Advancing LGBTQIA+ Rights via U.S. Foreign Policy

Please join the CSIS Human Rights Initiative and Diversity and Leadership in International Affairs Project for a discussion with senior U.S. government officials and civil society representatives on the protection and promotion of the rights of LGBTQIA+ people around the world.

In April 2022, the U.S. government issued its first public annual report on efforts by agencies to advance the rights of LGBTQIA+ persons as part of the administration’s foreign policy agenda, including the work of LGBTQIA+ persons as part of the administration’s foreign policy agenda, including the work of several departments and agencies departments and agencies. In this panel discussion, U.S. Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of LGBTQIA+ People Jessica Stern and USAID Senior LGBTQI+ Coordinator Jay Gilliam will speak to this important work, as well as next steps, moving from stock-taking to future strategy. They will be joined by Dr. Chloe Schwenke, President and Founder of the Center for Values in International Development, and Stephen Chukwumah, Policy Advocate at the Council for Global Equality, in a discussion moderated by CSIS Deputy Director for Diversity and Leadership in International Affairs Hadeil Ali. CSIS Human Rights Initiative Director & Khosravi Chair in Principled Internationalism, Marti Flacks, will provide opening remarks.  

This event is made possible by general support to CSIS. We appreciate the support of the CSIS LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group in organizing this event.