare the historical responsibility of the British Empire for the criminalisation of same-sex sexual behaviour and relationships; and call for the repeal of all British colonial laws which criminalise same-sex sexual acts between consenting adults.

Affirm that human rights on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status exist in the context of all forms of civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights as defined by the United Nations, and are to be claimed together with human rights related to other forms of discrimination such as in relation to racism and religion.

Affirm the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution 'Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity' of 2011 (A/HRC/RES/17/19) which expressed 'grave concern at acts of violence and discrimination, in all regions of the world, committed against individuals because of their sexual orientation and gender identity'.

Affirm the Yogyakarta Principles on the Application of Human Rights Law in relation to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

Affirm the resolutions of regional bodies that are co-extensive with the Commonwealth, in particular resolution by the African Commission on Human and People's Rights (275: Resolution on Protection Against Violence and Other Human Rights Violations against Persons on the basis of their real or imputed Sexual orientation or Gender Identity, 12 May 2014) and resolutions by the Organisation of American States from 2008 onward.

Affirm the 2011 United Nations Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS, which commits states to enabling legal, social and policy frameworks which promote equitable access to essential services, noting that the Commonwealth is over- represented in HIV/AIDS figures.

Condemn absolutely the recent extensions of criminalisation and state persecution in several states.

Recommend that all Commonwealth states:

remove all laws that criminalise people or limit their human rights due to sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status;

work with local LGBTI civil society organisations and human rights defenders to understand better and to realise/claim these human rights.

End the use of reparative therapies, the pathologisation of trans people and of intersex people.

Recommend that the Commonwealth, through its Secretariat and other relevant agencies:

Work with member states to uphold the Charter in full by developing a shared understanding of "other grounds" as being inclusive of sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status.

Work with member states to meaningfully include LGBTI human rights into wider national and regional human rights frameworks, in particular with national and regional human rights commissions.

Work closely with LGBTI civil society within and across Commonwealth member states to better understand the struggles faced by LGBTI people in realising rights

Work with Malta, the host government of CHOGM 2015, to include a discussion on equal rights for LGBTI citizens as a substantive agenda item

That the Secretariat and the Chair of the Commonwealth (Malta) to provide a public report at CHOGM 2015 on progress made towards these ends

Recommend that the Commonwealth Games Foundation:

Works with participating nations toward ensuring that Article 7 which, prohibits discrimination on any grounds, is properly implemented.

Work with participating national sporting bodies, to implement a framework of non-discrimination with respect to sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status.

Recommend that the Glasgow Games Organisers:

Express concern at the challenges faced by athletes who are, or who are presumed to be, intersex, including, trial by media (as in the case of Caster Semenya), coercive sterilisations and partial clitoridectomies (as reported in the British Medical Journal in April 2014).

DOWNLOAD THE FULL CONFERENCE STATEMENT

 Solidarity and partnership emphasised at development aid event 2014-07-08T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2014-07-08:69
In partnership with the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), the Kaleidoscope Trust hosted a half-day event yesterday asking the question 'Can aid donors help support LGBT rights in developing countries?' Recent legislation has raised concerns over LGBT rights in developing countries. Our event set out to ask how development aid donors should react to this, and what role and approach they should take to promote and protect LGBT rights.

To answer these questions, the event brought together a diverse range of experts and representatives of aid donors, including Elizabeth Ohene (Ghanaian journalist and former Minister of Information), Sunil Pant (Head of Blue Diamond Society, a leading gay rights group in Nepal), Jessica Horn (Women's rights consultant), Elizabeth Mills (Research Fellow, Institute of Development Studies),Bjørg Sandkjær (Senior advisor NORAD Department for Global Health, Education and Research), Fabrice Houdart (World Bank Senior country officer in Maghreb), Ajit Joshi (Senior LGBT Advisor for USAID) and Marta Foresti (Director Politics and Governance programme at ODI).

The event consisted of two panels, chaired by member of the Kaleidoscope Trust board Simon Fanshawe, the first focusing on constraints and opportunities in strengthening LGBT rights from the viewpoint of development experts and rights activists, and the second on the perspectives of aid donors.

LGBT rights part of human rights

As background to the topic, anti-LGBT developments were seen as part of wider restrictions on rights or as a political tool to obscure other issues. In this context, the need to frame LGBT rights as part of all human rights was highlighted by several speakers. Elizabeth Ohene warned over linking LGBT to aid, stressing that the emergence of LGBT rights stems from an improved quality of life, economically and socially, and criminalising countries need to evolve at their own pace. Others also pointed out that we need to use economic arguments and fund research into, for example, the effects of inclusion.

To the question on whether aid donors can support LGBT rights Sunil Pant, member of the Kaleidoscope Board, replied "yes, they can and they do". Sunil raised the issue of grassroots organisations facing a barrier in accessing large funds. He added that there is also a gap between donor expectations and what can be realistically achieved in the short term, and stressed that funding needs to support long-term planning.

Partnerships and locally led efforts key

The importance of working in partnership and solidarity with local organisations was echoed by many of the panellists, both from the side of rights activists and experts and aid donors. Efforts to promote and protect LGBT rights should be locally led, and aid donors should have respect for local activism and support local efforts and language around the issue. From the side of aid donors, the World Bank's Fabrice Houdard emphasised that change comes from within, rather than as triggered by donors, and international donors can have a role in supporting grassroots organisations. Ajit Joshi from USAID agreed, stressing again the importance of building the capacity of local organisations and basing strategies on local contexts. The need to amplify progressive local voices was also identified to underline that the struggle for equality is not essentially "Western".

No to conditionality

The consensus among the speakers was that aid shouldn't be based on conditionality, in other words LGBT rights related conditions shouln't be attached to aid. The ODI's Marta Foresti pointed out that conditionality doesn't work well in terms of human rights outcomes and is often motivated by political pressure at home. Elizabeth Mills added that the ability of donors to have an influence through conditionality is overestimated, and solidarity and funding progressive interventions can have a stronger impact.

A video recording of the entire discussion is available here.
 Caribbean LGBT youth group issues urgent call for equality and inclusion 2014-06-09T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2014-06-09:68
The Kaleidoscope Trust is proud to be supporting a new coalition of young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from across the Caribbean, as they issued a passionate call for change in society and the law to embrace equality and inclusion for all at a unique conference in Trinidad.

Coming together under the banner 'Generation Change' in Port of Spain they called on political leaders to live up to their commitments to put an end to discrimination against LGBT citizens.

"We have heard fine words from some of our Prime Ministers and people with the power to make change happen but so far we see nothing being done," said Jeremy Steffan Edwards, one of the event organisers. "The younger generation of LGBT people are not prepared to wait forever to be treated equally. We are not asking for any special rights, just the same rights as every other Caribbean citizen. It's our future and it's time for those who can make change happen to do so."

'Generation Change' brought together activists from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Lucia and Jamaica at a conference at the Kapok Hotel. Contributions were heard from Belize and Guyana and the British High Commissioner, Mr. Arthur Snell, also spoke and expressed his support.

The initiative was part of a project run by the Silver Lining Foundation with partners across the region.

The meeting heard first accounts of how discrimination blights the lives of young gay men, lesbians and others who don't conform to heterosexual norms. Among the evidence presented was:

BARBADOS

In response to an appeal from the local LGBT group B-GLAD, Prime Minister Stuart declared that he will remain dedicated to lobbying, both regionally and internationally against discrimination against any Barbadian citizen, including LGBT. Yet Donnya Piggott from B-GLAD says, "The laws still discriminate and sometimes the police do not take attacks or threats against LGBT people seriously. The situation causes great physical, emotional and psychological damage."

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Prime Minister Mrs Kamla Persad-Bisessar was on record in 2012 saying she wanted the National Gender Policy to "forge the way forward for Trinidad and Tobago as my government seeks to put an end to all discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation". Rian Merrick of the Silver Lining Foundation said, "Despite the PM's words young LGBT persons and LGBT advocates were compelled to argue before a National Constitutional Reform Commission that their recognition under the law should not need to be up for discussion. The priority is to find ways in which discrimination and prejudice can be reduced."

ST. LUCIA

Same sex intimacy can carry penalties of up to ten years in jail. Christian fundamentalists continue to fight every effort to change attitudes and the law. But Jassica St Rose from United and Strong in St.Lucia said she believed change was driven by the actions of youth who by their very naturae are revolutionary, always challenging norms and values.

JAMAICA

The media often describes Jamaica as one of the most homophobic nations in the world and the conference saw footage of LGBT youth forced to live in drains under the city. Jae Nelson of the Jamaica Youth Network said, "Young people are visibly defiant to status quo-a kind of way being that says that there is only one way of being; that some of us are more equal than others and that those who are LGBT do not belong in our society. Many young people are doing this by just embracing their lesbian and gay friends, being open about their sexuality and declaring they believe in equal rights and justice for all."

BELIZE

Caleb Orozco, who is challenging the discriminatory laws in his country was unable to attend at the last minute. But in a speech read on his behalf he reported that LGBT youth had been physically attacked and faced mockery, ridicule and a denial of their rights to free expression. He said: "The struggle of the Caribbean LGBT youth is a struggle of invisibility, quiet resistance and passive protest that has its foundation in the need to protect individual expression and dignity."

GUYANA

The conference heard testimony from Ceara Roopchand of Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness (CADVA). She said that same sex couples and transgender people were able to enjoy the freedom to socialise in some parts of Georgetown and other areas, but that abuse and harassment were still common, including from police officers.

Read the project report here.

 Jamaican activist Maurice Tomlinson delivers Kaleidoscope Lecture 2014-05-17T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2014-05-17:67
To mark this year's International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia the Kaleidoscope Trust was delighted to host a lecture by one of the world's foremost LGBT activists, Maurice Tomlinson.

Maurice is the Legal Advisor, Marginalized Groups for AIDS Free World and has been involved in HIV/AIDS and LGBT activism in the Caribbean for over 14 years. He is at the forefront of the campaign to decriminalise homosexuality, leading legal challenges across the region to have disciminatory laws repealed. He is an Attorney-at-Law and law lecturer with research interests in sexual rights and HIV/AIDS advocacy. In 2012 he was awarded the inaugural David Kato Vision and Voice Award, which celebrates the life and work of murdered Ugandan LGBT activist, David Kato.
 Charity single launched to raise funds for LGBT causes 2014-05-05T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2014-05-05:66
Online awareness raising organisation the L-Project have launched their second charity single, We're All Human, to raise funds for LGBT causes around the world. Building on the success of 2012's It Does Get Better all proceeds from the L-Project's new single will go to support LGBT charities, including the Kaleidoscope Trust.

Speaking on behalf of the Trust, Assistant Director Alistair Stewart said:

We're absolutely delighted to be involved with We're All Human. It's a fantastic song with an important message and we're honoured that the L-Project has chosen to support our work.

Buy We're All Human on iTunes now.

 New line-up announced for the Kaleidoscope Trust board 2014-03-21T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2014-03-21:65
The Kaleidoscope Trust is delighted to announce eight new members of its UK-based board. The newly-appointed Trustees include the first openly gay MP in Nepal, and experts in human rights, advocacy and civil society:

The new Board members are

Philippa Drew: former head of Global Issues, Foreign and Commonwealth Office

John Fingleton: ex-Chief Executive of the Office of Fair Trading

Geoffrey Jonkers: Senior Manager at the Institute of War and Peace Reporting

Sinéad McBrearty: Social Enterprise strategist

Sunil Pant: former Member of Parliament, Nepal

David Sampson: Deputy Director of the Baring Foundation

Sir Stephen Wall: former UK Permanent Representative at the European Union

Sean Winnett: Foreign and Commonwealth Office human rights expert

The full list of the Kaleidoscope Trust Board members.

Lance Price, Executive Director, said:

It is a privilege to welcome such talented and committed individuals to the board of trustees. They bring a range of experience and skills that will greatly support our work around the world in defence of human rights for LGBT people.

He also paid tribute to those former Trustees who are standing down at the end of their three-year terms of office, Alan Wardle, Mark Watson and Mark Palmer-Edgecumbe.
 Commonwealth LGBTI groups call for action over anti-gay laws 2014-03-10T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2014-03-10:64
The Kaleidoscope Trust, along with a coalition of 31 LGBTI organisations from across the Commonwealth, has called on Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma to take a stronger line on member states that violate the rights of LGBTI people. Following the passage of repressive laws in Nigeria and Uganda, the newly formed Commonwealth LGBTI Association has written to the Commonwealth to condemn the laws as being counter to the Commonwealth Charter, in violation of both country's constitutions and a serious violation of human rights.

In the past months, both Nigeria and Uganda have passed new legislation that have acted to further imperil the rights of their LGBTI citizens. A statement by the Secretary General in repsonse to the new laws has been welcomed by the Association, however they have drawn attention to how limited it is in scope.

The Commonwealth continues to underperform in the protection of LGBTI rights: 42 of the 53 member states continue to criminalise homosexuality.

In the letter the Association states:

These new laws are a contradiction of the recently reaffirmed Commonwealth Charter. There is no place for discriminatory and prejudicial laws in a modern Commonwealth based on equality and equity. We therefore call for concrete action from the Secretary-General and Commonwealth Secretariat to support LGBTI individuals living in Uganda and Nigeria.

Read the full letter.

 Ugandan anti-gay bill signed into law: A terrible set back for human rights 2014-02-24T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2014-02-24:63
The Kaleidoscope Trust has condemned the signing of the Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill into law. The bill became law today at a public ceremony in Entebbe, where Ugandan President Museveni signed the notorious legislation into law.

The new law will greatly expand the range of same-sex activities that will be criminalised and introduces life imprisonment for acts of so-called 'aggravated homosexuality'. Aggravating features include repeat offenders, or those who are HIV positive.

READ OUR UGANDA BRIEFING

The law also acts to criminalise the "promotion of homosexuality." This wide-ranging provision now makes it illegal for individuals and organisations to work to protect LGBT people, advocate for their rights or to protect their health. It is in clear violation of the right to the freedom of expression and assembly as protected by the Ugandan constitution and will harm efforts to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Purna Sen, Chair of the Kaleidoscope Trust said:

This is a terrible blow to the struggle for human rights in Uganda, for LGBT people, their allies and human rights defenders everywhere. The Trust is calling on the British government to act firmly in response to this blatant violation of human rights, the Ugandan constitution and its international responsibilities.

The Trust continues to work with LGBT organisations, activists and communities in Uganda to help them secure their human rights and seek to restore the rights of all. The great fear on the ground is that the passing of the bill will give a free reign to vigilantism and mob violence, while silencing the voices that support LGBT people. It is now more important than ever to support the vital work being done by brave Ugandans.

The Trust acknowledges the calls made by Uganda's Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law which include a plea to diplomatic missions and international donors to:

Step up public criticism of the bill

Temporarily recall ambassadors from the EU, US and other European countries to consult strategically on the bill

Announce a review of foreign aid assistance to the Ugandan government

Last week the Kaleidoscope Trust was one of a number of UK organisations calling on the British Foreign Secretary William Hague to take firm action should the bill become law.

READ OUR UGANDA BRIEFING

 UK Government must act over Uganda Anti-Gay Bill 2014-02-21T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2014-02-21:62
The Kaleidoscope Trust today called on the Foreign Secretary William Hague to urgently recall the British High Commissioner to Uganda. In a letter signed by the CEOs of a number of NGOs including the International HIV/AIDS Alliance and the Human Dignity Trust, the Trust has called on the UK government to take action as the Anti-Homosexuality Bill seems set to become law.

The Uganda Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law has called for international condemnation of the bill which expands the range of same sex acts prohibited under the law and includes wide-ranging prohibitions of the so-called 'promotion' of homosexuality. Ugandan groups have also called for international ambassadors to Uganda to be recalled, and pressure is growing on the UK, US and other EU governments to act.

The letter states that: -

This Bill is being enacted in the context of worsening human rights abuses in Uganda, with attacks on civil society organisations, journalists, opposition leaders and peaceful protesters. We believe that the passing of the Bill will intensify the persecution faced by LGBTI people in Uganda. We call for the FCO and the British High Commission in Kampala to work with LGBTI organisations in Uganda and us to develop an effective long-term strategy on how together we can advance the rights of LGBTI people in Uganda and protect individuals in immediate danger, including those fleeing persecution and seeking asylum in the UK.

 Nigerian Anti-gay law 'deeply disappointing' 2014-01-14T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2014-01-14:60
New law is an attack on fundamental freedoms and contradicts the constitution

The Kaleidoscope Trust today voiced its deep disappointment with the introduction of the Nigerian Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act. Signed into law by President Goodluck Jonathan, the law imposes sentences of up to 14 years in prison for anyone who enters into a same-sex marriage.

Concerningly the law will also ban "gay groups . . . and organisations" with penalties of up to 10 years prison. This potentially criminalises LGBT organisations and could act to deter mainstream human rights and health organisations from working with LGBT communities.

Speaking on behalf of the Trust, Rev Ijeoma Ajibade said: "

This law is a serious assault against the freedom of expression and freedom of association of Nigerians. It is a violation of the human rights of LGBT people and runs counter to the Nigerian constitution.

It also poses serious risks to the fight against HIV/AIDS, making it incredibly difficult for organisations to work with LGBT people, who are amongst those most vulnerable to infection.

Both this law and the law in Uganda are acting to radically undermine fundamental human rights and create a dangerous trend.

 2014: A year of opportunity for LGBT victories 2014-01-03T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2014-01-03:59
LGBT activists in many parts of the world will look back on 2013 as one of the worst years in memory for the cause of equal rights. In countries as far apart as Uganda and India, Russia and Australia, organisations and human rights defenders have been trying to assess the damage and work out new strategies to make 2014 a year of progress rather than retreat.

Many of the worst blows came in the closing weeks of 2013. In a long-awaited decision, the Indian Supreme Court effectively re-criminalised homosexuality, overturning an earlier ruling in Delhi. Hot on its heels, the Australian Capital Territory's brief experiment with equal marriage came to an abrupt halt after just four days. An unfavourable court ruling found in favour of Federal laws that continue to ban same-sex marriage.

Nigeria came a step closer to enacting the 'Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill'. Its real target appears to be to outlaw LGBT groups and organisations. And the Ugandan parliament passed a modified version of the so-called 'Kill the Gays' Bill. Although the death penalty was removed, life imprisonment would still apply in cases of so-called 'aggravated homosexuality' and the prohibitions on 'promoting homosexuality' will make the work of human rights defenders and health professionals considerably more difficult if the act is signed into law by the President.

These setbacks followed the passing of Russian anti-propaganda laws earlier in the year and together cast a long shadow over the successes enjoyed by LGBT people elsewhere in 2013. Some hard thinking is required on how best to fight for the rights of LGBT people in 2014. But we shouldn't be disheartened. From every defeat the community has learned lessons and there is plenty of reason for hope that the coming year will see LGBT activists moving forward with renewed strength and determination.

At the Kaleidoscope Trust we continue to believe that the core of any strategy for 2014 is the need to listen to and support the work of local activists. In many places there is massive asymmetry in resources between the advocates for LGBT rights and their opponents. We can begin to address that asymmetry through directly supporting local organisations, their international counterparts and through lobbying our governments to do more to support the work of LGBT rights activists in countries where they face criminalisation and social discrimination. While aid conditionality remains a blunt and highly contentious tool, there remain numerous intelligent, targeted funding options for progressive governments to use in supporting LGBT rights. The Kaleidoscope Trust continues to advocate for greater UK support of domestic LGBT organisations and in 2014 will be doing so renewed vigour.

It is also important to remember that things that appear to be failures often also contain in them the kernel of success. While the Supreme Court ruling in India is undoubtedly a blow, the long fight to overturn Section 377 has built a robust, sophisticated and vibrant civil society. The prominence of the ruling has allowed a public debate on the rights of LGBT people that in itself is valuable and is working to change hearts and minds. The ruling has been contested by not only by LGBT people and organisations, but also by high profile Indian politicians and celebrities, while the Indian government itself is petitioning the court to review the ruling.

The implementation of Russia's 'anti-propaganda' laws undoubtedly acted to propel the issue of LGBT rights onto the international stage as never before, marking the battle for rights of LGBT as a mainstream international human rights concern and acting to mobilise support from ever widening quarters. Although the fight to have the laws repealed will almost certainly be a long one, President Putin's recent pardons for the members of Pussy Riot, the Greenpeace 30 and for former tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky shows that Russian government is not as immune to international opinion as we might have feared. Whether his sensitivity will last beyond the Sochi Winter Olympics is another matter, however.

In resisting the implementation of the laws in Nigeria and Uganda, there remains a role for international pressure, that is intelligent, targeted and well thought out. While public condemnation by pro-LGBT governments may act to entrench opposition to LGBT rights, there is a role for continued private diplomacy and for continued pressure on supportive governments to exercise what levers of influence they can to resist the signing of these bills and to support LGBT communities should they become law. Individuals can join this struggle by contacting their own political representatives and urging them to support LGBT rights internationally.

