Cape Town, South Africa - The first-ever International Pride Awards today honoured five remarkable advocates for LGBTIQ+ equality, celebrating them during a ceremony hosted by South African trans activist and artist Yaya Mavundla.
The initiative - a joint project by ILGA World and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - held its inaugural event during the 31st ILGA World Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, honouring the awardees in front of an audience of over 1,000 LGBTIQ+ human rights defenders and allies from around the globe, with additional participants joining online via a live stream. The event featured a live musical performance by South African musician Bongeziwe Mabandla.
These are the LGBTIQ+ equality heroes recognized at the inaugural International Pride Awards for their extraordinary contributions in five categories:
MOVEMENT BUILDING IN THE FACE OF HOSTILITY: Ruslan Savolainen
Ruslan has been involved in LGBTIQ+ activism in Russia for almost 20 years. After the LGBTIQ+ movement was designated as extremist and criminalized, he fled his country to be able to continue his work.
CELEBRATING DIVERSE LIVES: Immani Da Silva
Angolan writer, model, visual artist, actress, presenter and social activist, Immani uses her life experiences as a trans woman and public figure to raise awareness and foster understanding of LGBTIQ+ issues in Angolan society.
EMERGING LEADER: Aaditya Raj
From the intersections of his identity as an indigenous genderfluid man living with disabilities, he advocates for LGBTIQ+ people with disabilities, striving to raise awareness and create opportunities for them. He founded Rainbow Disability Nepal, the country's first charity dedicated to it.
LIFELONG PURSUIT OF EQUALITY: Sonia Corrêa
Involved in research and advocacy on gender equality, health and sexuality for 50 years, she co-chaired the drafting committee of the Yogyakarta Principles, an influential and pioneering overview of the application of international human rights law in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity. Since 2002, she has worked at the Brazilian Interdisciplinary Association for AIDS, where she co-chairs the Sexuality Policy Watch programme.
EXTRAORDINARY ALLY: Lize Ehlers
As the co-CEO of Drag Night Namibia, she uses art as a vehicle for advocacy and social change. She recently joined the Equal Namibia board of directors, fighting to end state-sanctioned homophobia and intersectional discrimination in Namibia.
The International Pride Awards celebrate the courage and impact of individuals worldwide who champion LGBTIQ+ equality, often at great personal risk. In its inaugural year, the awards received an overwhelming response, with nominations from 58 countries across all continents.
Jeffrey O'Malley, Senior Advisor on LGBTI Inclusion for Africa at UNDP, highlighted the impact of the awards, saying, "In a time of significant challenges and pushback, it is crucial to celebrate those who strive tirelessly for LGBTIQ+ equality and inspire others to take action towards an inclusive future."
Julia Ehrt, Executive Director of ILGA World, added, "These LGBTIQ+ equality heroes inspire us all with their courage and commitment. Through the International Pride Awards, we recognize all those who keep paving the way for a more equal world, reaffirming our dedication to a future where everyone can thrive free from fear and prejudice."
As LGBTIQ+ individuals continue to face severe discrimination, marginalization and violence worldwide, the International Pride Awards cast a spotlight on those leading the fight for equality and a fairer and more just world for all. Despite the ongoing criminalization of consensual same-sex relationships in 61 countries, with even the death penalty imposed in some cases, and few countries offering LGBTIQ+ people constitutional protections against discrimination, these honourees exemplify resilience and progress.
Visit the International Pride Awards website
