WASHINGTON D.C. — Alturi, a new non-profit organization devoted to elevating the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) community globally, launched publicly today and announced the selection of its founding boards of directors. U.S. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (D-CA), a member of the LGBT Equality Caucus, and U.S. Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI), who has introduced the Global Respect Act to protect the basic human rights of the international LGBTI community, expressed support for addressing LGBTI issues at the Capitol Hill press conference.
Alturi is an online platform that enables individuals from all walks of life to take a stand against the violence and discrimination confronting the international LGBTI community and provide direct help for LGBTI advocates around the world. With marriage equality secured at last in the United States, the LGBTI rights movement is turning its attention in new directions, and Alturi is committed to making the worldwide human rights of LGBTI people a priority.
“At this historic moment, Americans have the opportunity to learn about and support the people on the frontlines of the struggle for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people’s rights and dignity around the globe,” said Steve Roth, director and co-founder of Alturi. “Even as we celebrate marriage equality and other advances for the LGBTI community in the U.S., same-sex relations are still a crime in nearly 80 countries around the world, and even punishable by death in some. Our work is not complete. We must continue to fight for equality and respect for LGBTI people everywhere, and Alturi makes that possible.”
“In a time when countries like Russia outlaw an individual from being themselves, and promote fear and disinformation, we are at a crossroads at how to lead globally,” said Sanchez. “Organizations like Alturi and their partners are moving us forward. We must hold those countries accountable that resort to hatred and misinformation. We stand ready to work with you all.”
“I was delighted to join in today’s press conference to underscore the importance of addressing international LGBTI issues,” said Cicilline. “It’s critical that we continue to build momentum around efforts to guarantee respect for basic human rights of all people around the world, including members of the LGBTI community.”
“Grassroots organizing and online activism played a central role in shifting the entire debate about what equality means for the LGBT individuals across the county,” said Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI). “While we are still fighting issues like workplace discrimination here at home, I’m proud to see LGBT activists and organizations, like Alturi, now turn their energy to the struggles of the global LGBT community.”
Alturi is designed to help Americans learn about the issues facing LGBTI people around the world and take action in support of LGBTI advocates creating change worldwide. Alturi features real-life stories, accessible analysis, and a curated newsfeed to help visitors make sense of the issues affecting the lives of LGBTI people across the globe. The website also highlights international and U.S.-based organizations doing and funding cutting-edge advocacy abroad and enables donations to them, with 100 percent of contributions going directly to the recipient organizations.
Alturi draws inspiration from the lives and work of people like Angeline Jackson, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Quality of Citizenship Jamaica and a survivor of “corrective” rape who has become a leading voice for LGBTI rights—especially for women—in Jamaica. On his visit to Jamaica in April, President Obama recognized Jackson as a “remarkable young leader” who provides “an example of what is possible, even in the most difficult of circumstances.” Jackson is a member of Alturi’s Global Advisory Board.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of Alturi at its very founding,” said Jackson. “LGBTI people across the globe are fighting for our own survival and dignity in the face of extraordinary violence and oppression. Alturi promises to play a key role in the worldwide movement for LGBTI human rights for decades to come.”
Alturi is also pleased to welcome two volunteer boards of advisors: its Executive Board and its Global Advisory Board.
The Executive Board consists of leaders in communications, marketing, finance, and advocacy who are responsible for providing guidance on Alturi’s strategic direction and programs, securing funding, and serving as public champions of Alturi’s work. Its members are:
The Global Advisory Board is composed of human rights practitioners and leaders from around the world whose perspectives will inform Alturi’s global strategy, ensure accountability to international advocates and LGBTI people on the ground, and provide a voice for Alturi’s work. Its members are:
Angeline Jackson, Quality of Citizenship Jamaica
“We are privileged to have these leaders in advocacy, development, industry, and philanthropy at the table as we forge a path toward global LGBTI equality,” said Charlie Rounds, Alturi co-founder and senior advisor. “We welcome them, and you, to this new stage in our movement.”
For more detailed board member biographies, visit http://www.alturi.org/executive_board and http://www.alturi.org/global_advisory_board.
A fiscally sponsored project of Bolder Giving, Alturi is named for the gay World War II codebreaker Alan Turing, who was later persecuted by his own government for his sexual orientation. The name is a tribute to him, and to the idea that all LGBTI people worldwide deserve the opportunity to live to their full potential.