Amidst this we also perhaps need a renewed focus on shifting public opinion - and finding ways to support local activists in engaging their fellow citizens and building a broader base of support. While strategies that focus on challenging laws through court challenges and encouraging legislators to pass LGBT-friendly laws remain key tools in defending LGBT communities, these need to be supported by campaigns aimed at engaging public opinion and making the case for LGBT equality. There is of course, already much work being done on the ground by LGBT activists, but the work of changing hearts and minds is long and arduous and perhaps requires more international support than it is receiving. That is why the Kaleidoscope Trust continues to work on the ground with activists to support them to find effective ways to have their voices heard domestically and internationally.

Australia is a key example however, showing that popular opinion is not always enough to force legislative change - for the moment in any case. Polls of the Australian public regularly return majority support for equalising access to marriage - currently somewhere between 64 and 68% of Australians support equal marriage, a figure that is not replicated in the federal parliament where factional interests and lobbies have held sway. The fight for equal marriage is far from over in Australia, and it is perhaps only a matter of time until political sentiment catches up with public opinion.

Leading on from this is the continuing need to link the struggles of LGBT people to wider human rights challenges. In Russia, for example, laws that act to silence LGBT people are part of a wider assault on the public sphere aimed at suppressing opposition to the government. The more often the case can be made that the rights of LGBT people are not 'special rights' and that they are inextricably linked to the rights of every one, the more can we build broad-based support for LGBT communities.

Looking ahead to 2014 there are several key cases where we can be hopeful of positive change. Legal challenges to anti-LGBT laws continue to be a vital tool in the fight for social change and 2014 will see several cases that, if successful, will go a long way to overcome the setbacks of 2013. The Belize Supreme Court is due to return a ruling on the constitutionality of its anti-sodomy laws, which if positive could have ramifications for the entire Caribbean. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago join Belize in facing a legal challenge by Jamaican LGBT activist Maurice Tomlinson, who is contesting those countries' absurd travel restrictions for homosexuals. Tomlinson is also at the centre of the first ever domestic challenge to Jamaica's sodomy laws, in a case that is due to be heard later in 2014. Meanwhile, the High Court of Malawi is currently reviewing the country's anti-sodomy laws, opening the possibility that the country, which has already made overtures in this direction, may move to overturn its anti-LGBT laws. Each of these cases offers the opportunity not only of positive legal change, but ongoing public debate over the rights of LGBT people.

Beyond the world of legal challenges, the Sochi Olympics in February will provide an almost unparalleled global platform to promote the rights of LGBT people in Russia and to highlight the iniquity of the Russian anti-propaganda laws. The focus on the Russian government's attack on the rights of LGBT people, and on human rights in general, will massively increase in the run up to the Games. The challenge will be to retain the initiative once the games move on and to find ways to ensure that our Russian counterparts continue to be supported in their struggle.

Glasgow's hosting of the Commonwealth Games in July will be another opportunity to shine a light on the challenges faced by LGBT people globally. While Scotland is expected to pass equal marriage laws early in 2014, the Commonwealth contains some of the most homophobic countries in the world - 42 of its 53 member states have laws that ban gay sex and act to criminalise LGBT people. Some 92% of Commonwealth citizens live in countries that criminalise LGBT people. The 2014 Commonwealth Games gives activists - and the British public - a chance to engage with the Commonwealth and its members over this.

So while the passing of the old year leaves us feeling bruised, we should not lose our determination. There continues to be an important role for the international community in this fight, though it is a role that needs to be tempered with respect for local specificity and expertise. The struggle for equality is a long one, but 2014 offers plenty of opportunity for substantial wins.

This version of this article was first published on Gay Star News.

 Uganda passes anti-gay bill 2013-12-20T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2013-12-20:57
'A terrible day for human rights'

The Kaleidoscope Trust has condemned the decision by the Ugandan parliament to pass the 'Anti-Homosexuality Bill' and is calling on the British government to support the Ugandan LGBT community.

The bill substantially increases the punishments for homosexuality, including life imprisonment for 'repeat offenders'. The bill also makes it a crime punishable by a prison sentence, not to report homosexual activities to the police. An earlier clause introducing the death penalty has not been passed. The bill is now awaiting presidential approval, something that could happen as early as tomorrow.

Speaking on behalf of the Kaleidoscope Trust, Assistant Director Alistair Stewart called it 'a terrible day for human rights.'

He went on to say:

The passage of the bill is a terrible set back to the LGBT community in Uganda and is a direct assault on their dignity and human rights. It is a bleak day for Uganda and for the international LGBT movement.

Following on from the Indian Supreme Court ruling recriminalising homosexuality, the passage through the Nigerian Senate of a bill outlawing LGBT organisations and the removal of equal marriage laws in Australia's ACT, this has been a terrible fortnight in the struggle for LGBT rights.

 Indian Supreme Court gay sex ban 'a terrible set-back' 2013-12-12T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2013-12-12:54
Judgement upholding sodomy laws sets a worry precedent

In 2009 when India made a great leap forward towards decriminalising sodomy, LGBT communities around the world celebrated. The historic judgement of the Delhi High Court, which found that the law criminalising sexual acts 'against the order of nature' contravened the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of India acted as a real beacon of hope for LGBT communities across the world. .

Today's ruling by the Supreme Court of India has has extinguished that beacon and is a devastating blow to the LGBT movement in India and across the world.

Many thought that in the absence of government opposition, the Supreme Court judges would uphold the rights of LGBT people as constitutionally protected, as their High Court colleagues had in 2009. There was a premature rush amongst activists to see India as a country which had effectively decriminalised, despite the limited jurisdiction of the Delhi court.

The Indian ruling sets a worrying and dangerous precedent for fights for equal rights across the world. The law prohibiting sodomy in India was the first of many colonial era anti-sodomy laws imposed by the British Empire. The Indian Penal Code of 1860, which contains the ban on sodomy, was the model for anti-sodomy laws throughout Britain's imperial territories. A majority of the world's laws that outlaw gay sex can trace a heritage back to the 1860 Act. To overturn it would have had powerful ramifications, symbolically and practically, in the many other countries where LGBT people struggle against criminalisation.

Instead the decision to uphold the sodomy laws is dispiriting for LGBT campaigners around the globe. Activists are currently awaiting the ruling of the Belize Courts, where a similar constitutional challenge was heard this summer. Previously quietly confident about a positive ruling, there are now real concerns about what the eventual decision may be.

But the fight in India is not over. The Naz Foundation and the Lawyers Collective, who brought the original challenge, have said they will apply for a review of the decision. With the Courts abdicating responsibility to politicians, what can we expect from India's political classes: a protection of the rights of minorities or a capitulation (via inaction) to those who wish to deny choice, safety and dignity to many of their fellow citizens?

Just last month the Indian Prime Minister declined to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Sri Lanka, a session mired in controversy over human rights. Will that concern for the promotion of rights now be manifest on same sex equality or will the need to garner votes, with a general election looming next year, leave room only for silence? There is real concern that it will sadly be the latter.

There is undoubtedly a dynamic building in the country – pensions have been made available to eunuchs, a category 'O' for other has been added to passport applications for recording the sex of an applicant, there is an online gay bookstore, there are gay film festivals, many LGBT NGOs and Pride marches are attended by thousands.

The struggle for equal rights under the law is a vibrant indigenous movement with an authority and strength of its own. Our task now is to offer support and bring pressure to bear for their cause, for the dignity and rights of all people must be our cause too.

Dr Purna Sen, former Head of Human Rights at the Commonwealth and chair of the Kaleidoscope Trust, has condemned yesterday's decision:

The Supreme Court's ruling is a terrible setback for the struggle to secure equal rights for LGBT people, not just in India, but in many of the Commonwealth countries that still enforce colonial era restrictions on the liberties of LGBT people.

Dr. Sen, who was born in India and now works at the LSE in London, added: "The 2009 ruling that read the ban on same-sex relationships as being at odds with the Constitution acted as a real beacon for hope in the Commonwealth. Today's ruling, sadly, is a setback for India and sets a worrying precedent."

 Baroness Warsi: 'We were wrong on gay rights' 2013-12-10T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2013-12-10:58
Human Rights minister says Conservative Party was 'on the wrong side of history' but now supports LGBT rights.

The minister responsible for human rights, Baroness Warsi, has admitted that she and her party were wrong about LGBT rights in the past but insisted that the Conservatives were now unequivocally in support of them.

The Foreign Office minister said she was "still on a personal journey" on gay marriage. She abstained on the issue in the House of Lords but said she supported the fact that the first same-sex marriages can now take place in April next year.

Baroness Warsi was speaking at a Kaleidoscope Trust lecture in London last night (Dec. 10). She said some people on social media sites had criticised her attendance because of an election leaflet in 2005 in which she said an equal age of consent allowed "schoolchildren to be propositioned for homosexual relationships".

She told the meeting: "There are those who said I should not come, or would not come, but I wanted to come and put on record that my leaflet in 2005 and my party's stance on LGBT rights were wrong, we were on the wrong side of history and we now have a commitment to supporting LGBT rights."

Ministers, including the Prime Minister, regularly raised gay rights with other government leaders, she said, as David Cameron had done recently with President Putin in Russia.

On equal marriage she said she still had reservations but supported the law now that it had been passed. "Every one of us is on a personal journey, everyone has had to make compromises between their different identities." She insisted that neither faith groups nor LGBT groups could have a veto on the issue.

Asked about the Human Rights Act, which some ministers including the Home Secretary Theresa May have criticised, Baroness Warsi appeared to defend it. She said human rights could not be disposable. "We should not take a harsh position on human rights domestically, and expect to take the moral high ground internationally."

 Kaleidoscope launches report into Commonwealth human rights abuses 2013-11-10T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2013-11-10:53
Homosexuality is still illegal in 41 of the 53 member states.

The Commonwealth is letting down hundreds of thousands of its citizens whose lives are blighted by homophobia, criminalisation and discrimination according to a new report from the Kaleidoscope Trust, compiled with the assistance of a coalition of Commonwealth LGBTI organisations.

FIND OUT MORE

Testimonies from LGBTI people in almost every Commonwealth country contained in the Speaking Out report reveal widespread human rights abuses including attempted murder, beatings and harassment.

"I have lost two teeth, had my family property invaded and car damaged by two masked men . . . I have had stones thrown at me, experienced simulated gun shots, insults and physical harm on public transportation," says Caleb Orozco, a gay man from Belize.

"LGBTI people are generally considered as animals or devils...so they are in permanent danger. They can be injured, they can be killed, and they can be discriminated against. They can be rejected from healthcare and justice," adds Alice Nkom, a human rights lawyer from Cameroon.

Drawing on contributions from more than 20 LGBTI human rights organisations, and published by LGBT human rights charity the Kaleidoscope Trust, the report demands the Commonwealth take action on a wholesale abuse of human rights it has stubbornly ignored. Homosexuality is still illegal in 41 of the 53 Commonwealth member states.

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT

The report is backed by Sir Shridath Ramphal, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth and Dr Purna Sen, former Head of Human Rights at the Commonwealth.

Sir Shridath Ramphal, states in his foreword to the report:

It is a reminder that for most of the countries of the Commonwealth, the desecration of our fellow citizens began in the law... As with the abolition of slavery, the decriminalisation of homosexuality in our time must be an act of law.

Dr Purna Sen, states in her introduction to the report:

Across the Commonwealth lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people are denied equal access to rights, education, employment, housing and healthcare. Once again we see Commonwealth leaders gathering at the Heads of Government meeting , pushing aside the urgent need to protect every citizen under the law. Once again the human rights of LGBTI people are the elephant in the room.

The report recommends that: -

All Commonwealth governments in countries which continue to criminalise same-sex sexual activity to repeal this legislation in accordance with:

The Universal Declaration on Human Rights and other international instruments including the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Article II of the Commonwealth Charter.

 Recommendations of the Eminent Persons Group adopted by the Foreign Ministers of all Commonwealth members.

As an immediate step towards meeting the obligations set out in these and other commitments to equal rights for all citizens we call on all Commonwealth leaders to:

Commit to engage in meaningful dialogue with their own LGBTI communities to facilitate an informed debate about the means to remove all legal and other impediments to the enjoyment of their human rights.

Put in place an immediate moratorium on the enforcement of existing laws criminalising homosexuality.

Commit to open and free debate across the Commonwealth on the decriminalisation of homosexuality.

Support public education initiatives to inform the people of the Commonwealth about the case for LGBTI equality.

Support the right of an LGBTI Association to register with the Commonwealth alongside all civil society organisations and be free to express its views and engage in public debate.

Fully include LGBTI people in development and other programmes on an equal basis with the rest of society.

Commit to include a discussion on equal rights for LGBTI citizens as a substantive agenda item at the next CHOGM.

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT
 Sri Lankan government condemned for harassment of LGBT activists 2013-09-27T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2013-09-27:52
Hosts of Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting 'must respect human rights for all'

The former head of Human Rights at the Commonwealth, Dr Purna Sen, has condemned the Sri Lankan government for unacceptable harassment of activists campaigning for human rights. NGOs working onLGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) rights in advance of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting there in November.

Speaking at the Labour Party conference in Brighton, Dr. Sen, who is also chair of LGBT human rights charity Kaleidoscope, said it was "wholly unacceptable for the country preparing to host Commonwealth leaders in a few weeks time to try to silence the LGBT community and human rights defenders through threats and intimidation."

The Kaleidoscope Trust, based in London, has received reliable reports that activists have been threatened with arrest and organisations have been warned they could be closed down if they continue to advocate for human rights for all.

Dr. Sen, who was head of Human Rights at The Commonwealth from 2008 until 2011 added:

It is imperative that Sri Lanka as the CHOGM hosts must adhere to the principles underlying the Commonwealth and respect the right to active and safe democratic engagement by all human rights defenders. If this kind of harassment continues then both the Secretary General and the heads of government meeting in Colombo must be prepared to speak out publicly and condemn any infringement on the rights of LGBT people whether in Sri Lanka or anywhere else in the Commonwealth. The recently adopted Commonwealth Charter states it is an association ' devoted to improving the lives of all peoples of the Commonwealth' suggests an obligation on the organisation that will act against this sort of harassment.

The Kaleidoscope Trust has confirmed reports that Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigation Department has issued verbal warnings to human rights activists not to speak about LGBT rights, the criminalisation of homosexuality or to hold workshops on the issues. The pressure increased after a recent visit to the country by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay.

Article 365A of the Sri Lankan Criminal Code criminalises same-sex sexual activity. Forty-two of the fifty-four member states of the Commonwealth continue to have laws that make homosexual activity a criminal offence.

Lance Price, Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, said:

The Commonwealth has consistently refused to address the issue of human rights for LGBT people and this Heads of Government meeting will be no different. More than half of all the countries in the world that still make being gay a crime are in the Commonwealth and this is stain on a organisation supposedly committed to equal rights for all.

Earlier this year the UN Human Rights Council again called on the government of Sri Lanka to fulfil its public commitments to the full enjoyment of human rights by all members of its population. These latest reports are just the latest proof of their refusal to do so.

 Kaleidoscope Trust Australia Pledge Campaign 2013-09-03T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2013-09-03:50
Kaleidoscope Trust has recently been establishing a daughter organisation in Australia called Kaleidoscope Trust Australia (KTA). Australia has a pivotal role to play in the global and regional movement to end all legislation that criminalises people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity should be repealed. In establishing the Australian branch of the Kaleidoscope Trust, we are seeking to support activists in places where it is illegal to be LGBTI as well as supporting future Australian governments to play a part in influencing change.

Australia is influential in the Asia Pacific region where there are many countries that still criminalise LGBTI people. For example, there are still laws in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Brunei, Bangladesh, The Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore and the Aceh province of Indonesia criminal laws prohibit consensual, private sexual activity between men.

With an Australian election underway, KTA's first campaign was to seek cross party support for a pledge to uphold LGBTI rights in foreign policy. Since the early 1990s, Australia has been a leading advocate for the removal of criminal laws targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people around the world. This advocacy has occurred at both a multi-lateral and bi-lateral level and it has occurred under both Labor and Coalition governments. In particular the pledge campaign sought to get the Australian Labor Party, The Liberal Party of Australia and the Australian Greens to sign up to commitments for:

Australian support for initiatives at the UN and other multilateral fora to protect the equal rights of LGBTI people

Advocacy for the equal rights of LGBTI people in Australia's bilateral human rights dialogues

Australia's active support for the removal of anti-gay criminal laws in the Asia Pacific region

In the 2013 federal election LGBTI rights generally were shaping up to be an issue and strategically this pledge campaign was a good way to raise awareness while securing support from the political parties at a time of potential change of government. Over the course of the campaign Senator Bob Carr, Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister, signed on behalf of the Australian Labor Party and Senator Christine Milne, leader of the Australian Greens, signed on behalf of her party. Although the Australian Liberals did not sign up as a party, private support was voiced by several MPs and senators and the pledge was signed on a personal basis by the Liberal candidate for Melbourne Ports, Kevin Ekendahl.

Dr Douglas Pretsell, provision coordinator of KTA commented:

This pledge campaign has well and truly established Kaleidoscope Trust in Australia opening up important lines of communication with each of the three major parties. This will be particularly important in our work to support the future Australian government when they are participating in multinational fora where LGBTI rights are raised such as the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Sri Lanka this November.

 Liberal Candidate Signs Kaleidoscope Trust's Pledge to Advocate LGBTI Human Rights in Australian Foreign Policy 2013-08-29T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2013-08-29:51
The Kaleidoscope Trust, a global human rights organisation dedicated to the human rights of LGBTI people internationally, today announced that Kevin Ekendahl, the Liberal candidate for Melbourne Ports in the upcoming election, has signed a pledge to advocate LGBTI rights in Australia's foreign relations. He does so in a personal capacity.

Australia has a strong part to play in upholding the rights of LGBTI people. Globally there are multinational diplomatic efforts around some of the worst cases of anti-LGBTI violence and criminalisation. Closer to home, in countries where Australia exercises substantial influence, there are still laws which discriminate against LGBTI people. In Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Brunei, Bangladesh, The Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore and the Aceh province of Indonesia criminal laws prohibit consensual sexual activity between men, laws which the Toonen case found to be a violation of international human rights agreements. Toonen vs Australia was a landmark human rights complaint brought before the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) by Tasmanian resident Nicholas Toonen in 1994 that resulted in the repeal of Australia's last remaining anti-sodomy laws. More widely in the region the law fails to protect LGBTI people from discrimination in employment, medical treatment, housing and goods and services.

Speaking for Kaleidoscope Trust in Australia, Douglas Pretsell said:

Wonderful to have Kevin as a Liberal candidate sign this pledge alongside the pledges we have already secured from the ALP and the Greens. We look forward to working with him to advance LGBTI human rights in the future.

Lance Price, Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust added:

It is a significant achievement to have secured support for LGBTI rights in the Asia Pacific region from across the three main political parties in Australia. This all bodes well for Australia joining the growing number of countries now voicing opposition to legislation that criminalises people because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status.

The pledge that Kevin Ekendahl signed stated: "I make this solemn pledge to uphold and advocate the furtherance of LGBTI rights as a strong component of wider human rights through Australian foreign policy."
 Kaleidoscope Trust appoints new Regional Director for Africa 2013-08-28T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2013-08-28:49
The Kaleidoscope Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Anthony Oluoch as its new Regional Director for Africa. Anthony is based in Nairobi and is a former Legal and Human Rights Officer for the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya (GALCK) and Acting Director of the Gay Kenya Trust.

Anthony will coordinate the Trust's work across Africa and takes up his position immediately.

Welcoming the appointment, Kaleidoscope Trust Executive Director Lance Price said: "Anthony is a widely respected figure in the global campaign to uphold the human rights of LGBT citizens. He has proven experience, a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in fighting against homophobia and discrimination, and a profound commitment to the cause. His record both in Africa and internationally is outstanding and he will be a huge asset to the Kaleidoscope Trust."

Speaking from Nairobi, Anthony Oluoch said:

I am delighted to join the Kaleidoscope Trust team of dedicated human rights activists. This, for me, is yet another chance to try and make a difference in the lives of LGBT Africans facing violence and discrimination just for being themselves. It is also a chance to show the world that diversity is a part of us and acceptance of it is what makes us one.

 Australian Foreign Minister pledges support for LGBTI rights 2013-08-27T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2013-08-27:48
The Kaleidoscope Trust today announced that Senator Bob Carr, Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Australian government, has signed a pledge to uphold LGBTI rights in Australia's foreign relations on behalf of the Australian Labor Party. The signing of this pledge reinforces that LGBTI rights are a core foreign policy priority for the Rudd government, as the ALP announced in a press release on July 19. Carr's support for the pledge follows on from that of Christine Milne, leader of the Australian Greens, who showed her support for LGBTI rights by signing the pledge a fortnight ago.

