Pride Month this year has been filled with landmark moments for LGBTI rights and celebrations of inclusivity. Botswana decriminalized gay sex, Ecuador approved same-sex marriage, and cities around the world organized marches and peaceful protests.
Yet as June comes to an end, we are reminded that despite progress, there is still a long way to go to promote and protect LGBTI rights around the world.
We spoke with members of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers and Young Global Leaders (YGL) communities, networks of young people who are acting for positive change in their businesses and communities. Their actions are a reminder that Pride is a year-round endeavour.
“The LGBTQI community has a history of marginalization and discrimination that is, quite frankly, unacceptable,” said Aria Finger, 36, a YGL from the US and CEO of DoSomething.org, a non-profit that works with young people to create campaigns for positive change. “We cannot allow this to continue. As allies, we should all join in the fight for equality for the LGBTQI community.”
