Information market, stand up talks, poster wall
Registration, coffee and tea
Plenary opening - Hosts, key-note speakers and acts disclosed soon. Brace yourself for surprises!
Coffee and tea break
Plenary opening - Hosts, key-note speakers and acts disclosed soon. Brace yourself for surprises!
Networking lunch
Wanjiru GathangaIn a perfect world, solutions for social justice and LGBTQI+ equal rights would be embraced purely on their merit. But this isn’t a perfect world. We have to be smart about how we help people embrace change. ‘Brand the Change’...
In a perfect world, solutions for social justice and LGBTQI+ equal rights would be embraced purely on their merit. But this isn’t a perfect world. We have to be smart about how we help people embrace change. ‘Brand the Change’ is a proven, powerful mechanism to build close, long-term relationships with people. It is also notoriously complex and overwhelming.
But we believe brand thinking can be taught. We democratize brand knowledge, so it can be used to address the greatest challenges of our time: climate change and social justice.
In this session, African Brand Strategist Wanjiru Gathanga of ‘Brand the Change’ explores the possibilties to brand Pride movements across geographic and economic lines, based on her case study of Pride branding.
Amber Witsenburg
Yasmin BenoitBarbara Oud
JayJay Potter-Peachy
Stanley Starreveld Doesburg
Identities, relationships, and sexual lives are far more diverse and complex than the LGBTQI+ acronym can ever fully capture. Yet in reality, if your community’s letter isn’t among the visible ones, what does this mean for the protection of your...
Identities, relationships, and sexual lives are far more diverse and complex than the LGBTQI+ acronym can ever fully capture. Yet in reality, if your community’s letter isn’t among the visible ones, what does this mean for the protection of your rights, your history, and your place in society? In this panel, three often-marginalized communities that are frequently forgotten, erased, or excluded from mainstream LGBTQI+ narratives come together to share the unique challenges they face in their daily lives. Each community presents their specific struggles with rights, representation, and historical recognition, offering unique insights into their experiences and the systemic barriers they encounter in their fight for visibility and equality.
Momo Adachi
Merel Ritsma
Mani Bruce MitchellWhat do LGBTQ+ movements miss when intersex voices are absent? More than most realize. This dynamic session brings together intersex activists from 6 continents to challenge assumptions, share lived realities and reveal why intersex issues are central to human rights,...
What do LGBTQ+ movements miss when intersex voices are absent? More than most realize.
This dynamic session brings together intersex activists from 6 continents to challenge assumptions, share lived realities and reveal why intersex issues are central to human rights, bodily autonomy, and inclusion. Through powerful storytelling, myth-busting and live polling, participants will confront common misconceptions and gain practical insight for stronger advocacy. The Missing Piece is not just a title—it’s a truth: intersex voices strengthen the entire LGBTQ+ community, making it more accurate, inclusive, and effective. Come curious, leave transformed and better equipped to act.
Ramses Underhill SmithLGBTQI+ elders across continents face critical, often overlooked challenges as they age. What happens when the veterans who fought for our rights are required to go back in the closet once they require elderly care? From social isolation to discrimination in...
LGBTQI+ elders across continents face critical, often overlooked challenges as they age. What happens when the veterans who fought for our rights are required to go back in the closet once they require elderly care?
From social isolation to discrimination in healthcare, senior housing, and a lack of culturally competent services: this session brings together speakers from the UK, Venezuela, USA, and the Netherlands to address these global issues. The panel will highlight innovative senior housing initiatives, 'Pink Passkey Certification for Elderly Care Facilities', and needs for policy changes to ensure that dignity, safety, and full inclusion for LGBTQI+ seniors worldwide does not get lost in ageing homes, senior housing, and elderly care.
Janice Tjon Sien Kie
Horim Yi
Enkhmaa Enkhbold
Ying Xin
Yanzi PengThis session explores global strategies for advancing LGBTQ+ rights. Janice Tjon Sien Kie opens with a keynote on strategic litigation that secured marriage equality across the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including Curaçao and Aruba. Dr. Masuma Shahid analyzes European and American court...
This session explores global strategies for advancing LGBTQ+ rights.
- Janice Tjon Sien Kie opens with a keynote on strategic litigation that secured marriage equality across the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including Curaçao and Aruba.
- Dr. Masuma Shahid analyzes European and American court cases.
- Ying Xin, Horim Yi, Yanzi Peng, Eenkhma and Napphat Kruttai (activists from China, South Korea, Mongolia, and Thailand) share their regional strategies and achievements in a panel, with Thailand highlighting its historic 2025 law.
The session concludes with all activists responding, synthesizing how advocacy, litigation, and cross-regional collaboration can drive the global movement for marriage equality forward
International coalitions and multilateral mechanisms—such as the Equal Rights Coalition, the UN Human Rights Council, treaty bodies, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), and regional human rights systems—have become important arenas to promote equal rights and counter backlash. States, independent experts...
International coalitions and multilateral mechanisms—such as the Equal Rights Coalition, the UN Human Rights Council, treaty bodies, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), and regional human rights systems—have become important arenas to promote equal rights and counter backlash. States, independent experts and civil society are drawing on a range of diplomatic tools to this end, including cross‑regional joint statements, SOGIESC‑inclusive language in resolutions, LGBTIQ+ focal points and groups of friends, inclusive development cooperation and financial support, human‑rights provisions in trade agreements, and quiet diplomacy alongside public advocacy.
Coffee and tea break
Award ceremony recognizing the extraordinary endeavours of people around the world making significant contributions to LGBTIQ+ equality. The international pride awards seeks to shine a light on the work of brave and visionary equality heroes, to tell their stories, and to inspire...
Award ceremony recognizing the extraordinary endeavours of people around the world making significant contributions to LGBTIQ+ equality.
The international pride awards seeks to shine a light on the work of brave and visionary equality heroes, to tell their stories, and to inspire more people to advocate for equality.
Plenary closing
Networking drinks
Registration, coffee and tea
Information market, stand up talks, poster wall
Religious Pride: A day of interfaith dialogue on LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, exploring themes of representation, visibility, and acceptance across Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, and Islamic traditions. The programme opens with welcome remarks and an academic keynote, setting the stage for panels on...
Religious Pride: A day of interfaith dialogue on LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, exploring themes of representation, visibility, and acceptance across Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, and Islamic traditions. The programme opens with welcome remarks and an academic keynote, setting the stage for panels on structural barriers and inclusion. Following sessions delve into LGBTQIA+ inclusivity across four faiths, while the Rainbow Index presentation benchmarks progress. Through dialogue, it fosters understanding, shares best practices, and strengthens efforts to advance rights, recognition, and belonging in religious contexts globally, concluding with reflections on insights and commitments.
Diogo Vieira da Silva
Masuma ShahidAs LGBTQIA+ communities, we face growing digital hostility, misinformation, disinformation and other harmful forms of manipulated content. This session explores technology's complex impact on LGBTQIA+ communities through three expert presentations. Masuma Shahid analyzes how AI reinforces biases, creates discrimination, and leads...
As LGBTQIA+ communities, we face growing digital hostility, misinformation, disinformation and other harmful forms of manipulated content. This session explores technology's complex impact on LGBTQIA+ communities through three expert presentations.
- Masuma Shahid analyzes how AI reinforces biases, creates discrimination, and leads to harm, while proposing ethics frameworks to empower LGBTQIA+ individuals.
- Dragana Todorovic exposes tech-facilitated violence against LBTQ+ women, revealing how misogyny and LBTQ-phobia drive online harassment, surveillance, doxxing, and coordinated abuse campaigns.
- Diogo Vieira da Silva provides a framework for responding to digital hostility, exploring how manipulated content circulates and can be countered.
This Outright International workshop frames the global rise of anti-trans laws in 16+ countries (including bans on gender-affirming care and the 2026 UN CSW gender definition attempt) as a direct attack on LGBTQ+ cultural identity and historical narratives. These policies reflect...
This Outright International workshop frames the global rise of anti-trans laws in 16+ countries (including bans on gender-affirming care and the 2026 UN CSW gender definition attempt) as a direct attack on LGBTQ+ cultural identity and historical narratives.
These policies reflect an authoritarian playbook seeking to erase diverse gender expressions from public life and collective memory. The session features a panel with activists and academics, breakout groups to analyze cultural erasure tactics, and strategy development. Participants will explore protecting heritage, analyzing authoritarian threats to identity, and practicing counter-narratives to preserve LGBTQ+ cultural legacy.
A high-level discussion on the historical and contemporary role of trade unions in advancing LGBTQIA+ and human rights globally. As the Rainbow Network of the Dutch Trade Union (FNV) marks its 40th anniversary this year, the panel will reflect on...
A high-level discussion on the historical and contemporary role of trade unions in advancing LGBTQIA+ and human rights globally. As the Rainbow Network of the Dutch Trade Union (FNV) marks its 40th anniversary this year, the panel will reflect on the long-standing connection between labour movements and LGBTQIA+ organising, highlighting the unions' role in advancing inclusion and rights. At the same time the discussion examines how labour movements can evolve to meet today's realities, including protecting rights in times of democratic backsliding, strengthening broader social justice coalitions, and building solidarity across movements. The panel also explores how trade unions can contribute to progress on equality and human rights.
Sithembiso Gongqa
Ms. Joey Joleen MataeleAfrican, Caribbean, and Pacific spiritual traditions have long understood gender and expressions beyond binaries. This session explores how pre-colonial spiritual practices affirmed diverse roles and expressions, and how contemporary healing ceremonies continue this legacy. Through dialogue, and shared wisdom, we’ll...
African, Caribbean, and Pacific spiritual traditions have long understood gender and expressions beyond binaries. This session explores how pre-colonial spiritual practices affirmed diverse roles and expressions, and how contemporary healing ceremonies continue this legacy. Through dialogue, and shared wisdom, we’ll examine the beauty of the sacred, and the power of rituals. Oral legends that can offer frameworks for inclusion, resilience, and community well-being.