Australia has a strong part to play in upholding the rights of LGBTI people. Globally there are multinational diplomatic efforts around some of the worst cases of anti-LGBTI violence and criminalisation. Closer to home, in countries where Australia exercises substantial influence, there are still laws which discriminate against LGBTI people. In Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Brunei, Bangladesh, The Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore and the Aceh province of Indonesia criminal laws prohibit consensual sexual activity between men, laws which the Toonen case found to be a violation of international human rights agreements. Toonen vs Australia was a landmark human rights complaint brought before the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) by Tasmanian resident Nicholas Toonen in 1994 that resulted in the repeal of Australia's last remaining anti-sodomy laws. More widely in the region the law fails to protect LGBTI people from discrimination in employment, medical treatment, housing and goods and services.

Speaking for Kaleidoscope Trust in Australia, Douglas Pretsell said:

We are especially pleased that the Labor Party has signed our pledge to uphold LGBTI human rights in foreign policy. This comes on top of pledge signed by the Greens a fortnight ago. We are still hopeful that others will make similar commitments.

Lance Price, Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust added:

Kaleidoscope Trust Australia will be working with the future Australian government to support the furtherance of LGBTI rights in the Asia Pacific region and in the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November. Australia has an important role to play and we value the commitment of Australian political parties to our campaign to repeal all legislation that criminalises people because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status. Kaleidoscope Trust is seeking to support future Australian governments in this endeavour.

 Kaleidoscope Trust Hails Australian Greens Commitment to LGBTI Human Rights 2013-08-15T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2013-08-15:47
Senator Christine Milne signs pledge to uphold LGBTI rights in foreign affairs

The Kaleidoscope Trust is pleased to announce the signing of a pledge to uphold LGBTI rights in Australia's foreign relations by Senator Christine Milne, Leader of the Australian Greens.

Australia has a strong part to play in upholding the rights of LGBTI people. Globally there are multinational diplomatic efforts around some of the worst cases of anti-LGBTI violence and criminalisation. Closer to home, in countries where Australia exercises substantial influence, there are still laws which discriminate against LGBTI people. In Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Brunei, Bangladesh, The Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore and the Aceh province of Indonesia criminal laws prohibit consensual sexual activity between men, laws which the Toonen case found to be a violation of international human rights agreements. Toonen vs Australia was a landmark human rights complaint brought before the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) by Tasmanian resident Nicholas Toonen in 1994 that resulted in the repeal of Australia's last remaining anti-sodomy laws. More widely in the region the law fails to protect LGBTI people from discrimination in employment, medical treatment, housing and goods and services.

Speaking for Kaleidoscope Trust in Australia, Douglas Pretsell said:

We have been working with each of the main political parties in the Australian election to secure a pledge to support LGBTI rights in foreign policy and are pleased to have secured the support of the Australian Greens.

Lance Price, Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust added:

Australia has a pivotal role to play in the global and regional movement to repeal all legislation that criminalises people because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status. Kaleidoscope Trust is seeking to support future Australian governments in this endeavour.

The pledge that Senator Milne signed:

We make this solemn pledge our support to the furtherance of LGBTI rights as a strong component of wider human rights through these concrete actions:

1.Australian support for initiatives at the UN and in other multilateral forums to protect LGBTI people from discrimination and persecution

2. Advocacy for the equal rights of LGBTI people in Australia's bilateral human rights dialogue

3. Australia's active support for the removal of anti-LGBTI criminal laws in the Asia Pacific region

 Equal marriage in the UK is not the end of the fight for LGBT rights 2013-07-19T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2013-07-19:46
The last six months have seen a run of victories for LGBT people in Europe and America. This week, the British government voted to approve same-sex marriage in England and Wales, only just pipped to the post by the French, who celebrated their first same-sex weddings in May. The hated Defence of Marriage Act was struck down in the US by the Supreme Court last month and California's Prop 8, a similar piece of anti-gay legislation, has been dealt a deathblow.

But the successes achieved in Europe and America are adding to the challenges facing LGBT people in the global South. The achievement of equal marriage, parenting and adoption rights and full legal protection can actually impede the struggles in other parts of the world where the battles for LGBT people are about the most fundamental of human rights. 76 countries continue to criminalise 'homosexual conduct', punishable with prison sentences and hard labour. In five countries the death penalty still applies

Because they are losing ground in the West, our opponents are increasingly moving their resources (and their rhetoric and their hate) to more fertile grounds in developing countries. American Evangelical Churches are abandoning the fight against equality at home, in favour of supporting homophobic laws abroad. Why fight a losing battle against social liberalism in America or Europe, where you are increasingly ignored and ridiculed, when in Uganda, Belize or Nigeria you are welcomed with open arms. In this perverse way the successes of the LGBT movement in the North, and in particular in the United States, have acted to worsen conditions in the South.

Moreover, activists from Africa and elsewhere find it hard at the best of times to decouple their demands for basic rights from the demands of activists in Europe and the US. The fight in much of the world isn't for partnership or parenting rights, but for the right to live lives free from violence, harassment, arrest or detention. Victories for same-sex marriage make this battle for basic rights even more difficult, muddying the water between northern and southern demands. It arms those that stand opposed to granting LGBT people even the most basic of human rights, with the argument: 'Look where it will all end. If we give these people what they are asking for they will be getting married in our churches next.'

As the champagne corks are popped in London and Paris, and we notch up yet more victories for LGBT people in the West, countless setbacks, reversals and outrages occur elsewhere. The Ugandan parliament continues to flirt with introducing the death penalty and imprisoning parents for not turning in their own gay children to the authorities. This week in Cameroon a prominent gay activists was tortured and beaten to death.

And in Russian president Putin signed a law that bans the so-called "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations", with Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus and Hungary attempting to implement similar restrictions.

Of course, no one is saying that battles for same-sex marriage shouldn't be fought in the West and victories celebrated. It would be nice though, that as we toast the successes at home, we don't forget that the struggle for equality, rights and dignity continues elsewhere, and that it is not a struggle that is apart from our own. The battle for equal rights in the global North is woven, intimately, with the battles for equality and dignity further afield. We'd do well to remember that and that, in many places, there is far more at stake than embossed invitations or a gift register at John Lewis.

This article was origanally published in the Huffington Post, by our Assistant Director Alistair Stewart

 Kaleidoscope Director named in World Pride Power List 2013-07-01T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2013-07-01:45
Lance Price, the Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust has been named in this year's World Pride Power list. The list, which with its international focus is the only one of its kind, celebrates of 100 influential LGBT people from around the globe.

Speaking about his inclusion Lance said:

It is a tribute to all the hard work that so many at the Kaleidoscope Trust have done since our launch less than two years that we have been included in this list. All 100 names show the huge diversity of people ready to stand up for the rights of LGBT people internationally. And it's a reminder that however much has been achieved at home there are still big and important battles to be fought around the world. It is still illegal to be gay in over 70 countries and the under-representation of LGBT people from the global south is a stark reminder of this fact.

The list is produced by Square Peg Media and the Guardian. Other entrants included Stephen Fry, Ellen DeGeneres and Peter Tatchell. Mark Palmer-Edgecumbe, Head of Diversity at Google and a Kaleidoscope Trust board member was also included on the list.
 Nigerian parliament passes draconian anti-LGBT bill. 2013-05-30T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2013-05-30:43
'This bill has nothing to do with same-sex marriage but everything to do criminalising LGBT people and denying them their rights'

The Kaleidoscope Trust has condemned the vote today by the Nigerian House of Representatives to increase penalties for same sex relationships to up to 14 years in jail and to ban LGBT organisations from working in the country.

The so-called 'Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill' requires the signature of President Goodluck Jonathan to become law.

Kaleidoscope Trust director of faith and social development, Rev. Ijeoma Ajibade, said: 'This legislation denies LGBT Nigerians their fundamental rights. By claiming it is about outlawing same-sex marriage, the parliament is deliberately misleading people. Not a single group in my home country has asked for gay marriage. They ask only for the same rights to freedom from discrimination, personal liberty, human dignity and privacy that all Nigerians are entitled to under the constitution.

"Nigeria confronts serious issues of national security, corruption and poor governance that parliament should be tackling rather than launching attacks on sections of its own people."

Bisi Alimi, a Nigerian LGBT activist and one of the founders of the Kaleidoscope Trust, called on the international community to protest to President Jonathan. "If this bill is signed into law Nigeria will be the first country in recent history to increase the penalties for LGBT people in this way. It will only encourage those in countries like Uganda and Sierra Leone who want to do the same."
 'I don't demand tolerance, I demand equal rights' Anna Grodzka gives IDAHOT Lecture 2013-05-17T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2013-05-17:42
At a lecture to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), the Polish MP, Anna Grodzka, made a passionate plea for all in society to 'respect the right of everyone to be who they are.'

Ms. Grodzka, who is currently the only trans member of parliament in the world, was speaking at the annual lecture of the Kaleidoscope Trust in London.

She said everybody deserved the right to express their humanity in their own way:

"The right to be yourself encompasses also the right to sexual and gender identity. Nobody should be despised, excluded or discriminated on the grounds of their gender or sexuality.

"Alas, we are still living in societies, where there exist systems of social segregation based on gender and sexual norms. Such systems are a source of suffering and violence.

"The system of gender segregation still holds women as second-order citizens, despite the improvements in the last century. I live in a country where a woman cannot decide about her own body, because the state forces her to give birth at all costs and denies her the right to abortion. I live in a country where domestic violence is a huge issue, yet scrupulously hidden. Can a woman in such a country be herself?

"The system of gender segregation affects transsexual people as well. In my country none of the stages of sex reassignment procedure are refunded. Transsexual people fall victims to violence and hatred. Trans people have until recently been largely absent in social awareness and they are still invisible in the body of Polish law. Can transsexual people be themselves in such a country?"

Anna Grodzka finished with a plea that tolerance was not enough. "I do not demand tolerance, I demand equal rights. I demand acceptance for every human being who does not do any harm with his actions to anyone else. I demand acceptance for every human being, because it should be the right of all persons."

 Former Commonwealth human rights head to Chair the Kaleidoscope Trust 2013-04-12T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2013-04-12:24
Dr Purna Sen elected unanimously.

Dr Purna Sen, Head of Human Rights at the Commonwealth Secretariat from 2008 until 2011, has been elected as chair of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) human rights charity The Kaleidoscope Trust.

Dr Sen is currently Deputy Director of the Institute of Public Affairs at the London School of Economics. She was previously Director of the Asia-Pacific Programme at Amnesty International and taught Gender and Development at the Development Studies Institute of the London School of Economics.

"Equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people is one of the major human rights challenges of our time," Dr Sen Said. "Homosexuality is still illegal in 79 countries and in five states homosexual acts are punishable by death. So there are few more important challenges than helping raise awareness of the discrimination, victimisation and violence that continue to make life a misery for hundreds of thousands of LGBT people across the globe every day."

Kaleidoscope Trust Executive Director Lance Price added: "Purna has been a committed member of our board of trustees for over a year and I am delighted that she was elected unanimously to be our new Chair. She brings a depth of experience of human rights work which will prove invaluable to the Kaleidoscope Trust at a time when LGBT issues are rising up the international agenda and respect for LGBT rights is increasingly seen as a bell-weather for a country's wider commitment to social justice."
 Kaleidoscope Trust Launches Parliamentary Friends Group 2013-02-28T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2013-02-28:36
Last night the the Rt Hon Crispin Blunt MP launched the Parliamentary Friends of the Kaleidoscope Trust Group. Hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow in his official chambers, the new group promises strengthen the Trust's ties with the Houses of Parliament.

Speaking movingly of his own journey to LGBT human rights advocacy, Chairmen of the Parliamentary Friends Group, Crispin Blunt MP said, 'Around the world there are many brave activists working to deliver the same changes we've seen in out society over the last 50 years in enabling people to be themselves. Some of them run profound risks, and they deserve our support.'

Lance Price, Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust said, 'We're profoundly grateful for the support we have recieved from all corners of parliament. Through the support of the members of both Houses, we can more effectively pursue the goal of a universal recognition of the human rights of LGBT people and more effectively lobby the government to help achieve our national and international aims.'

More photographs of the event are available here.
 Gala Dinner a Glittering Success 2013-02-01T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2013-02-01:35
Last night saw the Kaleidoscope Trust celebrate its first year in style with its inaugural Gala Dinner. Held in the splendid surroundings of London's legendary Cafe de Paris, the evening was a glittering success.

Hosted by Paul Gambacini and Simon Fanshawe, the evening combined music and comedy, with a serious reminder of the battles yet to be won across the world in the struggle for LGBT human rights.

Lance Price, Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope trust said, 'The Gala Dinner went better than we could have possibly hoped, especially given that it was our first. We are incredibly grateful for all the generous support that went into making the evening such a success.'

More photographs of the event are available here.
 Hope and dismay across the world in a turbulent year for gay rights 2012-12-21T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2012-12-21:1
The Kaleidoscope Trust has published its second annual review of the highs and lows in the struggle to uphold the basic human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

The report, published today, shows a willingness by some governments to suspend anti-gay laws and consider decriminalising homosexual acts while others attempt to impose even more draconian penalties.

Among the 'highs' detailed in the report are the statement by the prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago that she intends to 'put an end to all discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation' and the moratorium on prosecutions in Malawi. The 'lows' include draconian anti-homosexuality legislation in Uganda and Nigeria, news laws against 'gay propaganda' in Russia, and a wave of arrests in some countries.

Lance Price, Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, said:

'LGBT activists have shown enormous courage in standing up for their rights in the face of despicable attempts to silence or imprison them in far too many countries of the world. By refusing to be cowed and by fighting back with whatever tools they have at their disposal they have shown that we will never accept that our rights should be any different to anybody else's.

'Happily in some countries there have been signs of progress to be welcomed in 2012. By using the power of argument and persuasion, individuals and organisations have encouraged their governments to look again at the laws that make them criminals just for who they are. As we go into 2013 we are both dismayed at the intolerance that continues to scar so many countries, but we also see hope for progress that convinces us that the struggle to uphold the rights of LGBT people is one that can and must succeed.'

The full report is available here.
 Trinidad PM promises to 'end all discrimination' against LGBT people 2012-12-19T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2012-12-19:2
In a letter to the Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Mrs Kamla Persad-Bisessar, has said she wants to 'put an end to all discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation'. She said that her government's Gender Policy, currently under discussion in Cabinet, was expected to uphold the rights of all citizens.

Mrs Persad Bisessar said she agreed that 'stigmatisation of homosexuality in Trinidad and Tobago is a matter which must be addressed on the grounds of human rights and dignity to which every individual is entitled under international law.'

A Trinidad newspaper published her letter, which was written in August, this week and a spokesman for the Prime Minister said it was 'self-explanatory'.

Lance Price, Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, met Mrs Persad-Bisessar in Port of Spain earlier this year. He then wrote to her urging her to remove from the statute books those pieces of legislation that discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Lance Price said:

'The Prime Minister's letter to me is the clearest statement ever given by a Caribbean leader of the need to get rid of laws that undermine the basic human rights of LGBT people. I was delighted to read her unequivocal opposition to discrimination in any form against people because of how they were born. What she says indicates a position of strong moral leadership on this issue. We applaud her for what she has said and look forward with great interest to seeing the new Gender Policy when it is published.'

Homosexual acts are illegal in Trinidad and Tobago under the Sexual Offences Act. The maximum sentence is 25 years in prison. Under the Immigration Act homosexuals are legally barred from entering the country.

Text of the letter, dated 14 August 212:

 "With respect to the concerns raised in your letter regarding aspects of Trinidad and Tobago's Sexual Offences Act and the Immigration Act which may target persons who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT), I wish to assure you that due consideration is being given to these issues by my Government.

"I do not support discrimination in any form against any individual, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. I share your view that the stigmatisation of homosexuality in Trinidad andTobago is a matter which must be addressed on the grounds of human rights and dignity to which every individual is entitled under international law.

"As such I am pleased to inform you that I have mandated my Minister of Gender, Youth and Child Development…to prepare and present a National Gender Policy to Cabinet over the coming months. It is expected that once adopted, this policy will forge the way forward for Trinidad and Tobago as my government seeks to put an end to all discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation.

"Please rest assured that my government is doing its utmost to uphold the human rights of all citizens and residents of Trinidad and Tobago as we remain committed to a democratic, people-centred approach to governance and development."
 Ugandan parliament expected to vote on 'kill the gays' bill this week. 2012-11-22T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2012-11-22:25
'We could face the death penalty just for being ourselves.'

Gay rights activists in Uganda have warned that the notorious bill that includes the death penalty for so-called 'aggravated homosexuality' is likely to be debated by MPs on Friday.

The 'Anti-Homosexuality Bill' remains on the parliamentary agenda despite worldwide condemnation from political leaders, human rights organisations and the United Nations.

LGBTI campaigners in the country say the legislation still includes provision for capital punishment in certain circumstances.

Frank Mugisha, leader of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), told the Kaleidoscope Trust:

"This bill is a total abuse of human rights. It will mean we may face the death penalty for just being ourselves. But should the bill pass it does not mean our fight is over, we will continue to fight, and we will challenge the bill in the constitutional court. I ask all those of good conscience, both in Uganda and beyond, to join our fight and help us".

Kaleidoscope's Deputy Executive Director, Harjeet Johal, is in Uganda to witness the proceedings. He said:

"It is clear to me that people here expect this pernicious piece of legislation to be passed. The fear on the faces of the brave men and women who have stood up publicly against this threat to their rights and freedoms is painful to behold. I feel like a shackled spectator to an awful tragedy. But while we can condemn this evil bill from the safety of our own countries, the LGBTI community here cannot escape its consequences."

Johal will also be present on the first day of the trial of David Cecil, the British theatre producer charged with staging a play with a gay storyline without permission. Mr. Cecil faces up to two years in jail if convicted. The play, 'The River and the Mountain' was performed in two theatres in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, earlier this year. Mr. Cecil said the play was "not politically motivated" and neither promoted homosexuality nor criticized the government.
 David Kuria speaks to BBC world 2012-10-29T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2012-10-29:10
Gay Kenyan Senate hopeful David Kuria spoke to BBC world on a recent trip to the United Kingdom. In a tour of the UK hosted by the Kaleidoscope Trust, Kuria spoke movingly of the challenges to LGBT Kenyans and how to move forward on the issues of homosexuality in Africa.

It should be clear that when you discriminate or exclude you miss out on the human potential of the people you exclude. In a continent like Africa, where it is only now we are beginning to benefit from the incredible potential of women - their leadership skills, their intellect and even multi-tasking abilities - one would imagine we have learnt that we all lose when we exclude. It is not good human resource management to exclude - and that is even more important if you are playing 'catch up' in terms of human and economic development. While stigma and prejudice against sexual minorities limit our human potential we should also reflect on what that means for those living the experience of exclusion.

The full interview is available here:

 Kenyan Senator hopeful David Kuria: 'There is nothing un-African about homosexuality' 2012-10-17T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2012-10-17:6
The following is a transcript of a lecture by David Kuria Mbote, Independent candidate for the Kenya Senate.
University College London, 17 October 2012.

It gives me great pleasure to be here today to give the second Kaleidoscope Leadership Forum lecture. It certainly a great honour and I cannot thank Kaleidoscope enough for the opportunity.

I guess one of the reasons why I was invited here today is because I happen to be running for office in Kenya. It so happens that Kenya will be holding its General elections on the 4th of March next year. These elections are important for us in a number of ways. You may remember that in 2007 at the time of the last elections, our country was tested in a very major way by a national crisis and very regrettable violence and bloodshed. It ended only after three or four months with the help of the international community.

Kenya is of strategic importance to the East Africa region and perhaps explains the second reason of being here. Being a gay person running for political office does create certain questions around same-sex sexuality in Africa - of exclusion, stigma and discrimination. Those questions extend beyond my own country.

I want to touch on why political leadership, and the support of those who have helped make it possible, matters. In this I am guided by looking at pro-democracy struggles in Africa. Today many economies in Africa are growing. Even though poverty remains such a huge problem there is hope that poverty in Africa can eventually become history. This has been in part because African states allowed the expansion of democratic spaces. Yet this was also because pressure was brought to bear by multilateral and bilateral donors to democratise - it had become clear that anti-poverty and health outcomes would never improve unless there was sufficient space for citizen participation in political life. But today I am pleased to say that citizens themselves are spearheading the building of democratic institutions.

Much work remains to be done, and there is always threat of relapse, but it would be a mistake not to appreciate the help we got just to get our feet in the door of democratic reforms. The lag in time between the pressure on African governments and the consequences in the form of our current democratic spaces and the resultant increase in the creativity and productivity of the people may strain our ability to ascribe causality. But I think it would be a mistake not to appreciate that we would not be where we are if change was not forced on the despotic regimes.

