International Human Rights Funders Group Semi-Annual Conference

The Sexual Health and Rights Project (SHARP), the Global Fund for Women, and the Channel Foundation worked in collaboration with the International Human Rights Funders Group (IHRFG) to organize and sponsor the closing plenary session of the IHRFG conference.

The session, entitled "Listen Up! Using Sexual Rights to Strengthen the Human Rights Movement," highlighted the challenges and successes of organizations and activists advocating for the human rights of sexual minorities in the United States, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Panelists presented donors with concrete examples and suggestions on why and how they can engage in advancing the rights of sexual minorities and, in turn, build a stronger human rights movement.

Moderated by Randall Miller of the Haas Jr. Fund, the session featured three guest panelists including: Anna Kirey, Executive Director of Kyrgz LGBT organization Labrys; Nadine Moawad, founder and coordinator of Meem-a lesbian community in Lebanon; and John Newsome of Public Equity Group.

In addition to the plenary session, SHARP facilitated the IHRFG Sexual Health and Rights Working Group session. The session focused on the economic crisis and how it has impacted the philanthropic community. Members agreed to utilize the next three months to proactively respond to the shrinking of available funding by identifying potentially useful tactics in maintaining sufficient support of the sexual health and rights movement.