Participants will leave informed and empowered on how reclaiming spiritual heritage can show a path for all religious forms worldwide—from divine androgyny to third-gender deities—and include queerness as tool for spiritual healing, wholeness, and collective liberation.
Rev. Alexander Noordijk
Rev. Jide Macaulay
Josie Peres
Ms Sharon "Rocky" RoggioStories shape belief. Belief shapes culture. Culture shapes people’s lives. This panel explores how faith, sexuality, and identity narratives influence LGBTQIA+ rights and can be reclaimed. Drawing from 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture, Sharon “Rocky” Roggio and Josie Peres convene Rev....
Stories shape belief. Belief shapes culture. Culture shapes people’s lives.
This panel explores how faith, sexuality, and identity narratives influence LGBTQIA+ rights and can be reclaimed. Drawing from 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture, Sharon “Rocky” Roggio and Josie Peres convene Rev. Jide Macaulay and Alexander Noordijk to examine who shapes these narratives, their impact, and what becomes possible when challenged toward dignity, inclusion, and human rights for activists, faith leaders, and communities worldwide.
Maria SjodinThis panel will look at the instruments available to international institutions, such as the UN, EU, Council of Europe and OAS, to help set an inclusive agenda and promote human rights. Speakers will highlight the institutional role in standard setting,...
This panel will look at the instruments available to international institutions, such as the UN, EU, Council of Europe and OAS, to help set an inclusive agenda and promote human rights. Speakers will highlight the institutional role in standard setting, monitoring and technical assistance, as well as major policy documents such as the European Commissoin’s LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026-2030.
LGBTQI+ rights advocacy directly enhances community health and wellbeing. This session highlights concrete, community-driven examples of successful strategies linking health outcomes to the need to improve LGBTQI+ rights. We discuss with experts from the field what are key factors for effective...
LGBTQI+ rights advocacy directly enhances community health and wellbeing.
This session highlights concrete, community-driven examples of successful strategies linking health outcomes to the need to improve LGBTQI+ rights. We discuss with experts from the field what are key factors for effective interventions, and how to call on decision-makers to invest in inclusive, rights-based health programs.
Lastly, when advocating for health rights, how do we protect our own health and wellbeing
Olena Shevchenko
Anna Berbers
Charlene LiuThis session brings together three critical examinations of the complex dynamics between LGBTQ+ movements and corporate/institutional support. Olena Shevchenko explores how international funding structures can unintentionally weaken civil society by creating dependency, competition, and mission drift. Charlene Liu and Raymond Phang evaluate...
This session brings together three critical examinations of the complex dynamics between LGBTQ+ movements and corporate/institutional support.
- Olena Shevchenko explores how international funding structures can unintentionally weaken civil society by creating dependency, competition, and mission drift.
- Charlene Liu and Raymond Phang evaluate whether Asian workplace LGBTQ+ policies offer genuine support or merely performative allyship.
- Anna Berbers investigates Pride organizers' tensions between protest legitimacy and corporate sponsorship, and the shift from pinkwashing to pinkhushing, where corporations scale back LGBTQIA+ support to avoid backlash.
Together, this session aims to explore how to navigate complex financial necesities.
Coffee and tea break
Craig KonnothThis session delves into the challenges of banning conversion therapy and explores actionable steps to move forward. It examines the issue through both a legal and advocacy lens in achieving implementation that protects all. Additionally, the asexual community reveals through...
This session delves into the challenges of banning conversion therapy and explores actionable steps to move forward. It examines the issue through both a legal and advocacy lens in achieving implementation that protects all. Additionally, the asexual community reveals through presentation how current legal frameworks often fail to protect asexual individuals, leaving them vulnerable. Together, the speakers aim to clarify the barriers to comprehensive legislation, exposing the gaps and obstacles that currently prevent effective protection. Ultimately, they unite around a shared goal: establishing a functional and legally robust ban that safeguards all individuals at risk of exposure to harmful conversion practices.
Aaron Pollard
Lily Alexandre
Yaël Pool
Unoma Azuah
Prince FrimpongAcross the Global South, queer storytellers create under censorship. Thanks to smartphones, queer activists now have unprecedented film-production access through devices they already own. No longer limited by expensive equipment, refugees, migrants, and diaspora filmmakers transform written texts and lived...
Across the Global South, queer storytellers create under censorship. Thanks to smartphones, queer activists now have unprecedented film-production access through devices they already own. No longer limited by expensive equipment, refugees, migrants, and diaspora filmmakers transform written texts and lived experiences into compelling short films. 75 SHOTS Pocket Cinema will showcase footage from a workshop they organized earlier that week through a Pride Empowerment Fund. Their co-created stories unite often unseen queer communities, proving storytelling power now fits in your palm—ready to challenge censorship and demand global visibility.
Michel Mau
Numan Afifi
Edric Huang
Dorian BurèsDigital platforms can improve LGBTQI+ health and wellbeing, from algorithmic influence to community-led innovation. This session features PlaySafe, TestXXX, RITA (Report IT Always), and Grindr for Equality, exploring how digital spaces can restore informed consent, drive HIV prevention and rights...
Digital platforms can improve LGBTQI+ health and wellbeing, from algorithmic influence to community-led innovation. This session features PlaySafe, TestXXX, RITA (Report IT Always), and Grindr for Equality, exploring how digital spaces can restore informed consent, drive HIV prevention and rights monitoring through frameworks like CODE Strategies, make unsafety visible via the Report IT Always campaign, and build trusted sexual health tools. Speakers share insights on e-prevention, community co-designed solutions for PrEP and testing, performance-based reporting, and user-centered design based on 18,000 community members’ needs to create safer digital environments.
This panel brings together LGBTQIA+ trade union activists and organisers from Argentina, thePhilippines, Sri Lanka, Saint Lucia, and Zimbabwe to share their experiences of advancinginclusion in workplaces, trade unions, and wider society across different cultural, political, andsocial contexts. Through personal...
This panel brings together LGBTQIA+ trade union activists and organisers from Argentina, the
Philippines, Sri Lanka, Saint Lucia, and Zimbabwe to share their experiences of advancing
inclusion in workplaces, trade unions, and wider society across different cultural, political, and
social contexts. Through personal stories, practical examples, and lessons learned, the
discussion will offer insight into both the opportunities and challenges of LGBTQIA+ organising,
while recognising that the role and position of trade unions differs significantly across regions.
The session highlights the importance of mutual learning, cross-border solidarity, and supporting those working to create safer and more LGBTQIA+inclusive workplace environments.
Tomás Drouin
Ivan DimovQueer economic power is movement power. In a world where philanthropic funding leaves LGBTQI+ organizations vulnerable to political shifts, this session explores queer entrepreneurship, and LGBTQI+ economic incubators as the path to independence. How do we turn economic contribution into...
Queer economic power is movement power. In a world where philanthropic funding leaves LGBTQI+ organizations vulnerable to political shifts, this session explores queer entrepreneurship, and LGBTQI+ economic incubators as the path to independence. How do we turn economic contribution into unshakable power? Featuring founders of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ social enterprise (Sofia) and a trans-led incubator (Lisbon), alongside StartOut (USA), PLUS Network (South Africa), and Dutch New Narrative Lab (Netherlands), we’ll use live polling to surface challenges and strategies for building economic power that sustains our movement beyond grants.
This panel will look at the global pushback against LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion, identifying the causes of this political tide, and what political leaders need to do to protect LGBTQIA+ people from further persecution. Legislators will share political strategies to...
This panel will look at the global pushback against LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion, identifying the causes of this political tide, and what political leaders need to do to protect LGBTQIA+ people from further persecution. Legislators will share political strategies to advance inclusive policies, examining the power of coalition-building and cross-party consensus, identify the most urgent political priorities to safeguard hard-won rights, and offer thoughts on the best path forward to stop the pushback and secure lasting equality.
Networking lunch
Ludovic-Mohamed ZahedFor centuries, religious communities have been a source of support, yet LGBTQI+ people can face exclusion from spiritual care and community. Faith leaders—especially those who are LGBTQI+ themselves—hold unique power to drive change, fighting for inclusion of the very communities...
For centuries, religious communities have been a source of support, yet LGBTQI+ people can face exclusion from spiritual care and community. Faith leaders—especially those who are LGBTQI+ themselves—hold unique power to drive change, fighting for inclusion of the very communities they belong to.
In this session, Imam Ludovic-Mohamed Zahed, Rabbi Reuben Zellman, and Reverend Jide Macauley will discuss their work advancing LGBTQI+ rights within their faiths. They will share how they navigate tradition and progress, challenge norms, and foster acceptance, while addressing their personal challenges, the impact of their advocacy, and their ongoing efforts to ensure no one is left behind.
Mr Alex GreenwichLGBTIQ+ equality is often discussed at the national level, but many of the decisions that affect our daily lives are made much closer to home. Across countries around the world, mayors, city councils and regional leaders create more inclusive communities, improve services...
LGBTIQ+ equality is often discussed at the national level, but many of the decisions that affect our daily lives are made much closer to home. Across countries around the world, mayors, city councils and regional leaders create more inclusive communities, improve services and advance equal rights sometimes even when national governments are reluctant or negative to act.
This session brings together elected representatives to discuss how local and regional political leadership can drive meaningful change for LGBTIQ+ people. Through examples, practical experiences and policy insights, the participants will share what can be achieved at the local and/or regional level and how successful initiatives can inspire elsewhere.
kami chouhdry
Naphat Krutthai
Sanaya BalFrom Nepal to Peru, LGBTQI+ communities face unique mental health challenges, from stigma and criminalization to lack of support. This session brings together Sanaya Bal, Alex Hernandez, Naphat Krutthai, and Kami Chouhdry to share community-driven initiatives: Nepal’s resilience strategies, Peru’s...
From Nepal to Peru, LGBTQI+ communities face unique mental health challenges, from stigma and criminalization to lack of support. This session brings together Sanaya Bal, Alex Hernandez, Naphat Krutthai, and Kami Chouhdry to share community-driven initiatives: Nepal’s resilience strategies, Peru’s affirmative care ecosystem serving 2,000 people with 500 trained professionals, Southeast Asia’s landmark CBO capacity report, and Pakistan’s safe spaces like Mehfooz Daira. They explore how evidence-based, culturally grounded approaches can shift systems, scale sustainably, and foster global solidarity in hostile contexts. Each presenter will share the situation in their setting, followed by a interactive panel discussion.
Diplomacy plays a crucial role in turning commitments on LGBTQI+ rights into action. The Equal Rights Coalition, a partnership of 44 governments and civil society organizations, works internationally to advance LGBTIQ+ rights. COC developed the ERC Toolkit for Diplomats, a...
Diplomacy plays a crucial role in turning commitments on LGBTQI+ rights into action. The Equal Rights Coalition, a partnership of 44 governments and civil society organizations, works internationally to advance LGBTIQ+ rights. COC developed the ERC Toolkit for Diplomats, a comprehensive resource offering practical, actionable guidance for engaging safely and effectively with LGBTIQ+ communities.
The toolkit is available in English, French, and Spanish, and is complemented by seven mini e-courses for broader uptake among ERC diplomats. This session explores how such tools can be applied in practice through real examples, lessons learned, and strategies to strengthen collaboration, trust, and impact in diverse political contexts.
LGBTQ+ communities transform historical oppression into lasting heritage. The session features: Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center co-founders on preserving the rebellion's legacy Examines 20th-century fascist persecution in Spain, Italy, Germany, and Argentina, and current efforts to memorialize victims And convenes global queer museum...
LGBTQ+ communities transform historical oppression into lasting heritage. The session features:
- Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center co-founders on preserving the rebellion's legacy
- Examines 20th-century fascist persecution in Spain, Italy, Germany, and Argentina, and current efforts to memorialize victims
- And convenes global queer museum leaders to discuss how institutions protect intersectional stories and create social impact.
Through presentation and dialogue, we ask: Who tells queer history? What must be preserved? How can museums and memorials turn sites of persecution into spaces of education, empowerment, and remembrance for future generations?
From SF and NY Prides to WorldPride
Matthew HartAt a moment when anti-gender movements are reshaping democratic institutions, civic space, and the rules governing public life worldwide, the global funding landscape for LGBTI communities is entering a period of acute contraction and strategic uncertainty. After more than a...
At a moment when anti-gender movements are reshaping democratic institutions, civic space, and the rules governing public life worldwide, the global funding landscape for LGBTI communities is entering a period of acute contraction and strategic uncertainty. After more than a decade of growth, global LGBTI funding declined for the first time in over ten years, representing a 5% decline overall. Despite modest increases in some regions, LGBTI communities still receive less than $0.33 of every $100 in global foundation giving. Meanwhile, anti-gender actors mobilize resources at unprecedented scale. This session brings together senior philanthropic leaders, intermediaries, and movement partners, to examine how donors respond or fail to respond.
Coffee and tea break
Micheal Ighodaro
Mathendu Muchoki
Godwin HarrisonAfrican queer histories have been erased by colonialism and conservatism, labeling queer identities and expressions as 'unafrican'. Through storytelling, film, archives, and cultural memory, rolemodels from across the continent and diaspora challenge narratives of erasure, restore ancestral identity, and celebrate...
African queer histories have been erased by colonialism and conservatism, labeling queer identities and expressions as 'unafrican'. Through storytelling, film, archives, and cultural memory, rolemodels from across the continent and diaspora challenge narratives of erasure, restore ancestral identity, and celebrate resilience. From queer royalty in royal households to fictional memory filling archival gaps, this session explores how reclaiming heritage fosters unity through collective dialogue. Together, history can be transformed towards a foundation for cultural pride, collective healing, and admiration for queer diversity from the Mother Continent.
Marije Cornelissen
Pieter van Rooij
Patrick van der PasThis year we have a historical chance for Pride to be nominated as worldwide intangible heritage at UNESCO! For now, there is no recognised UNESCO cultural heritage related to the LGBTQIA+ community, but together we can change that. Heritage status will give Pride...
This year we have a historical chance for Pride to be nominated as worldwide intangible heritage at UNESCO! For now, there is no recognised UNESCO cultural heritage related to the LGBTQIA+ community, but together we can change that. Heritage status will give Pride recognition as cultural practice of the LGBTQIA+ community, and will help protect Prides in hostile political contexts. If we gain heritage status, other Prides in the world can join too and be better protected for the future. To achieve this worldwide status, we need to collect testimony of what Pride means to you. In this session, we will tell you all about the process and how you can contribute.
Kellison Benjamine Sackey
Mateo de la Torre
Gilbert Mitullah
Godfred Aboagye KuttinExploring how LGBTQI+ communities in the Global Majority build political power beyond traditional pathways, this session merges facilitated World Café dialogue with a Power Imbalance Hackathon. Participants from Africa, Asia, and Latin America—across persecuted and protected contexts—exchange strategies on electoral...