Those democratic spaces have not been open to all, however. For many gay and lesbian citizens of Africa life remains just as difficult. Moreover since they are a minority, their voices are at best ignored and at worst violently crushed. Yet there are many gallant voices like David Kato's and other Ugandan LGBT leaders - and indeed other leaders across the continent that we often do not hear of. Some of these leaders prefer to be known of as HIV or MSM (men who have sex with men) activists, although this does not seem to offer them any security as the recent murder of Maurice Mjomba of Tanzania has proved to us.

It should be clear that when you discriminate or exclude you miss out on the human potential of the people you exclude. In a continent like Africa, where it is only now we are beginning to benefit from the incredible potential of women - their leadership skills, their intellect and even multi-tasking abilities - one would imagine we have learnt that we all lose when we exclude. It is not good human resource management to exclude - and that is even more important if you are playing 'catch up' in terms of human and economic development. While stigma and prejudice against sexual minorities limit our human potential we should also reflect on what that means for those living the experience of exclusion.

Often when we experience discrimination we may be tempted to retreat into our cocoons and remain within grounds where we can predict the outcome with relative certitude. But this way we as individuals never quite explore all that we could be. And everyone in society suffers because the growth in the human race generally tends to be the summation, perhaps even the product of the different inputs by various individuals.

We only need to look at this year's Nobel Prize winners in medicine to see this point. Although separated by almost a generation, Sir John Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka were united by the desire to overcome their perceived personal limitations, or those imposed upon them, and they have contributed so much to science and human race. Sir John was told at his school that his ambition to be a scientist was "quite ridiculous". We should never allow others to limit our ambitions or tells us what we can or cannot achieve.

It is important to reflect on what that means for us as individuals. Are we living to our fullest potential? Are we realizing our dreams? What do we need to do for that to happen? Are we waiting for the society to change so that we can begin to live?

For me I refuse to wait. So when people tell me that an openly LGBT person could never win the people's trust and respect in Africa, I refuse to be discouraged.

It could be that life does not always turn out that dramatically, but we can never tell if we never try.

Of course this is not to underestimate the hurdles and roadblocks placed by those who seek to make us live and think that only their perspectives of life are appropriate. For those who fall outside the mainstream, life often is just about hanging on. Trying to conform can actually be such a hard task that we may not have time to muse and wonder if we have lived out all we could be.

There are many people in my country, and perhaps elsewhere, who would like to keep me out of the mainstream. And I am sure this experience resonates with many here. They say that I should not be allowed to stand for an elective post. Part of me says "that's fine, I'm not even sure if I want to be part of the mainstream". If being mainstream means accepting the corruption and self-interest that has disfigured our politics and stopped us talking about the issues that really matter to the people I hope to represent in my home community of Kiambu, I'm frankly not interested.

If being mainstream means accepting the prejudices and barriers to participation that exclude so many people, not just LGBT people, from the political process, then no thank you.

In my case I am an outsider to the political establishment, and maybe that's what our politics needs if it is to start serving the people of Kenya and not just the politicians themselves. It is hard to accept that my personal experience or my sexuality should in any way deprive me of the rights to which every citizen is entitled. But my experience also enables me to stand hand in hand with others who have the same or similar feelings of exclusion.

By declaring myself a candidate I am standing up for those rights, not just for myself but also for everybody that the self-appointed mainstream would deny a voice.

Belonging to, or participating in the mainstream social life, need not require us to negate the reality of who we are. I know that my own cultural and national patriotic authenticity has been questioned. We hear a lot about homosexuality being 'un-African'. The short answer is easy. I'm African. I'm gay. Do I not exist? But there is a much deeper argument that touches everybody because it is fundamentally racist. Because the argument is founded on the Hegelian understanding of the African, or what he writing in the 19th century, called the Negro. Hegel said:

'The Negro exhibits the natural man in his completely wild and untamed state...There is nothing harmonious with humanity to be found in this type of character...the copious and circumstantial accounts of missionaries completely confirm this...'

So the supposed 'un-Africanness' of homosexuality is nothing to do with any moral superiority or freedom from Western decadence, it is based on an acceptance of the assumption that Africans are 'wild and untamed', closer to 'natural man' or to use a term we may be more familiar with, 'primitive man'. The argument was used to denigrate gay people in the Western world as being even lesser than Africans. Same-sex sexuality is 'unnatural' because, so the argument goes, it is not even seen in the animal kingdom. So President Mugabe of Zimbabwe can call homosexuals "lower than pigs and dogs". We can be thankful to the scientists once again for showing now that homosexuality has, in fact, been observed in hundreds of species. Those in Africa who call homosexuality 'un-African' are denigrating themselves in the process although they don't realise it. At least I hope they don't.

The argument that homosexuality is incompatible with Christianity is also quite common. It is certainly used by Evangelicals and others who call themselves Christian. Well I am a Christian too. At one time I hoped to become a priest. But I also believe in honesty. And an honest person will tell you that Christianity is, of course, an imported religion in Africa. You could say, therefore, that it is un-African. So I hope through the force of argument and persuasion we can get to a situation where we hear no more about gay people in Africa being called un-African or un-Christian.

The media response to me as the 'Gay Senate Candidate' could mean it will get harder for other gay people to run for office. In fact I hope it will get easier. I suspect the media will continue to call me the 'gay candidate' and there is not so much I can do about that. But the reality is that I am a candidate for the Senate who just happens to be gay - a good argument that applies to those like me thinking of running for any leadership position.

If people support me it won't be because of my sexuality, you can be sure of that. It will be because I talk about the things the people care about. These include education, the health system, including the challenge of HIV, the economy, and a fairer distribution of wealth. If my sexuality is of any relevance at all to my campaign it is because it gets me noticed. But once I have the people's attention I hope they will like what they hear because of what I say, not because of who I am.

That does not mean that I will avoid talking about issues around sexuality. If I were to do that I would not be being honest and I would be avoiding not only the important issue of human rights but also the enormous health challenge of HIV/AIDS. Same sex activity is still illegal in my country, although earlier this year the Kenya Human Rights Commission, an official government advisory body, recommended the decriminalisation of both homosexual acts and prostitution.

So when we make the case for decriminalisation, it is because it is right thing to do, but also because laws that stigmatise people on the grounds of their sexuality are also massive barriers to HIV treatment, care and prevention. Again this is an area where working with excluded communities helps the 'mainstream' community, if we must use that word. The latest figures show that 40% of men who have sex with men in my country also have had sex with women and 13% of them are still currently in heterosexual marriages. 'Mainstream' leaders ignore these facts because they are politically inconvenient to them. If political convenience costs lives, and it does, then I am sorry but they should be ashamed of themselves. We should point it out to them - and maybe even make them feel a bit guilty.

My heart however goes out to the many millions and millions of people who dare not try out anything other than where the outcome is known and known to be safe. As a society we are all the poorer because their talents are stifled. At a personal level these people really are rarely happy. We cannot force them to go out there and live life to the fullness of whom they are, but we can challenge them by our own examples of living our own lives to the fullest. Of course I am aware that in any human dream there will always be constraints - of time, resources, technology and human capacity.

In seeking a public office in Kenya I hope to create awareness about what is possible for our people if we seek to cast away the fear and the shackles of limitations placed on us by stigma and discrimination.

At an individual level I am interested not just in serving the LGBT community but the broader society. I have started to see how much hope this is inspiring in people within my extended family and village. I am even told there are guys who never used to want to be associated with me but who now tell others when they hear my voice on radio, "I know that guy...I even know a guy who has his phone number".

The point is this is changing people. It is changing the narrative of the human rights struggle in Africa. More importantly it is challenging the limits of human potential imposed on LGBT folks in Africa but perhaps also beyond Africa. But I need your support.

I am very grateful to Kaleidoscope for having given me the opportunity to be here.

Early this year after knocking on all possible doors and when I had just about given up someone from an LGBT group in Norway asked me whether I had asked Kaleidoscope for help. I found an email address for Bisi Alimi, Kaleidoscope's Africa Director, and the rest as they say is history - so here we are today. For all the publicity we have had very few people invest in this initiative. Indeed every single day we are sustained by hope that something is going to happen. This visit and talk is one such opportunity that has sustained our hope in the last few months.

Some of our volunteers asked me to call them once I am in London - it is kind of a big thing back in the village to receive an international call - even though we shall just talk about the rain! Of course I will give them hope of a possible breakthrough in our campaign efforts. It is important to give them hope because hope does indeed work wonders. But to keep going I need your help.

You won't be surprised to hear me say that we need money. My opponents from the old political system have plenty of it. My campaign has very little. For example we have printed 5000 pledge cards to give to the voters in Kiambu. It says here at the bottom 'My card, My promise'. We would like to give a card to every single voter in the constituency but we have one million voters in Kiambu - so help me reach them.

But more than that, I would like to invite you to journey with me through the next four months. There are times when the struggle can get really difficult - there are many times when am tempted to give up. It would be great to know that all this work means something to someone. So please feel welcome to make whatever difference you can make so that we realize this dream.

On the 5th of March, the day after the election, let us look back at what we have achieved, the stereotypes we shall have broken, the barriers we have overcome with pride and joy.

Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity and welcome on board.

www.kuriaforsenator.com
 Kaleidoscope condemns anti-LGBT vote in the Ukrainian Parliament 2012-10-02T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2012-10-02:7
The Kaleidoscope Trust has condemned the vote in the Ukrainian parliament on October 2 which gave a first reading to the bill outlawing activity in support of LGBT human rights. Executive Director, Lance Price, has written to the Chairman of the Parliament calling on Ukraine to honour its commitment under international conventions not to discriminate.

Kaleidoscope has urged the Chairman of the Parliament to:

Listen to your own citizens, all of whom deserve equal protection for their basic rights of expression, assembly and equality before the law.

By restricting the publication and dissemination of materials related to sexual orientation and gender identity, this bill would severely restrict access to information about health, support networks, and social activities for countless young people.

A full copy of the letter is available here.
 John Barrowman talks to LBC's Iain Dale about Kaleidoscope campaign 2012-07-14T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2012-07-14:8
No fewer than 78 states around the world criminalise homosexuality. In five of them the maximum penalty is death.

Actor and Kaleidoscope supporter, John Barrowman has appeared on LBC radio to help launch our new campaign "Imagine if it were illegal for you to be you."

The Torchwood actor spoke to Iain Dale about the campaign and to raise awareness of the fact that in 78 countries it remains illegal to be gay.

You can listen to the full interview:

You can view the full campaign video:

 Kaleidoscope Trust: World Pride Round Up 2012-07-12T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2012-07-12:9
As official charity partner to this year's World Pride in London, Kaleidoscope spent a busy Pride fortnight running a series of events that kept the spotlight on this year's theme - the battle for the decriminalisation of homosexuality. In the 78 countries it is still illegal to be gay. In five of them the death penalty still applies. From exclusive fundraisers to activist conferences to fantastic comedy galas, we've rounded-up the best moments of this year's celebrations. It's been an incredibly successful fortnight for Kaleidoscope as we honoured this year's celebrations and made sure that those who still face persecution because of their sexual orientation or gender identity were not forgotten.

Kaleidoscope Trust presents LGBT Tribute to Hillary Clinton
3rd July
The Kaleidoscope Trust honoured US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton with a unique work of art as recognition for her work promoting the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. The artwork, a huge American flag with the full text of her speech on gay rights to the United Nations sewn into it, was presented to the US Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Louis Susman, who accepted it on Clinton's behalf. Read the full story here.

Imagine if it were illegal for you to be you
4th July
With the support of John Barrowman, Kaleidoscope launched our major new campaign to promote the human rights of LGBTI people wherever it's a crime to be gay. This major new campaign asks the question "Imagine if it were illegal for you to be you?" During Pride nobody should forget the millions of people who are made criminals in their own countries because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This hard-hitting video has attracted almost 50,000 views in its first week and plenty of press coverage. John Barrowman presented the video on BBC News, Five News, LBC, BBC Scotland and Radio 5 Live. The campaign marks a major step forward for Kaleidoscope in the battle against the discrimination and persecution millions of people face across the world every day. To get involved you can view the video here and share it with your friends and social networks.

Love Without Borders
4th July
On Wednesday 4 July Kaleidoscope was involved in Pride London's first ever international conference on LGBTI Rights in the Commonwealth. Featuring a line-up of LGBT campaigners and activists from across the world, the conference was a political high point of the Pride festival, empowering delegates with the facts surrounding the laws that criminalise homosexuality and exploring how recent successes in countries such as India have been achieved. Kaleidoscope Director, Bisi Alimi chaired a successful session and spoke on our approach to decriminalisation strategy.

The Global LGBTI Workplace Summit
5th - 6th July
Kaleidoscope is proud to have been the organising partner of the Global LGBTI Workplace Summit,which took place on the 5th and 6th July. This dynamic event brought together people from around the world to consider ways to build greater equality in the workplace for LGBTI people and our allies. Kaleidoscope board member David Chalmers moderated a lunchtime panel discussion that discussed how governments, corporations and NGOs can work together to bring about change on a global basis and reduce discrimination and prejudice based on one's sexuality.

Pride Gala Dinner
5th July
On Thursday 5 July the Kaleidoscope team was honoured to attend 'Dine with Pride' at London's grand Langham Hotel - a star-studded fundraiser to support a newly created 'Solidarity Fund'. This fund has been set up to support organisations in the Commonwealth that work with and for the LGBTI community to tackle homophobia and transphobia. The evening featuredy leading figures from the LGBT community. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sent a video message to accept the inaugral World LGBT Award, jointly presented by World Pride and Kaleidoscope.

London Gay Men's Chorus Celebrate Pride
6th July
The London Gay Men's Chorus help ring in this year's World Pride with a special charity concert at Southwark Cathedral. Reprising songs from their sold out 21st Anniversary show, the concert raised much-appreciated funds for the Kaleidoscope Trust. The event was fantastically received - in particular the moving speech by Kaleidoscope's Bisi Alimi, about the ongoing struggle against persecution.

World Pride - Trafalgar Square Rally
7th July
The big day itself saw an amazing response to Kaleidoscope's presence at Pride and to our new campaign 'Illegal to be you.' After a rousing reponse to the Kaleidoscope marching group, we could be found in the community section of Trafalgar Square. There was masses of interest in our work and in the situation for LGBTI people around the world. Our 'Illegal to be you' t-shirts were the hit of the day and quickly sold out. More than 1500 signed up to support Kaleidoscope and to lend their voices to the 'Illegal to be you campaign. The positive response to our campaign and our work was almost overwhelming.

Ha Ha Hackney presents A Gay Extravaganza
8th July
To finish up the Pride weekend, Kaleidoscope was the charity partner for this gay comedy spectacular presented by Ha Ha Hackney. An evening of Hilarity, Heaven and High Camp, this event was graced by some of the country's top LGBT comedians,the London Gay Men's Chorus, a Drag chorus line, show-stopping numbers and a classic 'Carry On' tribute. Our very own Perrier award winning comedian and board member Simon Fanshawe made an appearance. Hosted by Sandi Toksvig and Stephen K. Amos, the show will had all the glitz, glamour and gaiety our top gay comedians can offer.

Legalise Love: Decriminalising homosexuality and eliminating homophobia
9th July
Finally, Kaleidoscope was honoured to join Google as they launched their new campaign, Legalise Love. Google is calling for equal rights for LGBTI people around the world and is using their expertise and global reach to get the message out . Kaleidoscope founder and Executive Director Lance Price spoke on a panel with Peter Tatchell, Shami Chakrabarti (Liberty) and Wojtek Szot (founder of Love Does Not Exclude, Poland) about LGBTI rights around the world.
 John Barrowman discusses Kaleidoscope's campaign on Channel 5 News 2012-07-10T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2012-07-10:11
No fewer than 78 states around the world criminalise homosexuality. In five of them the maximum penalty is death.

Actor and Kaleidoscope supporter, John Barrowman has appeared on Channel 5 News to help launch our new campaign "Imagine if it were illegal for you to be you."

The Torchwood actor spoke to Matt Barbet about the campaign and to raise awareness of the fact that in 78 countries it remains illegal to be gay.

 UK Human Rights Minister backs global LGBT rights campaign 2012-07-05T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2012-07-05:12
'Millions around the world who do not have the freedom to express their sexuality are being remembered' - Browne

The British human rights minister, Jeremy Browne MP, has backed the Kaleidoscope Trust campaign 'Imagine if it were illegal for you to be you'.

Mr Browne, who is minister of state at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said the campaign video'beings home vividly how it must feel to be singled out and abused just for being who you are.'

The FCO have put the video on the official government website and are encouraging British embassies and high commissions around the world to make use of it where possible.

The campaign was launched yesterday with a mock protest at Westminster by the actor and presenter John Barrowman. The video shows people being attacked and abused for things they cannot help, like having blue eyes, being bald or being short.

Jeremy Browne said: "I am delighted to welcome Kaleidoscope's 'Imagine if it were illegal for you to be you' campaign. This video brings home very vividly how it must feel to be singled out and abused just for being who you are. And the statistics are chilling. Many people will be shocked to hear that 78 countries around the world still criminalise homosexuality and that in five cases the maximum penalty is death.

"Over a million LGBT people will be in London this weekend to celebrate 'World Pride'. But it is especially gratifying that, thanks to campaigns like this, the many millions more around the world who do not have the freedom to express their sexuality are not being forgotten."
 LGBT tribute to Hillary Clinton on the Fourth of July 2012-07-03T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2012-07-03:5
US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, has been honoured with a unique work of art as recognition for her work promoting the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

The artwork, a huge American flag with the full text of her speech on gay rights to the United Nations sewn into it, was presented by the Kaleidoscope Trust to mark US Independence Day. The trust is the official charity partner for World Pride in London this week.

Secretary Clinton has also been given a special award by the World Pride board and the Kaleidoscope Trust and has recorded a video message of acceptance to be shown on Thursday.

The US Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Louis Susman, received the flag at the American embassy today (Tuesday). The flag was designed by American artist Sam Gassman and donated to the Kaleidoscope Trust. After World Pride in London this weekend it is expected to return to the United States for display.

Harjeet Johal, deputy Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, said: "We were honoured to be asked to be in Geneva to hear Hillary Clinton's inspiring speech in which she said loud and clear that LGBT rights are human rights and human rights are LGBT rights. Now the full text of that speech has been incorporated in this magnificent piece of art. Our thanks go out to Sam Gassman for creating it and, of course, to Hilary Clinton for inspiring it with her leadership on this issue."

On July 4th the flag will be on show at the Houses of Parliament where the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow MP, will be helping to launch a major new campaign, 'Imagine if it were illegal for you to be you'. This campaign will highlight the 78 countries around the world where it is illegal to be gay, including five where the maximum penalty is death.

Sam Gassman said: "I like using great civil rights speeches and combining them with the iconic symbol of a flag in order to reclaim the symbol for everybody. I was excited to make a flag with Secretary Clinton's recent LGBT speech. As a statesperson from the USA, we use her country's flag, but with an equal portion of ever expanding night sky. It is a map with 193 stars for the number of countries in the world. At present, there are 78 named stars in shadow for the 78 remaining countries having poor to terrible gay rights laws. Shirt sleeves and the night sky are common to everyone. Combining meticulous labor, great optimism and much conversation will move us all to embracing the basic human fairness that is owed to every person at their birth. I am glad to help in an effort such as this and thank Kaleidoscope Trust for giving me the opportunity to do it."
 Elton John: 'stop the violence against gay people in Ukraine' 2012-07-01T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2012-07-01:4
Elton John has called for an end to homophobic violence in Ukraine and said a controversial proposed law that would ban 'propaganda' about homosexuality should be dropped. Speaking during a concert in the centre of the capital last night, Elton John said,"It should never be a crime to be a different colour, or a different religion or a different sexual orientation. We are all God's children. We all deserve a chance. And I plead with you Ukraine, stop the violence against gay people and say no to law 8711."

Before performing in concert in Kiev on Saturday night (June 30) Elton John met a leading Ukrainian LGBT rights activist who was brutally attacked after the city's gay pride parade was stopped at short notice.

Svyatoslav Sheremet was beaten about the head and body by thugs wearing surgical masks shortly after the police told organisers they could not guarantee the safety of the gay pride march in Kiev on May 20th.

This week the Ukrainian parliament is due to debate a proposed law - number 8711 - that would make all public discussion of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) rights illegal. The United Nations has condemned the new law saying it would amount to state-promoted discrimination against LGBT people and would violate a large number of rights protected under treaties signed by Ukraine.

Elton John was joined backstage by Lance Price, Executive Director of the international LGBT human rights organisation, the Kaleidoscope Trust.

Lance Price said: 'Next weekend London will host the 'World Pride' parade in Central London. But while we celebrate our rights we cannot forget that that those very same rights are being denied to gay people all over the world. No fewer than 78 countries criminalise homosexuality. In five of them the maximum penalty is death. It is sad that Ukraine, which was the first former Soviet republic to decriminalise homosexuality should now be threatening to imprison gay people again.'

The organisers of the Kiev pride parade warmly welcomed Elton John's decision to speak out.

Taras Karasiichuk, chairman of the organising committee, said: "If the proposed law 8711 is passed it would be illegal for Elton John to stand on a stage and speak up for gay rights. This legislation would deprive LGBT people of the human rights that everybody should be entitled to. It would leave us open to more violence and attacks."

 Taras Karasiichuk was himself a victim of a homophobic attack close to his home last week, which left him with a broken jaw.
 The Kaleidoscope Trust marks IDAHO(T) with inaugural lecture 2012-05-17T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2012-05-17:14
Rt. Hon. John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons and President of Kaleidoscope delivers lecture.

On the 16th May 2012, the Kaleidoscope Trust marked International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia (IDAHO) by hosting a lecture by the Rt. Hon. John Bercow MP at the Royal Commonwealth Club.

Speaker of the House of Commons and President of the Kaleidoscope Trust, the Rt. Hon. John Bercow MP wil be focusing on international LGBT equality and human rights.

John Bercow has been Speaker of the House of Commons since June 2009 and MP for Buckingham since 1997. He became President of the Kaleidoscope Trust at its foundation in 2011. He has been a champion of the human rights of gay and lesbian people for many years and recently spoke of his sense of duty to campaign on behalf of LGBTI people internationally.

 Hillary Clinton wins Award from Kaleidoscope and World Pride 2012-05-05T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2012-05-05:13
London honours US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with LGBT award as it hosts World Pride 2012

The Kaleidoscope Trust and Pride London announced today that Hillary Clinton, has been awarded the first World LGBT Award.

The joint award from Kaleidoscope and London Pride recognises the international attention Secretary Clinton has brought to LGBT rights in publically supporting the community and advocating for increased LGBT rights. The US government strategy to protect the rights of gay and lesbian people around the world and combat the criminalisation of homosexuality was set out in a major speech by Secretary Clinton, at the United Nations in Geneva in December 2011. The Kaleidoscope Trust was among the international human rights organisations invited to meet Mrs. Clinton. It welcomed the speech as a significant step forward in the global campaign to assert that, in her words, "it should never be a crime to be gay."

Harjeet Johal of The Kaleidoscope Trust, said: "Secretary Clinton not only believes that gay rights are human rights, but has acted to ensure that others begin to recognise these rights. It is for this reason she has been selected for the award. Her bravery, leadership and personal commitment has shone the spotlight onto those nations where being gay remains illegal. Her support has strengthened our cause and advanced our fight beyond measure."

The award will be given to Clinton at a Gala Award Ceremony during World Pride which is being hosted by London this year.

The Kaleidoscope Trust has been selected as the official charity partner for Pride London, this year's hosts of World Pride. The theme of the 2012 pride events, which run from June 23rd to July 8th, is the international decriminalisation of homosexuality. World Pride's stated aim is to raise awareness of those suffering persecution because of their sexuality. The World Pride board considered the Kaleidoscope Trust to be an ideal partner given its international focus and effectiveness in communicating the message of decriminalisation.

The Festival will include events such as an international conference on gay rights, international evenings, and the headline event - the Parade on July 7th. This will shine a spotlight on oppressive regimes and further the message that gay rights are human rights. Both organisations look forward to working together in the campaign for true global equality for the LGBT community.
 European Conference puts LGBT issues under the spotlight 2012-03-29T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2012-03-29:15
Kaleidoscope Trust welcomes UK funding of LGBT Unit in the Council of Europe.

Lynn Featherstone joined the Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland, Human Rights Commissioner Thomas Hammarberg and Sir Nicolas Bratza, President of the European Court of Human Rights, to launch a landmark conference on LGBT rights at the Palais de l'Europe yesterday. This was the first time in the history of the Council of Europe that the Chair had devoted one of its days to discuss the issue of LGBT rights. The Kaleidoscope Trust was represented by one of its director, David Chalmers.

The conference, "Combating discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity across Europe: sharing knowledge and moving forward" bought together gay rights activists and politicians. The conference was attended by Ministers and representatives from many member states including Russia. In light of the recent anti gay laws enacted in St Petersburg, the participation in the conference by the Russians is welcomed by Kaleidoscope.

The LGBT Unit will monitor how member states are implementing the recommendations of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in the enjoyment of human rights as adopted by the Committee of Ministers of all 47 member states and by the Parliamentary assembly in 2010. The LGBT Unit will initially be working alongside governments of Italy, Latvia, Montenegro, Poland, Albania and Serbia to assist them to implement the recommendations.

The Kaleidoscope Trust's David Chalmers, who also represented a number of LGBT organisations across Europe, said:

"We were delighted to be a part of such high level discussions on how the member states of the Council of Europe can work together to improve the lives of LGBT people across Europe. We often focus our attention on other parts of the world but it is not to be forgotten that we have a lot of work to do here in Europe to achieve equality for our LGBT citizens and ensure that everyone's human rights are respected and protected equally. The Council of Europe has an important role to play in this respect and the new LGBT Unit is an excellent development. The UK Government have used their time as Chair of the Council of Europe to take a lead in the fight to end discrimination against LGBT people across Europe and deserve to be congratulated."
 Kaleidoscope Trust submission on new Commonwealth Charter demands action. 2012-03-25T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2012-03-25:16
'Commonwealth must uphold its values and end discrimination for LGBT people.'

The Kaleidoscope Trust has submitted its recommendations for changes to the Commonwealth Charter and called for an agreed timetable to end the criminalisation of LGBT people.

The call came in response to a request by the Royal Commonwealth Society for proposals to amend the new draft Charter of the Commonwealth.

The Kaleidoscope Trust drew attention to the words of the Commonwealth Secretary General, Kamalesh Sharma, that 'we oppose discrimination or stigmatisation on any grounds including those of sexual orientation' and said it was time for the organisation to live up to its values.

The current draft makes no reference to sexual orientation and the Kaleidoscope Trust has recommended that it be amended to read:

'We believe in human diversity and human dignity and we oppose all forms of discrimination whether it be based in race, ethnicity, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or other like cause.'

The Trust also called for the Charter to enshrine the recommendations of the Eminent Persons Group for a new Human Rights Commissioner and go further, setting out a timetable for decriminalisation. It recommended that the text read:

'We affirm that, in the face of serious or persistent violations of the values expressed in this Charter, silence on the part of the Commonwealth is not an option. To this end we accept the recommendation of the EPG that a new Commissioner for Democracy, Law and Human Rights be appointed and agree that the Commonwealth commit itself collectively to the repeal within an agreed timetable of all laws criminalising people for their sexual orientation or gender identity.'

Simon Fanshawe, one of the Trustees of the Kaleidoscope Trust, said:

'Different struggles have their time. The acknowledgement that LGBT people should be accorded basic human rights is now the demand of many citizens in countries throughout the world. Amongst the Commonwealth members, sadly, there is a large number of countries who are either not guaranteeing the human rights of their LGBT citizens or are actively denying them. In so doing they are damaging the Commonwealth's desire to be a strong and respected voice in the world'.

The Kaleidoscope Trust will be using the occasion of World Pride in London in July, for which it is the official charity partner, to launch a new campaign for decriminalisation across the Commonwealth.

 'Kaleidoscope Queen' tribute from the Kaleidoscope Trust President, John Bercow MP. 2012-03-20T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2012-03-20:17
'A kaleidoscope Queen of a kaleidoscope country in a kaleidoscope Commonwealth.'

The Speaker of the House of Commons, the Rt. Hon. John Bercow MP, President of the Kaleidoscope Trust, today paid an extraordinary tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, describing her as 'a kaleidoscope Queen of a kaleidoscope country in a kaleidoscope Commonwealth'.

Mr. Speaker Bercow was delivering an address to the Queen in Westminster Hall to mark the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee.

Referring to the changes that had taken place in Britain since her accession to the throne in 1952, Mr. Bercow said the United Kingdom was now a land where men and women are equal under the law 'regardless of how they live, how they look or how they love'.

He went on to describe Her Majesty as 'a kaleidoscope Queen of a kaleidoscope country in a kaleidoscope Commonwealth.'

The full text of the speech is available here

Lance Price, Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, said:

'John Bercow has once again demonstrated his commitment to upholding the human rights of lesbian and gay people. His choice of words today will not be lost of those of us who have admired his commitment to the values and objectives of the Kaleidoscope Trust since agreeing to be our President last September. Sadly we cannot yet say that men and women are equal under the law throughout the Commonwealth but we remain steadfast in our belief that they should be. We congratulate the Speaker on his words and, on behalf of the millions of LGBT people throughout the Commonwealth, whether free to express their sexuality without danger or not, we offer our own tribute to the kaleidoscope Queen.'

The following is an excerpt from the Speaker's address:

"This is a different Britain from 1952 but not one detached from then. We are in so many ways a much bigger, brighter and better United Kingdom. This is a land where men and women today are equal under the law and where Your people are respected, regardless of how they live, how they look or how they love. This is a nation of many races, faiths and customs, now beginning to be reflected in Parliament. All this progress has occurred during Your reign. You have become, to many of us, a kaleidoscope Queen of a kaleidoscope country in a kaleidoscope Commonwealth."
 Kaleidoscope Trust welcomes first ever UN debate on LGBT human rights 2012-03-08T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2012-03-08:18
The Kaleidoscope Trust has welcomed the first ever UN plenary debate on LGBT human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity, which took place today at the United Nations in Geneva.

Despite opposition from Pakistan and Islamic nations, the UN Human Rights Council panel reaffirmed its commitment to fighting discrimination and persecution of LGBT people sending a strong signal to countries still criminalising homosexuality or planning to introduce similar legislation which aims to limit the freedom of expression and association for LGBT people.

Around the world, people face human rights violations because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, including killings, torture, rape, criminal sanctions, and other forms of violence and discrimination. This is the first ever UN debate in relation to these systematic human rights abuses, and to outline the international human rights legal framework as it applies to discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The debate affirms that States have a duty under international law to protect the human rights of all persons, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex.

Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called on countries to repeal laws that criminalize homosexuality, abolish the death penalty for offences involving consensual sexual relations, harmonize the age of consent for heterosexual and homosexual conduct, and enact comprehensive anti-discrimination laws.

In 76 countries it remains illegal to engage in same-sex conduct and in at least five countries - Iran, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen - the death penalty prevails.

Ms. Pillay recommends that Member States also promptly investigate all killings or serious violent incidents perpetrated because of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, and to establish systems to record such incidents.

The High Commissioner also calls on countries to ensure that no one fleeing persecution because of their sexual orientation or gender identity is returned to a territory where their life or freedom is at threat, and that asylum laws recognize that sexual orientation or gender identity is a valid basis for claiming persecution.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, who had previously prepared the ground breaking study on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity opened the session saying:

'I am conscious of the divergent view both within and outside the Council on the rights of individuals based on sexual orientation and gender identity. However, I am certain that none among you will be willing to tolerate serious, systematic violations of human rights against them.

'At least 76 countries retain laws that either explicitly criminalize same-sex relations between consenting adults, or contain vague prohibitions that are applied in a discriminatory way to prosecute LGBT people. These laws are an anachronism, in many cases a relic of colonial rule. As the Human Rights Committee has confirmed repeatedly, they breach international human rights law, violating rights to privacy and to freedom from discrimination. They also cause enormous, unnecessary suffering, reinforce stigma, fuel violence, and undermine efforts to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS'.

Lance Price, Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, said:

'This is a milestone development. The UN Commissioner for Human Rights has made it clear that there can be no ifs and no buts. The rights of LGBT people are not special rights. They are the same basic human rights to which everybody is entitled. The debate starts here.

'The powerful recommendations set out today set a clear agenda for action and mark a major step forward in a global campaign for justice that gathers momentum every day. There are huge challenges to be faced and we call on the Commonwealth to show the same level of commitment.

'We believe that changing the legal situation isn't enough and public opinion is just as important. That's why Kaleidoscope Trust works with local groups and activists on the ground to build their capacity and offer support in fighting stigmatisation and promoting diversity and equal rights globally'
 Kaleidoscope selected as charity partner for World Pride 2012 2012-03-08T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2012-03-08:19
The Kaleidoscope Trust has been selected as the official charity partner for Pride London, this year's hosts of World Pride. The theme of the 2012 pride events, which run from June 23rd to July 8th, is the international decriminalisation of homosexuality. World Pride's stated aim is to raise awareness of those suffering persecution because of their sexuality. The World Pride board considered the Kaleidoscope Trust to be an ideal partner given its international focus and effectiveness in communicating the message of decriminalisation.

The Festival will include events such as an international conference on gay rights, international evenings, and the headline event - the Parade on July 7th. This will shine a spotlight on oppressive regimes and further the message that gay rights are human rights. Both organisations look forward to working together in the campaign for true global equality for the LGBT community.

Dr Patrick Williams, Chairman of Pride London, said:

"We are delighted to have Kaleidoscope as our charity partner this year. Both organisations have shared beliefs, and we look forward working together in raising awareness to the international situation for LGBT people, and progressing the campaign for the decriminalisation of homosexuality."

Lance Price, Executive Director of The Kaleidoscope Trust, said:

"It's a great honour to have been chosen as the exclusive charity partner for Pride London. The eyes of the world will be on London in 2012 and World Pride will be a vital part of that. We look forward to working with the Pride London team to ensure that the event is not only a great celebration but also an opportunity to remind the millions of LGBT people expected to converge on London that the struggle for basic human rights for gay men and lesbians around the globe still has a very long way to go."
 Kaleidoscope and the FCO urge St Petersburg to shelve 'gay propaganda' law 2012-02-29T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2012-02-29:20
The Kaleidoscope Trust and the FCO have urged the authorities in Russia's second largest city not to enact a homophobic bill, saying it would threaten freedom of expression and fuel discrimination against the city's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBT) community.

Britain is urging that the new law isn't put into effect.

Kaleidoscope obtained this response from a spokesman for the British Foreign Office, who said:

'We, along with EU colleagues, have already expressed concern to the St Petersburg legislature and the Russian MFA, that this legislation is incompatible with Council of Europe guidelines on preventing discrimination against LGBT people. We hope that it will be reconsidered before it is passed into law by the Governor, and that the important activities of Russian LGBT organisations will not be hampered in the future.'

The bill, which St Petersburg's city assembly passed nearly unanimously today, would effectively ban public events by LGBT people and organisations under the pretext of protecting minors. Local news sources say 29 city legislators voted for the bill, five voted against and one abstained.

The redrafted bill now allows the authorities to impose fines of up to 5,000 rubles (£107) on individuals and up to 500,000 (£10,700) on businesses for "public actions aimed at propaganda of sodomy, lesbianism, bisexuality, and transgenderism among minors."

Local LGBT rights activists have blasted the law, saying it will provide legal cover for banning any of their actions, including the distribution of information leaflets or even actions against homophobia.

Under the measure, freedom of assembly and expression for LGBT groups would be prohibited anywhere children might be present. This would rule out nearly all public events carried out by or on behalf of LGBT people and organisations. The publication of anything relating to LGBT rights or providing assistance or advice - including informative leaflets as well as publications in the media and on the internet - would also be severely curtailed.

Although consensual same-sex activity was decriminalised in Russia in 1993, LGBT people still face widespread discrimination and violence.

LGBT activists' attempts to organise Pride marches, cultural festivals and other events in major cities, including St Petersburg, have frequently been met with official red tape and violence from anti-gay groups, among them people associating themselves with the Orthodox Church. Violent attacks against LGBTI activists often go unpunished.
 Ugandan ethics minister raids gay human rights conference 2012-02-16T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2012-02-16:21
A Ugandan cabinet minister has raided a gay rights workshop held in a hotel outside Kampala.

Minister for Ethics and Integrity Simon Lokodo, broke up the secret gay rights conference, burst into the gay rights meeting claiming the gathering was illegal.

The two week conference organised by Freedom and Roam Uganda, an association that lobbies for the recognition of same sex relationships in Uganda ended prematurely when the minister ordered them to vacate the building and threatened to use force against them.

This incident comes days after the reintroduction of a private members bill recently tabled in Parliament by David Bahati that seeks to punish "aggravated homosexuality," and originally proposed the death sentence for someone deemed to be a "serial offender." Although homosexuality is illegal under the penal code in Uganda, public assembly of gay persons is not a crime. This would change if Bahati's bill is signed into law.

Bisi Alimi, Kaleidoscope's regional spokesman for Africa, said:

"It's alarming and disappointing that Uganda's Parliament will once again consider the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. If passed, it would represent a grave assault on the human rights of all Ugandans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity."

The bill introduces draconian provisions on top of Uganda's existing prohibition on consensual same-sex relations, which already violates international norms.

It aims to criminalise the "promotion" of homosexuality, compels HIV testing in some circumstances, and imposes life sentences for entering into a same-sex marriage. It would also be an offence for a person who is aware of any violations of the bill's wide-ranging provisions not to report them to the authorities within 24 hours.

The bill would significantly hamper the work of human rights defenders and others who find themselves in conflict with the law merely by carrying out their legitimate activities.

Kaleidoscope's spokesperson Reverend Ijeoma Ajibade, said:

"The knock-on effect of passing this bill would reach far beyond gay and lesbian people in Uganda, impeding the legitimate work of civil society, public health professionals, community leaders and the pastoral work of churches.

"This deplorable bill would not only violate the rights of Ugandans to life, to non-discrimination, to equality before the law, and to privacy, but would sanction hatred, violence and the persecution of a group of people based on whom they love alone.

"We strongly urge the Ugandan Parliament to reject this bill in its entirety. It must not legislate hate."

At the bill's reintroduction, the Speaker informed the House that the bill would not need to be considered again by the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, raising fears that it could be passed into law imminently.

Uganda has previously sought to be a leader in human rights, establishing one of the first National Human Rights Institutions in the region, providing from its people UN experts on human rights, including the current expert on Human Rights Defenders and has acted to advocate for and promote the rights of women. The principle of universality at the heart of human rights must be followed through in practice not just words: the government must unequivocally condemn this poisonous Bill which not promises only further to criminalize those already persecuted by the law but those close to them too and commits to withdrawing from other international human rights commitments. Its implications are wide and will impact on all Ugandans.

Ugandan and international human rights organisations, have repeatedly called for the bill to be scrapped since it was first introduced in October 2009.

In recent years human rights organisations have documented cases of discrimination, arbitrary arrest, unlawful detention, and mistreatment on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in Uganda, and against activists exposing violations against the gay community.

Last year on January 26, the Ugandan gay rights activist David Kato was murdered in his home. A man was subsequently found guilty and sentenced for this crime, but the incident has caused significant fear within the gay community. David Kato had been calling for the authorities to take action to end discrimination against gay people in Uganda.

 Kaleidoscope Trust hosts LGBT leaders at the House of Commons 2012-01-31T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2012-01-31:22
'We must change minds as well as laws.'

At a packed meeting hosted by the Kaleidoscope Trust at the House of Commons last night, leading figures from the LGBT movement in Africa, the Caribbean and Asia urged supporters of equal rights to help them change minds as well as laws in countries where it is a crime to be gay.

After the intervention of political leaders including David Cameron and Hillary Clinton, the debate focused on how LGBT people themselves can take the lead in the demand for human rights for all.

Purna Sen, a trustee of the Kaleidoscope Trust and former head of Human Rights at the Commonwealth Secretariat, opened the meeting by stating that although global voices of influence had recently rallied around to call to end to discrimination, governments would act only when the pressure from below becomes inescapable. She said:

"The Arab Spring took many by surprise. Events have proved that repression is a dead end. Police Power is no match for people power seeking dignity and justice".

Maurice Tomlinson, who is leading the legal campaign to overturn Jamaica's anti-sodomy laws, said:

"Attitudes won't change until the laws change - and the laws won't change until attitudes change. We have to get into the minds of the public if we want politicians to change, because they are not leaders they are followers."

Tomlinson received the first David Kato Vision and Voice award for LGBT leadership in London on Sunday. He stressed that lecturing governments would be counter-productive and asked for humility in dialogue with leaders. "Talking down to our government is not going to work," he said.

Pang Khee Teik, an LGBT human rights activist from Malaysia, argued that Western governments should not behave as if they were trying to impose superior values on other countries. "We're all in it together and we can learn from each other," he said.

Pang is the co-founder of the annual sexuality rights festival SeksualitiMerdeka (Sexuality Independence), which was banned in November 2011. He said there was "a struggle for the imagination of the public - a cultural war". Malaysia had recently claimed to be a 'moderate' nation and yet the country's Attorney General had said LGBT people did not have rights.

"If a country that calls itself moderate can silence - who needs extremists," he said.

Frank Mugisha, a leading Ugandan activist, said only by keeping himself very visible could he protect himself from physical attack. David Kato, who was the best-known LGBT leader in the country, was murdered outside Kampala in January 2011.

