In this episode, Senior Communications Manager Daina, speaks with OutRight's Caribbean Program Officer Neish McLean about his race against time as borders shut down while trying to get home.

06 April 2020

OutRight Action International announces the launch of a new initiative - OutRight TV - a video and podcast series bringing to light stories of LGBTIQ people and allies from across the globe, and how they are coping in light of the growing COVID-19 pandemic.

During times of crisis vulnerable communities become even more vulnerable. LGBTIQ people already experience barriers to access to health, high levels of domestic and family violence, and scapegoating for crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the current circumstances LGBTIQ people are also cut off from community centers and events where we can be ourselves, feel supported, and safe. OutRight TV features informal conversations about the experiences, feelings, challenges, anxieties, coping mechanisms and hopes that LGBTIQ people and allies are experiencing at this time.

Jessica Stern, Executive Director of OutRight Action International, comments:

“Through OutRight TV we aim to foster connectivity between the global LGBTIQ community at a time of increasing social distancing and isolation. Through informal conversations the initiative will shed light on the amplified ways in which COVID-19 and its impact affects LGBTIQ people and communities, especially in light of the current inability to connect with our communities and support mechanisms in person, and the coping tactics LGBTIQ individuals are employing. I expect that we will hear unique and inspiring stories, as well as find common experiences and sources of solidarity as the world faces this global pandemic together.”

OutRight TV features LGBTIQ people and allies from around the world, interviewed via Zoom remote conferencing tool by, and including interviews with, OutRight’s staff members. The featured video and audio episodes are unedited. The first episode aired on April 2, 2020. New episodes will be available to stream via video on our YouTube channel, or audio on SoundCloud on a daily basis.

For more information, and to see current episodes, visit our website.

Media Contact: Daina Ruduša, commsteam@outrightinternational.org, +1 (917) 622-1865