Exploring how LGBTQI+ communities in the Global Majority build political power beyond traditional pathways, this session merges facilitated World Café dialogue with a Power Imbalance Hackathon. Participants from Africa, Asia, and Latin America—across persecuted and protected contexts—exchange strategies on electoral engagement, movement-building, and solidarity, while addressing power imbalances. The session centers peer learning, challenges dominant narratives, and forges collective support, leaving participants with actionable insights and new connections.
Anna Paula Lima Botelho
Jeroen Eijkemans
Mir Tonnaer
Ronald PurmerThe Amsterdam Center for Sex Workers is organizing an interactive masterclass centering on LGBTQI+ sex workers. The session brings together sex workers, policymakers, and care professionals and focuses on themes such as rights, care, stigma, and expertise by experience. Through dialogue,...
The Amsterdam Center for Sex Workers is organizing an interactive masterclass centering on LGBTQI+ sex workers. The session brings together sex workers, policymakers, and care professionals and focuses on themes such as rights, care, stigma, and expertise by experience.
Through dialogue, storytelling, and knowledge sharing, the aim is to work towards empowerment, visibility, and more inclusive policies and services. The masterclass promotes international knowledge exchange and strengthens collaboration between the community and institutions.
Hon Daniel MolokeleThis panel will assess the current development landscape and the impact of scaled-back aid commitments on LGBTQIA+ programming, particularly in key areas such as education and public health. Experts will look at how shortfalls in funding can exacerbate inequalities, and...
This panel will assess the current development landscape and the impact of scaled-back aid commitments on LGBTQIA+ programming, particularly in key areas such as education and public health. Experts will look at how shortfalls in funding can exacerbate inequalities, and offer sustainable solutions that secure the health and happiness of marginalised communities.
Jose Manuel Rosas Vazquez
Javier Rodriguez NúñezAcross the globe, cities are on the frontlines of protecting and advancing LGBTIQ+ rights. While (inter)national frameworks provide essential structure, municipalities translate these commitments into tangible, lived realities through inclusive public services, anti-discrimination protections, safety measures, community funding, and visible...
Across the globe, cities are on the frontlines of protecting and advancing LGBTIQ+ rights. While (inter)national frameworks provide essential structure, municipalities translate these commitments into tangible, lived realities through inclusive public services, anti-discrimination protections, safety measures, community funding, and visible political leadership.
This panel brings together five member cities from the Rainbow Cities Network to showcase concrete municipal policy innovations that have measurably improved LGBTIQ+ lives, demonstrate the strategic role of local governments in navigating political polarization, and reinforce WorldPride as a unique space for policy leadership and peer learning.
Eric Ndawula
Christiana Gennata
Brand BerghouwerOur Stress Has A Name: Many LGBTIQ+ people carry an exhaustion that is hard to name: the cumulative weight of concealment, rejection, and navigating a world not built for them. For those from migrant or minority backgrounds, this weight is often...
Our Stress Has A Name:
Many LGBTIQ+ people carry an exhaustion that is hard to name: the cumulative weight of concealment, rejection, and navigating a world not built for them. For those from migrant or minority backgrounds, this weight is often doubled.
This session introduces minority stress and a psychoeducational toolkit designed for LGBTIQ+ people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Through a panel discussion, people from different parts of the world join as co-reflectors, exploring together whether these tools translate across cultures and what truly inclusive mental health support can look like.
Networking drinks
Information market, stand up talks, poster wall
Registration, coffee and tea
This program explores how inclusive leadership drives cultural transformation, strengthens organisational resilience, and unlocks the full potential of diverse talent—particularly during times of economic uncertainty, political pressure, and rapid societal change. The conference programme features a diverse array of keynote conversations, panels,...
This program explores how inclusive leadership drives cultural transformation, strengthens organisational resilience, and unlocks the full potential of diverse talent—particularly during times of economic uncertainty, political pressure, and rapid societal change.
The conference programme features a diverse array of keynote conversations, panels, Global Town Halls, and 10 breakout sessions designed to explore a wide range of topics, perspectives, and real-world challenges facing organisations today. These sessions create space for meaningful dialogue, practical learning, and the exchange of ideas that participants can bring directly back into their workplaces and communities.
The three Global Town Halls provide a platform for international perspectives and open exchange between regions, industries, and communities. They spotlight the realities of inclusion across different cultural and political landscapes, while encouraging collective learning and shared accountability.
At the centre of the programme is Voices of Inclusion—a powerful series of lived experiences and personal stories that bring authenticity and human connection into the conversation. These voices challenge assumptions, inspire reflection, and reinforce the importance of creating workplaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Several breakout sessions will focus specifically on tangible outcomes for businesses navigating challenging times. Participants will gain practical strategies, measurable approaches, and actionable insights to help organisations strengthen inclusive leadership, sustain employee engagement, and build resilient workplace cultures.
Throughout the conference, participants will explore:
• How inclusive leadership shapes decision-making at the highest levels
• Practical strategies to embed LGBTIQ+ inclusion across global workplaces
• The role of allyship, accountability, and intersectionality in leadership
• Real-world case studies
Workplace inclusion is no longer optional—it defines how organisations lead, innovate, and grow. As Workplace Pride marks its 20th anniversary, this international conference brings together global leaders, changemakers, and professionals to explore what it truly means to lead with inclusion in today’s complex and fast-changing world.