Mugisha warned that that Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which includes the death penalty for 'aggravated homosexuality', was now in its final stages in parliament. "There is little we can do to stop this," he said. "It can still be passed even if the President refused to sign it."

Mugisha said the bill went against Uganda's constitution but because the word 'bill' is the same as 'law' in several tribal languages "many people in Uganda think the law has already been passed. People are being killed. There is a lot of mob violence."
 Speaker John Bercow: I feel a duty to campaign for LGBT rights abroad 2011-12-31T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2011-12-31:23
The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, has said he feels a duty to campaign for the rights of gay and lesbian people abroad.

In a New Year message to the Kaleidoscope Trust, Mr Bercow said his new coat of arms, which was unveiled in November and included the rainbow flag and the motto All Are Equal, 'underlined my commitment to this cause'.

The Speaker said he had campaigned for LGBT rights in the UK as a backbencher and was proud that the House of Commons had enshrined the right to equality. But he said that in many countries overseas equality 'remains but a distant goal'.

Mr Bercow, who is President of the Kaleidoscope Trust, said that despite some positive steps in the right direction, in some parts of the world 2011 had the seen the situation for LGBT people deteriorate significantly.

'In places there have been arrests and convictions for being gay, with prison sentences of many years being meted out for these so called "crimes". In other parts the clock has actually been turned back and homosexuality has been made a criminal offence for the first time. Most appalling of all there have even been reports of executions of men accused of homosexual offences,' he said

The Speaker promised to continue to highlight the international issues faced by LGBT people and wished the Kaleidoscope Trust every success in 2012.

 LGBT rights in 2011: a year of clear statements and flagrant violations 2011-12-27T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2011-12-27:26
The Kaleidoscope Trust has published an overview of the year showing that while there have been strong statements in support of the rights of LGBT people, violations and abuses have continued in many parts of the world.

The report demonstrates that the risk of arrest, imprisonment and even execution faced by people accused of being gay is still a reality despite growing demands from around the world that LGBT rights be respected as basic human rights.

Lance Price, Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, said:

"The past twelve months have seen two different stories when it comes to the rights of gay men and lesbians in particular. On the positive side, leading politicians from the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, to Zimbabwe's Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai, have spoken out in favour of protecting the rights of LGBT people. The issue was high on the agenda for the United Nations and leaders of the Commonwealth. Some countries have pledged to get rid of laws that make it a crime to be gay.

"But on the ground, where it matters, there have been arrests, detentions and even reports of executions. In several countries attempts have been made to introduce new laws and tougher penalties to punish people for being gay or speaking up for LGBT rights.

"In the year to come even greater vigilance and action will be needed to try to ensure that the growing international support for ending discrimination and persecution is translated into a better future for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people on every continent."

The full report can be found here.
 United Nations sends clear message to the world: LGBT rights are human rights 2011-12-15T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2011-12-15:27
The Kaleidoscope Trust has welcomed a major new report published today by the Office of the UN Commissioner for Human Rights.

The report details examples of discriminatory laws and punishments, including the death penalty, and makes clear that LGBT people are entitled to the full range of human rights. For the first time the United Nations Commissioner has set out a clear set of recommendations to counter discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

The report says:

Governments and inter-governmental bodies have often overlooked violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

All countries should investigate promptly reported killings and other serious incidents of violence perpetrated against individuals because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

No one fleeing persecution on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity should be returned to a territory where his or her life or freedom would be threatened.

Laws used to criminalise individuals on grounds of homosexuality for engaging in consensual same-sex sexual conduct should be repealed.

Criminal laws should not be used to harass or detain people based on their sexuality or gender identity and expression.

The death penalty for offenses involving consensual sexual relations should be abolished in all cases.

Lance Price, Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, said:

"The UN Commissioner for Human Rights has made it clear that there can be no ifs and no buts. The rights of LGBT people are not special rights. They are the same basic human rights to which everybody is entitled.

"This report makes shocking reading. Lesbian and gay people are more likely to suffer torture, harassment and abuse. They suffer discrimination in health care, employment and education. They are threatened by discrimination not only in the law but also from the communities and families that should be there to support them. They are at a higher risk of suicide. And too often governments stand back and do nothing or, worse, encourage their persecution.

"The powerful recommendations set out today set a clear agenda for action and mark a major step forward in a global campaign for justice that gathers momentum every day."

The full report can be found here.

UNHRC Contact:

Charles Radcliffe, Chief, Global Issues Section
Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
email@example.com Tel: +1 212 963 4953

 David Cameron urged to back Obama in global campaign for gay and lesbian rights 2011-12-07T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2011-12-07:28
The Kaleidoscope Trust has called on David Cameron to back a new global initiative to combat human rights abuses against LGBT people launched by President Obama yesterday.

The US government strategy to protect the rights of gay and lesbian people around the world and combat the criminalisation of homosexuality was set out in a major speech by Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, at the United Nations in Geneva. Mrs. Clinton announced a new Global Equality Fund and urged other countries to support it.

The Kaleidoscope Trust was among the international human rights organisations invited to meet Mrs. Clinton. It has welcomed the speech as a significant step forward in the global campaign to assert that, in her words, "it should never be a crime to be gay."

Speaking in Geneva, Lance Price, Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, said:

"The Obama administration has set a new benchmark for governments in supporting human rights for all. David Cameron must now demonstrate his commitment to defending LGBT rights around the world by throwing Britain's weight and influence behind this campaign.

"For the first time America now has a government strategy dedicated to combating human rights abuses against LGBT people abroad backed by a new Global Equality Fund. David Cameron has spoken up in defence of equality for gay and lesbian people at home and abroad, but Britain lags behind when it comes to action and practical support.

"The Prime Minister said he wants Britain to be a global beacon for reform of gay and lesbian rights. We strongly applaud that. Now is the time for him to demonstrate that commitment in practise by strengthening the government's response in line with that of the United Sates."

Britain should:

Establish a specific FCO unit to coordinate the defence of LGBT rights as a foreign policy priority;

Direct British embassies, high commissions and other agencies abroad to use all means available to combat the criminalisation of homosexuality and promote the protection of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people from persecution;

Contribute financially to the international effort in support of civil society groups advocating the recognition of LGBT rights as part of a comprehensive human rights policy.

Announcing the new initiative, Clinton said:

"This morning, back in Washington, President Obama put into place the first U.S. Government strategy dedicated to combating human rights abuses against LGBT persons abroad. Building on efforts already underway at the State Department and across the government, the President has directed all U.S. Government agencies engaged overseas to combat the criminalization of LGBT status and conduct, to enhance efforts to protect vulnerable LGBT refugees and asylum seekers, to ensure that our foreign assistance promotes the protection of LGBT rights, to enlist international organizations in the fight against discrimination, and to respond swiftly to abuses against LGBT persons.

"I am also pleased to announce that we are launching a new Global Equality Fund that will support the work of civil society organizations working on these issues around the world. This fund will help them record facts so they can target their advocacy, learn how to use the law as a tool, manage their budgets, train their staffs, and forge partnerships with women's organizations and other human rights groups. We have committed more than $3 million to start this fund, and we have hope that others will join us in supporting it."
 Kaleidoscope: act now to support the campaign against Russian anti-gay laws 2011-11-28T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2011-11-28:29
The Kaleidoscope Trust is urging its supporters to join an international campaign against laws that trample on the basic human rights of LGBT people in Russia.

St Petersburg is only the latest place to propose a law that bans the promotion of 'gay propaganda', a move led by the governing United Russia party of Vladimir Putin. Similar legislation is already in force in the cities of Ryazan and Archangel.

The laws include heavy fines for the 'promotion' of homosexuality, and directly threaten the freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and freedom of association for Russian LGBT people.

The Kaleidoscope Trust supports attempts to challenge those bans already in force at the European Court of Human Rights and the United Nations. It is urging its supporters to join an international campaign to have these challenges heard quickly in order to stop this politically motivated attack on the rights of LGBT people.

Lance Price, Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, said;

"When the promotion of homosexuality in schools was banned in Britain under Clause 28 it scarred our country until it was finally removed. The legal prohibitions in Russia go much further and are an even bigger threat. We have already raised the case in person with the Foreign Office and urged the government to use its influence and the UK's chairmanship of the Council of Europe to raise the St Petersburg case at every opportunity. We are now asking all our supporters to join an international letter writing campaign.

"Politicians in all corners of the world like to attack LGBT people to win popularity. Sadly they will only stop when their own people prove to them that that it doesn't work, and that will take time. But we can take action now to demonstrate that our rights are as valid as everybody else's and these legal challenges are a vital step."

Supporters can:

Ask the European Court of Human Rights to give priority treatment in the case of "Bayev vs Russia (67667/09)". Make sure you mark, the case and the number in your communication.

Ask your Foreign Secretary or Minister of Foreign Affairs to raise the threat to LGBT human rights with their Russian Counterparts

If you are an EU citizen, ask Catherine Ashton, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, to inform Russia that anti-gay laws are unacceptable from a trading partner of the EU

Ask the Council of Europe's General Secretary to remind Russia of its obligation to honour the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms that it ratified

List of contact details if you want to take any action listed above:

European Court of Human Rights
By email: http://appform.echr.coe.int/echrrequest/request.aspx?lang=gb
By phone: +33 3 88 41 20 18
By fax: +33 3 88 41 27 30
By post: European Court of Human Rights, Council of Europe, 67075 Strasbourg, France

Thorbjorn Jagland,
Council of Europe General Secretary
By phone: +33 3 88 41 20 00
By post: Avenue de l'Europe , 67075 Strasbourg Cedex, France

Rt. Hon William Hague, UK Foreign Secretary
Online: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/contact-us - contact us
By phone: 020 7008 1500
By post: FCO, King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AH

Baroness Catherine Ashton,
Vice President of the European Commission, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
By email: firstname.lastname@example.com
By phone: +32 2 584 11 11
By post: European External Action Service, 1046 Brussels Belgium

A model letter can be found here.

 Kaleidoscope Welcomes UK Pressure on Russia over LGBT Bans 2011-11-24T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2011-11-24:30
The Russian city of St Petersburg has proposed a law that bans the promotion of 'gay propaganda', a move led by the governing United Russia party. It has been condemned by LGBT rights organisations across the world.

The law would see people or organisations fined up to £1,000 for the so-called "promotion" of homosexuality, and stands alongside identical bans on 'propaganda' for paedophilia. It would also put a blanket ban on Gay Pride events, which have been a contentious issue in recent years.

The Kaleidoscope Trust asserts that this law infringes human rights and has requested that the UK government take action against the proposed ban on LGBT activity in St Petersburg.

The Trust has urged Britain to use its chairmanship of the Council of Europe to organise a coordinated complaint to the Russian authorities.

We welcome today's announcement by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office that action will be taken.

The FCO stated:

'The message of this law, that homosexuality is unacceptable, let alone in any way similar to a crime like paedophilia, is wrong. It goes against European and Russian commitments to human rights, including the guarantee of non-discrimination set out in the European Convention on Human Rights.'

Lance Price, Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, said:

'International pressure on the authorities is having an effect and the intervention of the FCO is greatly welcomed. Consideration of the bill in the St Petersburg legislature has now been delayed by a week. We hope that our government, in conjunction with others around the world, will maintain the pressure to ensure that this pernicious legislation, which is already in force in two parts of the Russian federation, goes no further. It's scope is much wider that Britain's notorious Clause 28 and would have a massive impact on the rights of LGBT people.'

 Andrew Mitchell says UK support for LGBT rights will not lead to cuts in aid levels 2011-11-22T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2011-11-22:31
At a meeting today with the Kaleidoscope Trust and other groups, the Secretary of State for International Development, Andrew Mitchell, reaffirmed the British government's commitment to speak up for the rights of LGBT people around the world.

Mr. Mitchell said the government did not want changes to British UK aid policy to have any damaging effect on LGBT communities in recipient countries and promised to examine closely the impact of ministerial comments. He said the government's position had been wrongly reported as a threat to cut aid or to single out LGBT rights as a condition for aid. Aid levels would not be cut but could be switched in response to human rights violations.

The comments were made during a meeting with the Kaleidoscope Trust, Justice for Gay Africans, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, Stonewall and Peter Tatchell. Prior to the meeting the Kaleidoscope Trust presented the minister with reports by a wideranging group of African social activists and the Coalition Against Homophobia in Ghana, both of which pointed to fears of a 'backlash' against LGBT people.

Lance Price, Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, said:

"Andrew Mitchell clearly understands the importance of setting LGBT rights into a wider context and of avoiding any risk of harm to those that British policy is designed to help. We are fortunate to have a government that takes these issues seriously and is prepared to speak out when necessary.

"We look forward to working with ministers to help ensure that the views of LGBT people in countries that receive UK aid are properly taken into account and that the consequences and potential benefits of policy changes are effectively explained."
 Rev. Ijeoma Ajibade talks to BBC Network Africa about homophobia in Africa 2011-11-20T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2011-11-20:34
Kaleidoscope Board Member Rev. Ijeoma Ajibade talks to BBC Network Africa about homophobia in Africa.

 Hague congratulated for speaking out on LGBT rights in the Commonwealth 2011-10-29T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2011-10-29:32
The Kaleidoscope Trust has congratulated theUK Foreign Secretary, William Hague, for speaking out in support of LGBT rights in advance of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, Australia.

Mr. Hague told the Commonwealth People's Forum:

"The UK would like to see the Commonwealth do more to promote the rights of its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens. It is wrong in our view that these groups continue to suffer persecution, violence and discrimination within the Commonwealth and that many members still have laws criminalising homosexuality. A Commonwealth that lives up to its values is one where all its citizens are free to live their lives in a safe and just society."

Lance Price, Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, which works to support people around the world who face discrimination and prejudice because of their sexuality, said:

"At the Kaleidoscope Trust we have been using our influence with the British government to urge them to make a clear statement in favour of LGBT rights. We are delighted that William Hague took this opportunity to single out the issue of discrimination and criminalisation of gay and lesbian people within the Commonwealth. We hope the leaders of those states that still make it a crime to be gay will take heed of his words, but also listen to those in their own countries who demand that the human rights of all citizens be respected equally."
 Time for the Commonwealth to show leadership on LGBT rights 2011-10-28T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2011-10-28:33
Commonwealth leaders meeting in Perth, Australia, this weekend can no longer ignore the growing calls for laws that make being gay or lesbian a crime to be repealed.

The Kaleidoscope Trust, which has the support of David Cameron and the leaders of all the main UK political parties, calls on those meeting at CHOGM to recognise and protect the rights of LGBT people in their own countries and engage in a meaningful dialogue with them in the interests of human rights and natural justice.

The Kaleidoscope Trust welcomes the promise by William Hague to support the inclusion of support for LGBT rights in the final communiqué of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. There are some encouraging signs of progress but the Trust believes that changing public opinion is as important as changing unjust laws and this can only come about through discussion and an open and honest debate.

Kaleidoscope Trust spokesman Bisi Alimi, who was forced to flee his native Nigeria because of its anti-gay laws, said:

"Recent statements of support from Commonwealth leaders and others shows that calls for these discriminatory laws to be scrapped are being heard at last.

"Countries like India and South Africa have shown that legislation outlawing homosexuality can be repealed successfully. But the only way to make real progress towards ending discrimination and making the lives of gay and lesbian people safer is for the leaders to go away from Perth next week and start talking to their own people. The calls for justice are coming from the bottom as well as from the top and they can no longer be ignored."

The Commonwealth Secretary General, Kamalesh Sharma, reaffirmed this week that Commonwealth values include:

'a clear commitment to tolerance, respect and understanding. This means we embrace difference, and that includes sexual identity. Discrimination and criminalisation on grounds of sexual orientation is at odds with our values.'

The Kaleidoscope Trust welcomes that commitment and urges the CHOGM meeting to support the proposal from the Eminent Person's Group (EPG) for a new post of Commissioner for Democracy, Rule of Law and Human Rights.

Among the other recent positive statements are the call from the former President of Botswana, Festus Morgae, for his country to decriminalise homosexuality and the comment by the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Morgan Tsvangarai, supporting the inclusion of gay rights protection in his country's new constitution. Mr. Tsvangarai, who hopes to lead Zimbabwe back into the Commonwealth if he becomes President, said "it is a human right".

Reports that the Ugandan parliament is to continue consideration of the controversial bill proposing the death penalty in some cases of 'aggravated homosexuality' is a timely reminder, however, that the threat of new legislation is ever-present.

Lance Price, Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, said: "As Commonwealth leaders meet in Perth they must not be allowed to forget that in many member countries gay and lesbian people are in constant danger and the commitment to 'tolerance, respect and understanding' is all but meaningless for millions of citizens."

The Kaleidoscope Trust deploys resources and expertise in support of those threatened by prejudice and criminal sanctions solely because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It encourages dialogue and cooperation between countries at different stages in the development of a diverse, prosperous and just society free from homophobia.

 Minister of State for International Development endorses Kaleidoscope Trust 2011-09-05T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2011-09-05:41
Alan Duncan, Minister of State for International Development said:

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the launch of The Kaleidoscope Trust - an independent not-for-profit organisation working globally to promote rights for all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation.

It is outrageous that people across the world are still subject to arrest, detention or even death simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity and this Government is fully committed to advancing LGB&T equality and challenge discrimination wherever it occurs.

The UK published an action plan in March this year that demonstrated its commitment to advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T) people domestically and internationally.

The UK is actively pressing countries to ensure they do more to promote the basic rights of all of their citizens. We strive to give a voice to those who are oppressed or threatened.

The UK is committed to promoting basic rights across African countries and other developing nations, with aid programmes to promote civil society, better education and encourage better parliamentary scrutiny, allowing the people to hold their Government to account.

Through these actions, we are taking steps towards greater equality and a world where people can live their lives free from stigma, discrimination and persecution.

We look forward to Kaleidoscope contributing to this crucial work.

Read the full letter here.

 First Ministers for Scotland and Wales endorse Kaleidoscope Trust 2011-09-03T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2011-09-03:40
We are delighted to have received messages of support on our launch day from the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales and the TUC.

Alex Salmond, First Minister for Scotland said:

The Scottish Government is delighted to welcome the establishment of Kaleidoscope and your efforts to address the inequalities lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people face worldwide.

The Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones, First Minister of Wales, said:

I'm very pleased to be able to offer my support to you as you strive to eradicate discrimination and advance equality and diversity across the World.

As a country, significant strides have been made over the last 10 years in advancing the equality agenda. But we can, and must, do more both at home and abroad.

As a government, we make every effort to ensure that as we develop policies, strategies, action plans and practices, our efforts actively contribute to an environment that is free from discrimination.

Indeed, we are proud that we are one the few Governments in the world that is legally bound to ensure equality of opportunity in everything that we do.

We believe that no-one should be denied opportunities because of their sexual orientation or because they are transgender, and are committed to ensuring equal treatment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Wales. Following the enactment of the Equality Act 2010, the Welsh Government became the first Government in the UK to bring specific public sector equality duties into effect – which will help us promote equality, tackle discrimination and prejudice and help build a fair and tolerant society in Wales.

I wish you every success.

 Liberal Democrats support Kaleidoscope Trust 2011-09-01T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2011-09-01:37
Here's what Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg wrote:

I am delighted to welcome Kaleidoscope, and I wish you all the best in your future work.

The vision this organisation is articulating - for a world where everyone can express their sexuality without fear of prejudice - is one all liberals stand behind.

And we share your belief that global problems, ultimately, have grassroots, local solutions.

I have no doubt that Kaleidoscope's innovative and unique approach will prove hugely important in the fight for LGB&T rights, both here and across the world.

Read the full letter.
 UK Labour Party Leader endorses Kaleidoscope Trust 2011-09-01T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2011-09-01:38
Ed Miliband, leader of the Labour Party said:

The huge strides Britain has made over recent years in building a country which respects people regardless of their sexuality is both a sign of how much progress is possible and a symbol of how far we still have to go.

I am proud to offer my support to Kaleidoscope as it seeks to protect LGBT people from prejudice and persecution across the world.

Read the full letter here.
 UK Prime Minister has welcomed the launch of Kaleidoscope Trust 2011-09-01T00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,2011-09-01:39
David Cameron, the UK Prime Minister wrote:

Our country has made real progress on LGB&T equality and, without forgetting how far we've still got to go domestically, it is right that we should now increasingly turn our attention towards bringing about change abroad.

In some countries, it's simply appalling how people can be treated - how their rights are trampled on and the prejudices, and even violence, they suffer. So I want Britain to be a global beacon for reform. That's why I am delighted to send my best wishes to Kaleidoscope, and wish them well in their work

Be in no doubt, this is a hugely important issue to this Government. Last March, we published an update on our plan on LGB&T issues. It included fourteen areas where we want to act internationally, covering issues like asylum and protecting the rights of British citizens living, working or travelling abroad. We look forward to the contribution that Kaleidoscope will make to the debate onand progress towards equality worldwide.

