IGLHRC Changes Its Name To OutRight Action International

The international LGBT human rights organization known as the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) has changed its name to OutRight Action International. I spent two terms (6 years total) on the board of directors of IGLHRC so I have a soft spot in my heart for the organization, which was founded more than 25 years ago by my friend Julie Dorf.

Here's an excerpt from the press release announcing the change:

“We chose a new name that speaks to the heart of our mission. We have been ‘out’ for rights for 25 years, and at a time when civil society and LGBTI rights are under attack in many parts of the world, we believe our new name speaks to our commitment to LGBTIQ activism and resilience internationally,” said Jessica Stern, the executive director. 

Alan Cumming, an ambassador for the organization, called it “a beautiful new name” in a video message(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1N4o1ro3rHM). Moisés Kaufman, the playwright and founder of Tectonic Theater Project best known for The Laramie Project, hosted the event during which OutRight honored Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe, also celebrating its 25th anniversary. 

Instead of adopting an acronym, the organization said it prefers the simpler “OutRight” as shorthand. 

Along with a new tagline -- Human Rights for LGBTIQ People Everywhere -- OutRight reflects the organization’s commitment to inclusiveness for everyone in the LGBTIQ global community. 

“For 25 years, we’ve worked hand-in-hand with activists around the world to challenge discriminatory laws and abusive practices. Now we are taking a step to explicitly devote ourselves to dignity and acceptance for all in the LGBTIQ community: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer,” Stern said. 

With the new name the organization unveiled a new logo and website (www.OutRightInternational.org). 

The new name drew enthusiasm from supporters and LGBTIQ activists in countries around the world who were consulted by a core team of staff and board members. The Board of Directors unanimously approved the name. 

Julie Dorf, founder of IGLHRC in 1990 and Senior Advisor to the Council on Global Equality, said: “For an LGBTIQ activist organization, the boundaries are always evolving as we push to eliminate discrimination and improve the lives of people who experience injustice. It’s wonderful for me to see the organization I founded choose a new name that builds on its strengths and determination for two and a half decades.”

Congratulations to OutRight! I'm hoping for 25 more years of international LGBTIQ human rights activism...