Few of us dreamed as children of being recognized by UN bodies or international LGBTQI+ movements. Yet life’s curveballs often lead us into advocacy. This dialogue explores the personal journeys of UN Pride Award winners, delving into the challenges they’ve overcome,...
Few of us dreamed as children of being recognized by UN bodies or international LGBTQI+ movements. Yet life’s curveballs often lead us into advocacy.
This dialogue explores the personal journeys of UN Pride Award winners, delving into the challenges they’ve overcome, the innovative strategies they’ve employed, and the transformative impact of their work on LGBTQI+ rights and governance globally. From grassroots movements to international policy influence, the winners will share experiences, lessons, and vision—offering unique insights into the power of recognition, strategies for systemic change, and practical ways to turn inspiration into action for a more inclusive, equitable, and just world.
Ms Eunice Chau
Mr. Raymond Phang
Saskia WieringaThis session spotlights the widening gap between visibility and vulnerability across Asia, where Pride movements navigate censorship, surveillance, or bans. From Hong Kong’s resilient IDAHOBIT+ spirit and PrideLab’s creative formats like rainbow picnics and artivism walks, to Indonesia’s rich yet...
This session spotlights the widening gap between visibility and vulnerability across Asia, where Pride movements navigate censorship, surveillance, or bans. From Hong Kong’s resilient IDAHOBIT+ spirit and PrideLab’s creative formats like rainbow picnics and artivism walks, to Indonesia’s rich yet suppressed history of gender diversity and postcolonial amnesia. Voices from organizations across Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and the diaspora share how they reclaim public spaces, shape narratives through stories, comics, podcasts, and film, and demand equitable representation on global stages.
Alma Aguilar Betancurt
Margriet van Heesch
Daniel Benitez-Posada
Obioma ChukwuikeFelix Giannerini
Kimberly Zieselman
Ms Rituparna BorahHow do patriarchal systems impact LGBTQI+ bodies? For many LGBTQI+ people, bodily integrity remains a distant reality. Forced childhood surgeries, conversion therapy, 'corrective' rape, forced medication, and honor-based violence are just some of the violences they endure. Systemic denial also takes...
How do patriarchal systems impact LGBTQI+ bodies?
For many LGBTQI+ people, bodily integrity remains a distant reality. Forced childhood surgeries, conversion therapy, 'corrective' rape, forced medication, and honor-based violence are just some of the violences they endure. Systemic denial also takes the form of inaccessible gender-affirming care, exclusion from sports, or reproductive services withheld without male consent.
This session exposes these enormous barriers and explores powerful, community-driven solutions to reclaim bodily autonomy and resist systemic attacks. With speakers representing intersex, transgender, and LBQ+ Activists from around the world, they unite in their fight to secure bodily autonomy for all.
Coffee and tea break
Lucas Paoli Itaborahy
Akira Nishiyama
Michael ArnaudLGBTQI+ community are impacted economically worldwide. This session start with a focus on poverty alleviation and human rights advocacy by presenting Micro Rainbow’s economic empowerment models from Brazil, the UK, and Cambodia—microenterprise support, tailored financial inclusion, and innovative safe housing—through...
LGBTQI+ community are impacted economically worldwide. This session start with a focus on poverty alleviation and human rights advocacy by presenting Micro Rainbow’s economic empowerment models from Brazil, the UK, and Cambodia—microenterprise support, tailored financial inclusion, and innovative safe housing—through success stories and data. Then, Pride7 discusses how their advocacy at G7 and G20 level can drive global economic wellbeing and poverty reduction through international policy coordination, financial commitments, and development initiatives. Together, these segments reveal the intersection of economic empowerment and policy advocacy in advancing LGBTIQ+ justice.
Mr Thomars Shamuyarira
Basel Abou HamrahAcross the world, rising anti-LGBTQI+ criminalization, violence, and persecution are forcing more people to flee their homes. At the same time, access to asylum and protection is becoming more restricted, leaving many LGBTQI+ people with fewer pathways to safety. This...
Across the world, rising anti-LGBTQI+ criminalization, violence, and persecution are forcing more people to flee their homes. At the same time, access to asylum and protection is becoming more restricted, leaving many LGBTQI+ people with fewer pathways to safety. This session asks: What is changing? What are policymakers, advocates, and humanitarian protection actors missing? And what solutions are working? Join Rainbow Railroad alongside global partners for a timely discussion on the realities driving queer forced displacement and the growing movement for queer-led protection. The session will also spotlight the recently launched Queer Forced Displacement Network and its emerging vision for collective advocacy and durable solutions.
Jarko De Witte van Leeuwen
Suleiya AbdillahArtivism—where art meets activism—is a powerful tool for LGBTQI+ advocacy, resistance, liberation, and visibility. This session features Cynthia Bhuyan presenting a collective work from a Bangladeshi Artivism Project, supporting queer youth living with HIV and stigma through collaborative art. Sharan Bala...