Read the full letter here.
 The Trust was very disappointed that once again Indian politicians have voted down a bill that would decriminalize homosexuality NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:103
The Trust was very disappointed that once again Indian politicians have voted down a bill that would decriminalize homosexuality. As shared in our 2015 report Speaking Out The rights of LGBTI people in the Commonwealth, Gowthaman Ranganathan a lawyer for the Alternative Law Forum, Bangalore, India said "A confused canvas has been portrayed before the LGBTI community in India. On the one hand the Supreme Court of India has upheld the rights of transgender persons and the other, it has refused to declare the anti sodomy law being section 377 of the Indian Penal Code as unconstitutional. Post the Supreme Court decision in 2013 recriminalising homosexuality, the message from the LGBT community was clear that there is No Going Back. The struggles of the LGBT community continue in the court…as well on the streets and our everyday lives seeking justice." The Trust will continue to support their struggle through solidarity and particularly through Commonwealth advocacy to challenge discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in all Commonwealth countries, particularly the most populous one.
 Introducing Our New Executive Director of Kaleidoscope NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:123
The Kaleidoscope Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Dillane as the charity's new Executive Director. Paul brings a great track record of achievement to the trust which works to uphold the rights of LGBT citizens globally, and especially in the Commonwealth.

Since 2014, Paul has been Executive Director of the UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG), championing the rights of LGBT asylum seekers and refugees and achieving demonstrable and measurable improvements in their lives. Prior to this Paul enjoyed a career as a refugee lawyer and specialist including at Amnesty International UK. He has extensive policy, advocacy and fundraising experience - working with other NGOs, with government and with Parliamentarians both regionally and internationally.

The Kaleidoscope Trust has sponsored and developed a unique network of activists across the Commonwealth: courageous people who campaign for the basic human rights which they and other LGBT citizens are not allowed to enjoy and for whose attainment they put their lives on the line. The next big challenge and opportunity is the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in the UK in 2018. From March 2017, Paul will lead our work in seeking to make it a landmark meeting for LGBT rights.

John Fingleton, Chair of the Trustees of the Kaleidoscope Trust said "Paul's experience working with LGBT asylum seekers and refugees means he brings a deep understanding of the personal impact of discrimination and persecution globally. This, combined with his policy expertise and experience in advocacy and fundraising, makes him an exciting choice to lead the work of the Kaleidoscope Trust in working to improve the lives of LGBT people across the world."

Paul Dillane, incoming Executive Director, said: "It is a real privilege to be joining the Kaleidoscope Trust, which has established itself as a leading voice in advancing the human rights of LGBT people. I have seen at first-hand the terrible consequences of the discrimination and persecution LGBT people experience on a daily basis via my work with refugees and front-line activists. Now is a critical time to step up our efforts to support LGBT rights defenders in their struggle for freedom and equality. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with such a talented and committed team, including the inspiring members of The Commonwealth Equality Network, as we seek to build on our successes in defending the human rights of LGBT people around the world."
 Women's Perspectives on LGBT campaigning NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:5
On the 7th of March the Kaleidoscope Trust will host a forum discussion at the House of Commons led by four inspirational women in the LGBT movement. The talk will take place on the eve of International Women's Day and celebrate innovative approaches in campaigning for LGBT equality and human rights.

The following speakers are confirmes

Sibongile Ndashe

Sibongile Ndashe is a South African human rights lawyer with Interights, the International Centre for the Protection of Human Rights.

Ndashe works primarily on discrimination, with a focus on women's rights and LGBT rights, and works with lawyers who pursue constitutional challenges in their national courts.

Ndashe co-represents parties before the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights and is also a former attorney at the Women's Legal Centre, South Africa.

Phyll Opoku-Gyimah

Phyll Opuku-Gyimah is the executive director and co-founder of UK Black Pride, which aims to foster and celebrate Black LGBT culture through the arts, events and advocacy.

Opuku-Gyima is Head of Equality, Health & Safety for Public & Commercial Services Union; she was once a civil servant.

Opuku-Gyima was named on the Independent top 100 Pink List for her work for the Black LGBT community.

Clare B Dimyon MBE

Clare, a teacher and Quaker, was awarded an MBE in 2010 for advancing the human rights of LGBT people in Central & Eastern Europe. In 2008, Clare persuaded British embassies across C&E Europe to fly the rainbow flag to support and encourage LGBT as they tackle homophobia in the post Soviet era. From that the PRIDE Solidarity Tour came into being and never quite stopped.

Elly Barnes

Elly Barnes is a music teacher and Diversity Course Leader at Stoke Newington School and was awarded with the No. 1 spot on the Independent's Pink List 2011. She opened her school as a Diversity Training Centre for Teachers to train them how to make their own schools LGBT friendly.

Barnes is an active NUT member and is the National Schools Representative for LGBT History Month and Schools Out.

Ulele Burnham

Ulele is a leading anti-discrimination lawyer at Doughty Street Chambers and has particular interest and expertise in equality law. She is a member and former Chair of the Executive Committee of the Discrimination Law Association and a member of the Advisory Board of the AHRC Research Centre for Law, Gender and Sexuality. She has delivered training on the ECHR to lawyers and the judiciary for the Council of Europe in several European countries. ibongile Ndashe is a South African human rights lawyer with Interights, the International Centre for the Protection of Human Rights.

 Inaugural Gala Dinner NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:8
Join the Kaleidoscope Trust's President the Rt Hon John Bercow for our inaugural Gala Dinnner.

Set amidst the splendour of London's legendary Cafe de Paris, help the Kaleidoscope Trust celebrate it's first year and join with us to raise some much needed funds.

In our first year we have worked hard to highlight the plight of LGBT people around the globe. Kaleidoscope has been active on the ground in many of those places, meeting activists in Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Malawi, Trinidad and Tobago, Sri Lanka and India to hear first hand what we can do to support them in defending their basic human rights.

All this work takes time and money and this dinner is Kaleidoscope's main fund-raising event of the year. It will be an opportunity to meet some of the Kaleidoscope team but just as importantly to enjoy an evening of comedy and music in support of this very important cause.

This is our major fundraising event of the year and we'd be delighted for you to join us.

 Kaleidoscope's second Leadership Forum Lecture NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:7
Kaleidoscope is pleased to announce the second lecture in our Leadership Forum series, given by David Kuria.

David Kuria is the first openly gay black person in the continent of Africa to run for public office. He is standing in Kenya's Senate elections which are due to take place next summer. He is an inspirational symbol of leadership and courage for LGBT people, as he is challenging the hostile cultutal and legal attitudes of Kenya.

The lecture will take place on October 17th in the Gustave Tuck lecture theatre at University College London at 7.30pm.

This event is free to all Kaleidoscope supporters. There is limited availabilty for this event, so tickets will be issued on a first-come first-served basis.

Secure your place at this landmark event by email contacting us at email@example.com by October 4th.
 The Kaleidoscope Trust Annual IDAHOT Day Lecture NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:4
The Kaleidoscope Trust is delighted to announce that our Annual Lecture to mark International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) will be given by Anna Grodzka the first transgender member of the Polish Parliament. The event is being staged with thanks to the generous support of Square Peg Media, publishers of G3 Magazine and Out in the City.

As currently the only transgender member of a national Parliament anywhere in the world Anna will put her own struggle and achievements in the context of the issues facing the transgender community around the world. The plight of transgender people has too often been ignored and excluded from the international struggle for LGBT rights and Kaleidoscope is keen to affirm that we include the rights and an end to discrimination for all on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Anna is a truly inspirational speaker and Kaleidoscope is proud and hugely excited at being able to offer this opportunity to hear her speak in London on international day of action. It reaffirms the UK's commitment to include the rights of transgender people alongside those of lesbians, gay men and bisexuals in the international struggle for human rights.

As places are limited we would urge you to reserve your seats as soon as possible.

Reserve your place now

Proudly supported by:

 'A Fate Worse Than Death?' NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:6
Join us to debate the latest attacks on LGBTI human rights in Uganda, Nigeria and elsewhere.

Even as I write this MPs in both Uganda and Nigeria are posed to vote on new laws that would make life intolerable for LGBTI people in those countries. Even if the threat of the death penalty is removed, gay men and women risk life in prison just for being themselves. Their families, friends and neighbours could go to jail if they don't report them to the police.

We can all sign petitions, write to our MPs, join protests and demonstrations, but is there anything more we can do to help those who have to live with the consequences of these brutal laws?

Kaleidoscope can report from the front line.

Harjeet Johal has just returned from Uganda. Bisi Alimi is a refugee from the homophobia in his home country of Nigeria. They and other speakers will be debating how you can support the campaign on World Human Rights Day, December 10, at the House of Commons.

Please join us for our meeting: 'A Fate Worse Than Death?'

The meeting will be held in Committee Room 14. Access the House of Commons via the Cromwell Green entrance; walk through Westminster Hall and then through to Central Lobby. Turn right and go up the staircase to the Committee Corridor.

Reserve your place now

Entrance to the event is free, however, space is limited and will work on a first come first served basis.
 Just You, Me and the Silence NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:9
Join us at a special one-night-only benefit reading of a new play by playwright Judy Adong about the injustice suffered by LGBT people in Uganda. Judy's powerful new play, 'Just Me You and The Silence' will be performed at London's Old Vic Theatre. Kevin Spacey, Artistic Director, has donated the historic theatre free of charge so that this important play can be seen in London. You can help Judy and support the campaign for equality and justice in Uganda by coming along and hearing how the unjust homophobic laws of the country destroy lives in this powerful new work.

'Just Me You And The Silence' is set in Kampala, and follows the tragic story of Jacob Obina, an ambitious politician and family man. The play portrays the injustice and persecution gay and lesbian people suffer in Uganda, a country currently tabling a law dubbed 'Kill The Gays' which would see a punishment of life imprisonment and even death for certain homosexual acts.

The play is a vivid reminder that it remains illegal to be gay in seventy eight countries, with the death penalty the ultimate punishment in five. The benefit reading is co-presented by the New York based organisation,Fuel | We Power Change, and The Kaleidoscope Trust, as part of our work to end the persecution of LGBT communities.

Tickets for this very special one off event are available now. Funds from the event will be directed at cultural projects and campaigns which aim to effect legal and social change for persecuted LGBT communities worldwide.

Praise for 'Just You Me and The Silence'

"This play has a powerful and thought-provoking message," stated Lance Price, Executive Director of The Kaleidoscope Trust. "We are honoured to be a presenting partner of this important event. We thank Kevin Spacey, and the staff at The Old Vic for supporting Judy's play, and for allowing the simple truth, that it should never be a crime to be gay, to be spread further."

"The Old Vic's donation of its remarkable theatre for Judy's reading is an historic contribution to the global LGBT equality movement," says Bridgit Antoinette Evans, President of Fuel, "one that has already inspired new sources of support for the courageous individuals and organisations working to promote human rights for all around the world"

The play has attracted strong support, with UK actress Naomie Harris stating: ''Bravo to Judy for highlighting this very important issue and thereby, one hopes, encouraging a change of attitude on the part of the Ugandan government. Why should any government have the right to dictate who we, as sentient adults, choose to love?"

Frank Mugisha, leading Ugandan LGBT rights activist, has also given public support to the production, ''This play is an important cultural moment that will give voice to a section of society that is given too little chance to express itself creatively and openly."
 Ha Ha Hackney NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:10
The Kaleidoscope Trust is the charity partner for Ha Ha Hackney, a gay extravaganza of homo comedy where Britain's top LGBT comics pay tribute and celebrate over half a century of Gaiety. The show will highlight the issues that surround gay rights across the world – and celebrate the ground breaking comics who trail blazed the way for gay artists in the years when homosexuality was still illegal in the UK.

Hosted by Sandi Toksvig

A show paying tribute to stars such as John Inman, Danny La Rue, Kenneth Williams, Kenny Everett and Larry Grayson plus the best of the best right up to the present day. This show will have all the glitz, glamour and Gaiety our top gay comedians can offer. With footage from the BFI television and film archive, a fabulous Drag chorus line and show stopping numbers – this show will be a highlight of World Pride Month.

Artists include:
Simon Fanshawe
London Gay Men's Chorus
Stephen K Amos
Nora Bone
Adele Anderson
London Gay Big Band
John Partridge ( EastEnders Christian)
H from Steps
Sharon D Clarke
The new 4 Poofs and a Piano
Ria Jones
Ceri Dupree as Danny La Rue
Malcolm Lord as John Inman
Bobby Crush as Liberace
Susan Calman
Plus a full Chorus line and house band
PLUS a Carry On section featuring tribute to Kenneth Williams and Charles Hawtrey
Other special guests still to be announced

The ticket price for the Gala is £70. This includes a top price ticket, interval drink, post show party with members of the cast, programme, goodie bag containing merchandising, a £10 voucher to use when buying tickets for any of the other Ha Ha Hackney events and a special half price Friends Scheme offer.

It's a great opportunity to enjoy Britain's top LGBT comics pay tribute and celebrate over half a century of homo humour whilst supporting those who live in countries where LGBT rights are threatened by prejudice, discrimination and the criminal law.
 Kaleidoscope Inaugural Annual Lecture NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:11
To mark this years International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, the Kaleidoscope Trust will host a lecture by the Rt. Hon. John Bercow MP at the Royal Commonwealth Club. The talk will focus on international LGBT equality and human rights.

John Bercow has been Speaker of the House of Commons since June 2009 and MP for Buckingham since 1997. He became President of the Kaleidoscope Trust at its foundation in 2011. He has been a champion of the human rights of gay and lesbian people for many years and recently spoke of his sense of duty to campaign on behalf of LGBTI people internationally.

Tickets available online from:
http://bercowlecture.eventbrite.com

 Dreams of Bright Tomorrows NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:12
Join us on December the 8th for a spellbinding evening of music and song at the Seven Dials Club. This fabulous fundraiser will feature some of the best the West End and Broadway has to offer, with stars from Avenue Q, Wicked, Book of Mormon and Spamalot singing old favourites, brand new tunes and even a few festive stalwarts.

Featuring the talents of acclaimed West End and Broadway star vocalist Kim Criswell, this is a great chance to show your support and listen to amazing singers, singing fantastic song. Cassidy Janson (Ave Q, Wicked, Lend Me A Tenor) and Haydn Oakley (Book of Mormon, Spamalot) will also be amongst the artists featured in Dreams of Bright Tomorrows. They are joined by acclaimed cabaret artist Sarah-Louise Young and cabaret and musicals stalwart Simon Green (Follies, Sunday in the Park with George). Sensational cabaret singer Harold Sanditen (Crazy Coqs) will be hosting the evening.

Sharing accompanist duties will be musician, cabaret performer and one of the West End's most sought after MD's Michael Roulston and acclaimed musician Charlie Round-Turner.

Dreams of Bright Tomorrows will showcase some of the best songs from musical theatre, including the work of top composers, highlights from classic shows, as well as songs from brand new musicals and a couple of festive favourites.

The evening will be raising much needed funds for the Trust, helping us to support the work of LGBT activists fighting discrimination and criminalisation in Africa, the Caribbean and elsewhere.

8th December 2013

Show starts at 7.30 pm

Bar open till late
The Seven Dials Club

42 Earlham Street, Covent Garden

WC2H 9LA

Tickets are £15 and are available from www.kaleidoscopetrust.eventbrite.co.uk

 The Kaleidoscope Trust Annual Human Rights Day Lecture NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:13
Sponsored by BNP Paribas

We're delighted to announce that Baroness Warsi, the Senior Minister with responsibility for human rights, will be delivering the annual Kaleidoscope Trust Human Rights Day Lecture on 10th December, 2013.

RESERVE YOUR PLACE NOW

A lawyer, a businesswoman, a campaigner and a cabinet minister, Sayeeda Warsi has had many roles, but she is best known for being the first Muslim to serve in a British cabinet. Baroness Warsi will be discussing LGBT human rights issues around the world.

The Kaleidoscope Trust, in conjunction with BNP Paribas, is delighted to host such a senior government figure. Don't miss this opportunity to hear the minister speak about the rights of LGBT people internationally.

This event is being held with the generous support of BNP Paribas.
 The Kaleidoscope Trust Annual Gala Dinner NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:14
Celebrate with us

Join us at Cafe' de Paris on Thursday, 30th January for our Second Annual Gala Dinner. Following on from the success of our last Gala, this year's event promises to be even bigger, better and funnier.

The last Gala Dinner was a huge success and tickets are selling fast! National treasure, Christopher Biggins, actor, broadcaster and winner of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! will be hosting the evening. He will be joined by the multi-talented actor and singer Heather Peace, star of Lip Service and Waterloo Road, who will be performing songs from her latest album which is penciled for release in May this year. We are also delighted that the comedian Suzi Ruffell will be performing, along with the magnificent Fourth Choir.

Our Annual Gala Dinner is vital in supporting our work. The generosity shown at our first Gala Dinner enabled us to do many things. This year we've been working closely with activists in Uganda, Malawi and the Caribbean to help them push back against discriminatory laws and social attitudes. We've been actively working with Commonwealth institutions and governments to take a stand against the criminalisation of homosexuality. Of the 53 countries that make up the Commonwealth, 42 continue to criminalise same-sex activity. Our groundbreaking report on the rights of LGBT people from across the Commonwealth has been instrumental in ensuring that this fact was not ignored entirely at this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

All this work takes time and money and this dinner is Kaleidoscope's main fund-raising event of the year. It will be an opportunity for you to meet some of the Kaleidoscope team but just as importantly to enjoy an evening of comedy and music in support of this very important cause.

We're looking forward to seeing you again as we celebrate some hard-won victories and prepare for future challenges.
 In the Thrice Ninth Kingdom NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:15
NEW PLAY PUTS RUSSIAN HOMOPHOBIA CENTRE STAGE

World Premier at the Tristan Bates Theatre
Mon 10th Feb – Sat 15th Feb 2014

As world leaders boycott the Sochi Winter Olympic Games, a new play ingeniously dramatises the increasing levels of violence and persecution suffered by LGBT people in Putin's Russia.

In the Thrice Ninth Kingdom follows stories in Russia and London that are linked by one shocking and graphically portrayed incident - in Russia a man is locked up and abused because of his sexuality and for speaking out about injustice. In London the consequences of this abuse lead to a desperate claim for asylum. A group of disparate individuals fight for what they believe to be right– however what some see as justified measures, others see as savage acts.

The Kaleidoscope Trust is supporting the production of this important new play and will be hosting a panel discussion following the performance on Thursday the 13th of February.

Panelists include: -

Paul Henley – BBC Journalist: specialist in European news for radio and TV for the past 15 years; including a series of reports for World Service Radio

Alistair Stewart – Assistant Director, The Kaleidoscope Trust

Edwin Sesange – Prominent Ugandan LGBTI Rights Advocate

Michael Yale – Writer/Director 'In the Thrice Ninth Kingdom'

In 2013 Russia passed a new law banning 'propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations amongst minors', essentially banning the promotion of LGBT rights. In a poll, 88% of Russians agreed with the ban. Russia is not alone: in over 78 countries lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people risk imprisonment, attack or even death. In these countries, more than half of them in the Commonwealth, laws exist that can be used to prosecute people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

From 7th February this year the world's eyes will be drawn to Russia, and the Sochi Winter Olympic Games. The spotlight will fall once again on their controversial attitudes towards the LGBT community.

Challenging and uncompromising, In the Thrice Ninth Kingdom is unafraid to ask questions about how we as individuals and as a society deal with persecuted minorities. The play provocatively explores the complexities of dealing with individual rights.
 The Commonwealth and Human Rights: priorities from Colombo to Valletta NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:16
The Kaleidoscope Trust, working with our partners at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Royal Commonwealth Society and the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, would like to invite you to attend this panel and Q&A session. The panel and audience will look at the range of human rights priorities for the 53 Commonwealth member states set following the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Colombo in November 2013 and will look ahead to the next summit in Malta in 2015.

RESERVE YOUR PLACE NOW

Speakers and panellists will include The Rt Hon Baroness Warsi, Senior Minister of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Minister for Faith and Communities at the Department for Communities and Local Government; Purna Sen (London School of Economics), Edwin Sesange (Out and Proud LGBTI Diamond Group),Tim Hancock, (Amnesty International), and Rajiv Joshi (The B-Team).

The panel and audience will look at the range of human rights priorities for the 53 Commonwealth member states set following the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Colombo in November 2013 and will look ahead to the next summit in Malta in 2015.

 Join us for a preview screening of the Abominable Crime NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:17
The Kaleidoscope Trust is delighted to invite you to a preview screening of the film The Abominable Crime. This new documentary explores the culture of homophobia in Jamaica through the eyes of gay Jamaicans who are forced to choose between their homeland and their lives after their sexual orientations are exposed.

Speaking at the screening will be Maurice Tomlinson, respected Jamaican lawyer and activist. Maurice is at the forefront of the decriminalisation campaign in the Caribbean and was awarded the inaugural David Kato Vision and Voice Award, which celebrates the life and work of murdered Ugandan LGBT activist, David Kato.

Mark Schulte (of the Pulitzer Center in the USA) and Micah Fink (who produced and directed the film) will also be attending. Don't miss your chance to speak to Maurice, Mark and Micah about the issues raised in the film and the situation for LGBT community in the Caribbean.

 Kaleidoscope Trust Annual IDAHOT Lecture NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:18
To mark this year's International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia the Kaleidoscope Trust, supported by J.P. Morgan and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, is delighted to host a lecture by one of the world's foremost LGBT activists, Maurice Tomlinson.

REGISTER NOW

Maurice is the Legal Advisor, Marginalized Groups for AIDS Free World and has been involved in HIV/AIDS and LGBT activism in the Caribbean for over 14 years. He is at the forefront of the campaign to decriminalise homosexuality, leading legal challenges across the region to have disciminatory laws repealed. He is an Attorney-at-Law and law lecturer with research interests in sexual rights and HIV/AIDS advocacy. In 2012 he was awarded the inaugural David Kato Vision and Voice Award, which celebrates the life and work of murdered Ugandan LGBT activist, David Kato.

He had to flee Jamaica in 2012 when a newspaper published a photo of his wedding to a Canadian man but has since returned to the island to continue anti-homophobia legal work. In addition, Maurice is the claimant in a case challenging the discriminatory and anti-gay Immigration Laws of Belize and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as a matter against 3 Jamaican television stations that refused to air an ad in which he appears that promotes tolerance for homosexuals.

 Can aid donors help support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights in developing countries? NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:19
Recent legislation in Africa and elsewhere has raised concerns over the rights of Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights. There are growing concerns that the legislation, and an associated hardening of attitudes, may undermine the well-being, compromise the security, and limit the opportunities open to LGBT people.

How should aid donors respond to the complex development challenges posed by these developments? And what role, if any, should aid play in promoting and protecting LGBT rights?

The Kaleidoscope Trust is partnering with the ODI to address these questions during a half day conference in London. The invited audience will include representatives from diplomatic missions, donor agencies, civil society, multilateral agencies and research institutes.

The aim is to promote constructive dialogue informed by a variety of perspectives. While the focus will be on Africa and the debate will be led by Africans, the aim is to draw on wider experience that may be of relevance.

In the first session, panellists from developing countries will share their views on the issues at stake and the policy options facing donors. The second session will focus on international policy makers and the donor community. The event, which will be live-streamed, will be followed by a reception hosted by ODI.
 LGBTI Human Rights in the Commonwealth Conference NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:20
'LGBTI Human Rights in the Commonwealth' is a free one day conference in partnership with the Equality Network, Pride Glasgow and the Glasgow Human Rights Network. The event is being held in Glasgow on Friday 18th July, five days before the opening of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The aims of the conference are to create a focus for  lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) human rights discussions in the run up to the games, providing a space to share ideas, practice and campaigns, engaging participants in global human rights issues and ensuring the visibility of Commonwealth LGBTI people and culture during the games.

The human rights record of the Commonwealth is not one to celebrate. When 42 of the 53 members of the Commonwealth criminalise their own LGBTI citizens and many people do not know about the role of the Commonwealth or what it does the conference the Glasgow 2014 games offer a unique opportunity to raise and highlight LGBTI human rights successes and challenges seeking ways to work together to help make Commonwealth a better place for all and set out they ways in which people and communities can be a part of wider campaigns for equality and human rights.

A range of speakers have been invited from across the commonwealth and we look forward to announcing these shortly.
 Exploring the Efficacy of Advocacy: Options to Highlight the Persecution of the LGBTI Community Across the Globe NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:21
The Kaleidoscope Trust alongside a group of other UK-based NGOs concerned with the persecution of the LGBTI community across the globe is delighted to invite you to a seminar on 4th September to explore advocacy options to tackle LGBTI persecution.

The seminar will be chaired by Philippa Drew, Board Member of the Kaleidoscope Trust, and gather together representatives from civil society, governments and inter-governmental organisations to consider the role of advocacy in diplomacy, politics, culture and litigation and how change may be brought about. There will be plenty of opportunities for questions and discussion, and concluding observations will be made by Maxim Anmeghichean from Open Society Foundations.

The seminar is also an opportunity to hear more about the work of the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and to celebrate their Free & Equal Campaign. We are very fortunate that both Charles Radcliffe, Chief, Global Issues Section at the OHCHR, and Celina Jaitly, Bollywood star and UN Equality Champion for the United Nations Free and Equal Campaign, will be with us.

The event's Twitter hashtag is #LGBTIadv

We are very grateful to Europe House for allowing us to hold this event in Smith Square
 The Kaleidoscope Trust Annual Gala Dinner NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:22
Celebrate with us

The Kaleidoscope Trust is delighted to invite you to our third Annual Gala Dinner on the 29th of January 2015. Join us as we take over London's glamourous Cafe de Paris for the biggest bash yet.

The last Gala Dinner was a glittering success. This time we're delighted to be joined by internationally renowned burlesque artist Sukki Singapora. Sukki is known for her lavish and elaborate performances and costumes, which she intertwines with a unique Asian-influenced style.

"It's my pleasure to be able to help in a cause which is so close to my heart, and which marries so well with everything my Burlesque performances encompass." - Sukki Singapora

Book your ticket now

The evening will also feature comedy by the fabulously funny Rosie Wilby, the London-based comedian, musician, writer and broadcaster. As a comedian she has performed at Sydney Mardi Gras, The Comedy Store, Latitude Festival and on Radio 4. She presents the weekly Out in South London radio show.

The dinner is our major fundraiser of the year and it's an excellent opportunity for you to meet some of the Kaleidoscope team, learn about our work and, just as importantly, to enjoy an evening of entertainment in support of this very important cause.

Sponsorship opportunities

By sponsoring this event your organisation will have the opportunity to gain positive visibility and acknowledgement of your commitment to diversity and LGBT rights globally. We offer a range of attractive sponsorship packages.

Book your seat

Prices of individual seats range from £250 to £1000. Book your seat using the form below.

 Conference: Tackling homophobia and sexuality-related violence through education in low/middle income countries NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:23
Globally, there is ongoing concern about the wellbeing of young people who experience violence and bullying in and through school and other educational settings. Of increasing concern over the last few years has been bullying in educational settings in low- and middle-income (as well as a number of high-income countries) related to same-sex sexualities – and often understood as being informed by homophobia.

To build on work on school-related gender based violence and homophobia in low- and middle-income countries and to stimulate further interest in the UK, the Kaleidoscope Trust in cooperation with the Institute of Education University of London are holding a one-day event bringing together students, advocates, educationalists, researchers and those involved in programme and policy development.

The event aims to enable participants to:

share ideas about successful and promising practice to address homophobic violence in low and middle income countries

learn from successful and promising practice in preventing and ameliorating school related gender-based violence (SRGBV) to better address homophobic bullying and victimisation

explore commonalities and differences when tackling SRGBV and homophobic violence in different educational contexts

consider how homophobia might best be addressed in different educational phases (primary, secondary and tertiary)

identify gaps in research

outline an agenda for action and research

Find the preliminary programme of the day here.

 Human Rights Day Lecture NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:24
To mark this year's Human Rights Day the Kaleidoscope Trust, supported by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and J.P. Morgan, is delighted to invite you to a lecture by the United States Ambassador to the UK, Matthew W. Barzun.

Matthew W. Barzun was selected by President Barack Obama as National Finance Chair for the president's 2012 re-election campaign. He has served as US Ambassador to the UK since 2013, and previously served as US Ambassador to Sweden from 2009 to 2011.

The Ambassador will be talking about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights from the perspective of the US State Department, which in recent years has championed the protection of the human rights of LGBT individuals worldwide as an Obama Administration foreign policy priority.

Wednesday 17th December
Doors 6.00pm for 6.30pm start

The lecture will be followed by a drinks reception.

Supported by:

 University of Bath LGBT History Month lunchtime talk NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:25
To mark this year's LGBT history month Alistair Stewart, Acting Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, will speak about the rights of LGBT people in the Commonwealth, where 42 out of 53 member states currently have laws criminalising homosexuality. Alistair will look at the history of anti-sodomy laws and other relevant laws relating to LGBT people in the Commonwealth and how this enduring colonial legacy impacts on international human rights work.

 The Glass Protégé NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:26
The Kaleidoscope Trust is hosting a panel discussion as part of a special show of the Glass Protégé, a powerful drama written by Dylan Costello.

The play is set in Hollywood in 1949 - a time when passion was lauded but sex never discussed. So when young British actor Patrick Glass embarks on a scandalous gay love affair with his famous co-star Jackson Harper, he starts to feel the full force of the studio's career-destroying muscle. Forty years later, as the truths of the past are uncovered, the true consequences of this 'unacceptable' romance come to light.

On 28th April the Kaleidoscope Trust is hosting a post-show panel and Q&A session to discuss themes arising from the play and how discrimination continues to affect LGBT people across the world. The panel will feature Peter Tatchell, prominent human rights campaigner, Reverend Jide Macaulay, British-Nigerian founder of the House Of Rainbow Fellowship and Trustee of the Kaleidoscope Trust, and some of the play's cast and production team.

The play is produced by Giant Cherry Productions, set up to bring a wave of new LGBT productions to the global film, theatre and television scene.
 IDAHOT Lecture 2015 NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:27
The Kaleidoscope Trust is delighted to invite you to our Annual Lecture to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT).

RESERVE YOUR PLACE NOW

This year we mark IDAHOT's focus on LGBTI Youth by bringing together three exciting young leaders from across the world to discuss the challenges facing LGBTI youth and how they are stepping up to meet those challenges.

Donnya D. Piggott is a 24-year-old Barbadian LGBTI activist. She is co-founder and Executive Director of Barbados Gays, Lesbians and All-Sexuals Against Discrimination (B-GLAD), focusing on public engagement and education in addressing the notions of homophobia and transphobia based in ignorance. In 2014 Donnya received the Queen's Young Leaders Award in recognition of her contribution to the movement towards LGBTI equality in the face of heavy opposition.

Leng Montgomery is a blogger, social media professional, LGBT inclusion specialist and Trans* Activist from the UK connecting and engaging with the private and public sector. He speaks regularly with the media about Trans* issues and is an Ambassador for Diversity Role Models. Leng has been listed on the Independent Rainbow list's 'The Ones To Watch' for 2015. He lives in London and was the first openly Trans* contestant on Masterchef 2014.

Silas Mukangu is a sexual health rights activist from Kenya. Silas is a registered nurse specialised in sexual health and HIV prevention. He has worked at the National Organization of Peer Educators in Kenya, where he coordinated activities of a centre offering comprehensive HIV prevention services to MSM (men who have sex with men) and was involved in developing a training module for MSM health educators. In 2012-2014 Silas was HIV Workplace Programme Manager at the International Committee of the Red Cross, where he supervised and facilitated HIV testing and treatment access for vulnerable persons and delivered trainings on stigma and discrimination. Silas is currently undertaking a Master's degree in international public health, focusing on the effect of anti-homosexuality law on HIV prevention in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The event will be hosted by Simon Fanshawe, entrepreneur, broadcaster and social activist. Simon was one of the founders of the Kaleidoscope Trust and, in 1987, of Stonewall. He is a co-founder and partner in his main business, astar-fanshawe, a ground breaking equality, diversity and organisational transformation consultancy.

The talk will be followed by a drinks reception.

This year's event will be held at

J.P. Morgan
25 Bank Street
London E14 5JP

Monday 11th May
Doors 6.00pm for 6.30pm start

Supported by:

In cooperation with:

 Belarus Free Theatre - platform discussion NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:28
The Kaleidoscope Trust is excited to partner with the Belarus Free Theatre on a platform discussion to be held at the theatre company's 10th anniversary festival in London.

Belarus Free Theatre presents Staging a Revolution, a two-week festival of performances and discussions in London featuring some of their most acclaimed original productions and reinvigorated classics. Following each performance, a curated panel of experts, including artists, campaigners, journalists and activists will discuss an area related to each taboo topic and generate fresh ideas around taking up action. It is an approach drawn directly from BFT's work in Minsk where the space for free exchange of ideas and open debate is as valuable as the space in which to see independent theatre.

Following a performance of Minsk, 2011 the Kaleidoscope Trust's Jide Macaulay will join Sam Roddick, artist and activist for the rights of trafficked sex workers, in leading discussion on some of the themes arising in the play - sexuality, oppression and taboos.

Minsk, 2011 is both a love letter to a country that has lost its way and a raw examination of scars of repression in the Belarusian capital where sexual freedoms are oppressed and perverted by the authoritarian regime.

Londoners can support the festival by housing an actor from Belarus.
 Fourth Annual Gala Dinner NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:29

Auctions prizes

Kaleidoscope Trust's 4th Annual Gala Dinner will take place on Thursday 28 January 2016 at The Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill, Portman Square, London.

 We need your support. With your help we can engender social change which will bring real benefits to the lives of LGBT people in low and middle income countries. Funds raised at last year's gala dinner have allowed us to continue to engage with courageous activists campaigning for the human rights of LGBT people, often at great personal risk.

We have been building political will to reject homophobia and transphobia through Commonwealth institutions and countries at the highest levels both in private and in public, encouraging them to advance the human rights of LGBT people. This year we have made great strides in providing a platform for over 35 LGBT organisations in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean who are urging leaders of Commonwealth countries to defend the rights of all their citizens.

We speak out loud when we need to. But we also work behind the scenes, looking to persuade governments that access to healthcare, education and employment for their LGBT citizens is not just their human right but also in the national interest of the countries of which they are citizens.

At home, we have continued to engage with Parliamentarians, now utilising the All Party Parliamentary Group on Global LGBT Rights which has grown out of the Parliamentary Friends of the Kaleidoscope Trust. Following changes in leadership after the election we have re-engaged with the Department for International Development and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to ensure that Britain does all it can to support the global struggle against discrimination and criminalisation based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

None of this vital work would be possible without the generosity of people like you!

Packages include:

Sponsorship of the Gala starts from £20,000.00 (dual sponsorship)

Tickets range from £350 per seat up to £7,500 for a VIP table of 10

Drinks reception in the Churchill Library

Presentation by a prominent human rights speaker

Fun filled entertainment

Three course dinner with wine and coffee

Fantastic fund-raising auction.

All proceeds from the event will go to directly towards supporting the work of the Kaleidoscope Trust

This event is now sold out, for ticket enquiries please contact email@example.com.

If you are unable to attend, you can still make a donation.

 Autumn Fashion Fundraisers NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:30
Clustar Fashion and designer Lawrence Goldberg are presenting some of their latest creations at three fashion shows and are kindly donatating proceeds to the Kaleidoscope Trust. Join us for a fun evening of fashion in support of LGBT rights!

26th September 2015

8.30 pm

White Swan

Commercial Rd

London E14 7JD

5th October 2015

8 pm

San Miguel

18 Greenwich Church St

London SE10 9BJ

22nd October 2015

Bar Pop

10 Canal St

Manchester M1 3EZ

 LGBTI Rights in the Commonwealth NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:31
Of the 53 Commonwealth member states 40 criminalise same-sex activity.

Join the Kaleidoscope Trust and the Commonwealth Equality Network, at the offices of Baker and Mackenzie, as we look at how LGBT activists are working across the Commonwealth to support change at the local, national and international level.

We are fortunate to be joined by a unique group of activists from around the Commonwealth who will share their experience of working in countries where same sex relations are criminalised and give us their perception of the global fight for equality.

Speakers include:

Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, Sri Lanka
Caleb Orozco, Belize
Ifeanyi Orazulike, Nigeria
Steve Letsike, South Africa
Jonah Chinga, Kenya

We are grateful to Baker and McKenzie for supporting this event.

 Standing Out: Transgender Candidates and Elected Officials Around the World NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:32
On Tuesday the 3rd of November The Kaleidoscope Trust and the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on LGBT Global Rights will be hosting the launch of the latest report by The LGBTQ Representation and Rights Research Initiative, Standing Out: Transgender Candidates and Elected Officials Around the World.

3rd November, 6-9pm
Committee Room 9
Houses of Parliament
Palace of Westminster and the Parliamentary Estate
SW1A 0AA London
United Kingdom

Andrew Reynolds, Director of the LGBTQ Representation and Rights Research Initiative and a Professor of Political Science at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, has been leading the LGBT Representation and Rights research initiative at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. The project gathers data on the representation of LGBTQ officials at all levels of government.

The panel, featuring members of the research team and transgender candidates and officials from the UK and internationally, will introduce the results of the research project and discuss challenges faced by transgender people in parliamentary systems and official bodies and the representation and visibility of transgender people in these roles.

Chair and welcome: Tory Ben Howlett MP for Bath (Secretary to the APPG, member of the Women & Equalities Select Committee)

Introductions: Dr Felicity Daly, Kaleidoscope Trust & Andrew Reynolds, UNC LGBT R&R

Speakers: Logan Casey, USA, Sarah Brown, UK, Bemz Benedito, Philippines

 Kaleidoscope Trust's Annual Human Rights Lecture NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:33
To mark Human Rights Day Baroness Sandip Verma, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Development & Partner for International Development will be delivering a lecture and speaking about DFID's approach to advancing the rights of LGBT people.

Kindly hosted by J.P. Morgan and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.

The lecture will be accompanied by a drinks reception and a chance to network.

<time class="clrfix" data-automation="event-details-time">Monday, 11 January 2016 from 18:00 to 20:30 </time>

Great Hall, JP Morgan Asset Management - Old School Building

60 Victoria Embankment

 London EC4Y 0JP

 Kaleidoscope Trust's Annual IDAHOBIT Lecture 2016 NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:34
On Tuesday the 10th of May 2016 the Trust will host our 4th Annual Lecture to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) focusing on the global theme for IDAHOBIT 2016: Mental Health and Wellbeing.

Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm

Venue:
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
Northcliffe House
26-28 Tudor Street
London EC4Y 0BQ

The panel of speakers includes:

Ms Aderonke Apata, Nigerian lesbian activist speaking on how LGBT activists protect and promote their wellbeing.

Professor Michael King, Division of Psychiatry, University College London speaking on Global LGBT Mental Health disparities.

Mr Dominic Davies, Chief Executive, Pink Therapy speaking on clinician training to offer LGBT affirming mental health services.

The event will be hosted by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and co-sponsored by J.P. Morgan.

There will be a drinks reception from 6 – 6:30pm, with the lecture commencing at 6:30pm. Afterward there will be another opportunity to network over drinks and canapés.

You can get your tickets here

 Sixth Annual Gala Dinner NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:37
Kaleidoscope Trust's 6th Annual Gala Dinner will take place on Thursday 25 January 2018 at The Churchill, Portman Square, London.

Kaleidoscope Trust campaigns for a free and equal world for LGBT+ people everywhere. Now in its sixth year, the Gala raises funds to support courageous LGBT+ activists campaigning around the world, especially in the 72 countries that continue to criminalise homosexuality, many of which are Commonwealth countries, a legacy of British colonial rule.

We speak out loud when we need to. But we also work behind the scenes, looking to persuade governments that access to healthcare, education and employment for their LGBT+ citizens is not just their human right but also in the national interest of the countries of which they are citizens.

At home, we have continued to collaborate with civil society partners through the UK Alliance for Global Equality, which we now chair. We work closely with parliamentary allies individually and through groups like the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Global LGBT Rights, which emerged of the Parliamentary Friends of the Kaleidoscope Trust. And we engage with other branches of the British government to ensure that the UK does all it can to support the global struggle against discrimination and criminalisation based on sexual orientation and gender identity, so that LGBT+ people can live freely and equally, everywhere.

None of this vital work would be possible without the support and generosity of people like you.

Tickets start from £350.00. For more information, and to register and purchase tickets, click here.

For ticket enquiries, please contact email@example.com.

If you are unable to attend, you can still make a donation.
 The Barberfellas present: The Rainbow Connection NoneT00:00:00Z tag:kaleidoscopetrust.com,None:38
It is the Barberfellas' second concert in London, and for 2018 they're doubling down on the barbershop and a capella harmonies we love. It's a new show with new songs and we can't wait to share it with you!

As always they will also be bringing together their LGBT choir friends from across the UK. At this concert they will have not one, not two, but THREE choirs joining them on stage.

Guests include Rainbow Singers Across Borders, the choir made up of LGBT asylum seekers based in Croydon, Manchester's singing sensation: Laura and the Lesbians and, in their public debut, the ground-breaking London Trans Choir!

At this concert, a portion of the proceeds will go to Rainbows Across Borders, a self-help group for LGBT asylum seekers, as well as the Kaleidoscope Trust which works to uphold the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people internationally.

Date Saturday 28 April 2018

Time 7:30PM

Venue: Amnesty International Human RIghts Action Centre
25 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EA [Click to see Map]

Tickets £10, £8 concessions

Purchase tickets: https://www.wegottickets.com/event/432530

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