Deadline: June 30, 2025, at Midnight New York Time
Outright International works with partners around the globe to strengthen the LGBTIQ human rights movement, document and amplify human rights violations against LGBTIQ people, and advocate for inclusion and equality. Founded in 1990, Outright works with civil society organizations, the United Nations, regional human rights monitoring bodies, governments, humanitarian and development institutions, and philanthropic and corporate partners to create lasting change. With staff in more than fifteen countries, Outright holds consultative status at the United Nations, where it serves as the secretariat of the UN LGBTI Core Group.
Introduction
We Connect is a global virtual learning and mentorship program designed to support lesbian, bisexual, queer, trans, intersex, and nonbinary advocates, particularly from the Global South and East. Building on the experience of the LBQ Connect program, this initiative aims to strengthen the participants’ skills centering an intergenerational, feminist, and intersectional approach to leadership and movement building. Participants will benefit from tailored learning opportunities based on their particular identity or lived experience, will be supported by strong and experienced mentors, and will have access to international advocacy opportunities. We Connect will create spaces for learning and solidarity across identities and experiences, while recognizing and addressing the specific needs of each community.
Who is Eligible?
We welcome applications from emerging advocates organizing and working on issues affecting lesbian, bisexual, and queer women, as well as trans, intersex, and nonbinary people around the world, with a focus on the Global South and East.
What Does We Connect Offer?
Participants will gain access to a learning and mentorship program, as well as international advocacy opportunities, all conducted in both English and Spanish. The program will start in September 2025 and end in June 2026. Here are more details on the structure and content:
Learning Program
- Monthly learning sessions for all participants will be designed based on a learning needs assessment conducted before the start of the program. The sessions will include topics such as advocacy, fundraising, organizational development, and narrative framing.
- Specific learning tailored to address unique needs based on identity and lived experience.
- Continuous peer learning through facilitated regional and community spaces.
Mentorship Program
- Monthly meetings with mentors selected among experienced activists with similar identities and/or lived experiences and skills matching participants’ learning goals.
- Structured mentorship guidelines and an optional mentorship workbook.
- Community Building & Networking Monthly regional meetings.
- Small group connecting spaces based on lived experience, identity, and/or
common interests. - An online platform for the cohort to share reflections and connect.
- Opening and closing virtual networking events and community-organized
events.
Advocacy
- Contingent on funding availability, some participants will have the opportunity to participate in Outright’s annual Advocacy Week in New York, which will be in parallel with the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
- Contingent on funding availability, some participants will have the opportunity to participate in other international and regional advocacy activities in person or online.
What’s Expected from Participants?
Participants are expected to actively engage from September 2025 through June 2026. During this period, participants are expected to remotely join at least:
- 1 learning session per month.
- 1 regional networking meeting per month.
- 1 learning session per month.
Do you want to be part of the We Connect cohort?
Apply here before June 30, 2025, at midnight EST (find your time here).
Do you have any questions?
If you want to know more about the program, register to attend the Intro Session on June 12, 2025, at 9 am EST (New York time). The session will be held in English and Spanish. Registration link: If you have inquiries regarding the program, please do not hesitate to email us weconnect@outrightinternational.org