Artivism—where art meets activism—is a powerful tool for LGBTQI+ advocacy, resistance, liberation, and visibility.
This session features Cynthia Bhuyan presenting a collective work from a Bangladeshi Artivism Project, supporting queer youth living with HIV and stigma through collaborative art. Sharan Bala discusses how creative expression challenges intersex stigma, medicalization, and erasure through visual art and storytelling. Jarko De Witte van Leeuwen shares on his The Growing Wall of Love, often exhibited in churches, uniting 3,300+ people from 94 countries in a message of safety, equality, and visibility. Suleiya Abdi shares how music becomes a safe space for sharing lived experiences.
Through their works, art becomes an act of change
Averaii Dirks
Jahnell Butler
Sage Elle Hapke
Jazzelle BonillaThis session explores how community-driven shelters and support services—rooted in lived experience—offer culturally attuned, accessible care, building trust, cultural relevance, and adaptability—often missing in institutional services. Institutional services often fail to connect due to bureaucratic structures, lack of cultural competency,...
This session explores how community-driven shelters and support services—rooted in lived experience—offer culturally attuned, accessible care, building trust, cultural relevance, and adaptability—often missing in institutional services. Institutional services often fail to connect due to bureaucratic structures, lack of cultural competency, and distance from lived realities, resulting in gaps in responsiveness, dignity, and tailored support. We’ll highlight models centering autonomy, collective decision-making, solidarity, addressing these gaps. Join to share and learn from grassroots initiatives prioritizing sustainability, self-determination, community empowerment.
Networking lunch
Sport is a human right under threat by IOC plans for genetic testing and athlete bans. This 75-minute session from a global sport coalition (including the Sport & Rights Alliance, Federation of Gay Games, and the European Gay & Lesbian...
Sport is a human right under threat by IOC plans for genetic testing and athlete bans. This 75-minute session from a global sport coalition (including the Sport & Rights Alliance, Federation of Gay Games, and the European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation) offers a roadmap to resist institutional exclusion. The session focuses on defending bodily autonomy against "genetic policing", aligning sport with UN privacy standards, and launch a "Declaration on Bodily Autonomy" to unify pressure on international bodies.
Essy AdhiamboTransitions in activism are inevitable, but why do older activists feel pushed out while younger ones feel stuck—sometimes because elders aren’t leaving? This session explores intergenerational grace, arguing both generations can coexist, learn, and build powerful movements without choosing either/or. We...
Transitions in activism are inevitable, but why do older activists feel pushed out while younger ones feel stuck—sometimes because elders aren’t leaving? This session explores intergenerational grace, arguing both generations can coexist, learn, and build powerful movements without choosing either/or.
We discuss extending grace to founders transitioning out: how to support them, plan for succession, acknowledge burnout, and recognize older activists may lack time or compensation to mentor. The session opens with a 20-min presentation on Intergenerational Grace, followed by conversations with three intergenerational duos.
Coffee and tea break
Grand final closing - Hosts, key-note speakers and acts disclosed soon. Brace yourself for surprises!
ANNA BERBERS
Dr.
RAYMOND PHANG
Co-founder
MMAPASEKA STEVE LETSIKE
Deputy Minister
KELLISON BENJAMINE SACKEY
Executive Director
GODFRED ABOAGYE KUTTIN
Co-Executive Director
GIFT TRAPENCE
Executive Director
LODEWIJK WIGERSMA
chair
GODWIN HARRISON
Creative Director/Founder
SITHEMBISO GONGQA
Founder/Executive Director
PRINCE FRIMPONG
Co-Executive Director
JEAN CHONG
Executive Director
OBIOMA CHUKWUIKE
Executive Director
KIMBERLY ZIESELMAN
Senior Advisor Global Intersex Rights
RITUPARNA BORAH
Director
YANNA PARNIN
head of SOGIESC Unit
MARIA SJODIN
Executive Director
JANICE TJON SIEN KIE
Founder
NAPHAT KRUTTHAI
SOGIESC Inclusion and Corporate Engagement oficer
ALEX HERNANDEZ
Executive Director
JAVIER RODRIGUEZ NÚÑEZ
Commisioner
EDRIC HUANG
Senior Manager, Grindr for Equality
THOMARS SHAMUYARIRA
Founder and Director
BASEL ABOU HAMRAH
Rainbow Refuge Team
EUNICE CHAU
Programme Manager (Gender Education and Advocacy)
ALEX GREENWICH
Member of Parliament
MEREL RITSMA
Board Member
DANIEL MOLOKELE
Hon MP
SHARON "ROCKY" ROGGIO
Director / Producer
DIOGO VIEIRA DA SILVA
Coordenator
DRAGANA TODOROVIC
Executive Director
SULEIYA ABDILLAH
Executive Director
REUBEN ZELLMAN
Rabbi
LILY ALEXANDRE
Founder
YAËL POOL
Founder
VENUS AVES
Communications
AKIRA NISHIYAMA
Counsellor/Global Advocacy Officer
CLAIRE FLETCHER
Policy Manager
JUDITH THIELEN
State Secretary
MICHA RAMAKERS
Deputy Head of Unit