InterPride

InterPride is a global federation of Pride parade organizers, founded in 1982 by Bill Kraus, Allen Speer, and Rick Stokes, with the goal of promoting LGBTQ+ rights and supporting Pride events worldwide, in collaboration with organizations like the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association and the Human Rights Campaign. InterPride works closely with GLAAD, the Trevor Project, and PFLAG to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, including those in countries with restrictive laws, such as Russia and Iran. The organization has been involved in various international events, including the EuroPride and WorldPride celebrations, which have been hosted in cities like London, Paris, and New York City.

History of InterPride

The history of InterPride dates back to 1982, when a group of LGBTQ+ activists, including Harvey Milk's friends and allies, came together to form an international network of Pride organizers, inspired by the Stonewall riots and the work of Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. Since its inception, InterPride has worked with organizations like the National Center for Lesbian Rights and the Lambda Legal to promote LGBTQ+ rights and support Pride events in countries like Canada, Australia, and Germany. InterPride has also collaborated with UNESCO, the European Union, and the Council of Europe to advance human rights and promote diversity and inclusion, as seen in the work of Malala Yousafzai and Nelson Mandela. The organization has been involved in various international campaigns, including the It Gets Better Project and the NOH8 Campaign, which have been supported by celebrities like Lady Gaga and Elton John.

Organization and Structure

InterPride is a non-profit organization with a global membership, comprising Pride committees and LGBTQ+ organizations from over 60 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa. The organization is governed by a board of directors, which includes representatives from The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, the Human Rights Campaign, and the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association. InterPride has a secretariat, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization, and is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with partnerships with organizations like the National LGBTQ Task Force and the AIDS Memorial Quilt. The organization also has regional committees, which coordinate Pride events and advocacy campaigns in different parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Membership and Affiliates

InterPride has a diverse membership, comprising Pride committees, LGBTQ+ organizations, and human rights groups from around the world, including Amnesty International, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the United Nations Development Programme. The organization's members include Pride Toronto, Sydney Mardi Gras, and London Pride, as well as LGBTQ+ organizations like the Gay and Lesbian Association of Kenya and the LGBTQ+ Rights Committee of the Israeli Knesset. InterPride also has affiliates, which include regional Pride networks and international human rights organizations, such as the European Pride Organisers Association and the International Federation for Human Rights. The organization works closely with UN agencies, like the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the World Health Organization, to promote human rights and public health.

Annual Conferences and Events

InterPride hosts an annual conference, which brings together Pride organizers and LGBTQ+ activists from around the world to share best practices, discuss human rights issues, and plan international campaigns, in collaboration with organizations like the Global Equality Fund and the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute. The conference features workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from prominent LGBTQ+ leaders, including Chad Griffin, Sarah Kate Ellis, and Phyllis Lyon. InterPride also participates in international events, like the World Pride celebration, which is hosted in a different city each year, and has been held in cities like Jerusalem, Madrid, and Copenhagen. The organization works with local Pride committees to promote Pride events and LGBTQ+ rights in countries like China, India, and Nigeria.

Advocacy and Human Rights Work

InterPride is committed to promoting LGBTQ+ rights and human rights around the world, in partnership with organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union, the Human Rights Watch, and the International Commission of Jurists. The organization works with UN agencies, like the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Development Programme, to advance human rights and sustainable development goals. InterPride also collaborates with regional human rights organizations, like the European Court of Human Rights and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, to promote LGBTQ+ rights and human rights in different regions, including Europe, Africa, and Asia. The organization supports LGBTQ+ activists and human rights defenders in countries with restrictive laws, like Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, and works with international organizations, like the International Rescue Committee and the Refugee Council USA, to provide support to LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers.