Biden names OutRight’s Stern as US special envoy for LGBTQI rights

President Joe Biden announced on Friday that he would appoint Jessica Stern, longtime executive director of OutRight Action International, as the US special envoy on international LGBTQ rights.

The move means Stern is stepping down from the New York-based global LGBTQ rights agency, which she has headed since 2012.

Her new role will take her to the State Department, according to a White House statement. The special envoy will play an important role in the implementation of the presidential memorandum to promote the human rights of LGBTQI + people around the world, the government said.

Stern, a lesbian, will work to bring like-minded governments, civil society organizations, corporations and international organizations together to uphold dignity and equality for all.

In a June 25 OutRight press release, Stern praised the nonprofit.

“Serving as OutRight’s executive director has been an honor of a lifetime,” she said. “I can’t think of any other organization that has more integrity, more competent employees and more motivated board members, more valued partners, or more general impact. After 11 years at OutRight, the goodbye will be bittersweet, but I know the organization couldn’t. ” be stronger. “

Under Stern’s leadership, OutRight underwent a significant transformation and had a significant and lasting impact, the press release said. Stern expanded the organization to include a permanent presence at the United Nations, a Global Research Program, an Arabic Media Project, a Corporate Engagement Program and a Caribbean Program. In addition, Stern has created a training and advocacy program for LGBTIQ activists, Advocacy Week, which has become a model used worldwide.

Stern’s vision was for OutRight to help LGBTIQ movements accelerate their progress by focusing on research, resources and advocacy, the press release said. Guided by the belief that LGBTIQ movements need research to advocate for law and policy change, Stern led the publication of OutRight’s landmark global reports documenting the impact of COVID-19 on LGBTIQ people and the global reach of the so-called Exposing conversion therapy – practices aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity that are professionally rejected as pointless and harmful. Stern also focused on the underfunding of LGBTIQ movements and led OutRight to create new resources for LGBTIQ activists, organizations and allies on the front lines. During her tenure, OutRight helped build a dozen LGBTIQ organizations; trained over 1,000 LGBTIQ activists; and distributed millions in grants to LGBTIQ organizations, including creating the world’s largest LGBTIQ COVID-19 global relief fund that has raised more than $ 4 million in support of LGBTIQ communities in 80 countries.

Jennifer Pizer, the Law and Policy Director for the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, is co-chair of the OutRight Board of Directors.

“The United States comes from four years of unreliable foreign policy, distortions of international human rights standards, and the abandonment of LGBTIQ people domestically,” said Pizer. “In times like these, LGBTIQ communities in the United States and around the world need and deserve a clear-sighted human rights defender to wisely resurrect the US government that insists on full human rights for LGBTIQ people everywhere. Jessica is that person. No one works with deeper engagement, greater integrity, or more adept strategic vision for our global LGBTIQ family. We, who know Jessica’s talents best, know what an immense positive impact she can have. This is an exciting new day for our global movement. “

The White House stated that Stern at OutRight supports the legal registration of LGBTIQ organizations worldwide, secured the mandate of the United Nations Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, added gender identity to the UN General Assembly resolution and co-founded the LGBTI United Nations core group. She has provided expert opinions to governments around the world, regional human rights institutions, and UN mechanisms, including UN Women, where she serves on several governing bodies.

In its release, OutRight noted that it has long advocated the position of US special envoy on international LGBTQI rights. The special envoy, first held during the Obama administration by current Ambassador Randy Berry, is the highest-ranking State Department official who focuses on the full and equal inclusion of LGBTIQ rights in US foreign policy. OutRight pointed out the important message the Biden government is sending to counter the invisibility of lesbians by appointing a lesbian to this role.

“At a time when democratic institutions are being attacked by authoritarian forces and the dangerous anti-gender movement, LGBTIQ people around the world need the US to invest in stronger LGBTIQ movements everywhere. Like all government officials, OutRight will look forward to hosting the new special Envoy in Charge, “the agency said.

OutRight Board Co-Chair Aalap Shah stated that the organization is prepared for the leadership change.

“OutRight is now a formidable organization deeply attuned to the diverse needs of LGBTIQ people around the world,” said Shah. “We have a clear vision, solid programs, a competent deputy managing director, experienced employees and a strong board of directors. We will continue to fight as part of the global human rights movement. Nothing will stop us in our pursuit of human rights for LGBTIQ people everywhere. ”

Maria Sjödin is OutRight’s deputy managing director, who is expected to fill in during the transition period. Stern’s departure date has not yet been set.

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