Fellows’ International Connections

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Jan 29, 2018
by Nicole Bogart
Fellows’ International Connections

Salzburg Fellows on building connections and creating networks

The Salzburg Global LGBT Forum was formed in 2013 to establish a truly global space to reflect upon and advance LGBT and human rights discussions around the world. Its signature is the international representation of leaders from diverse fields – including human rights, legal, artistic and religious backgrounds. Through participation in the Forum, Fellows are encouraged to share their personal experiences and expertise of their local context, bringing these to a global audience – and to take these shared learnings back to their home communities.


“I believe one of the most important aspects of the Forum was that we were given a fantastic opportunity to network. I have now contacts to more or less every part of this world! In fact, Bisi [Alimi], from Nigeria, and I have discussed the possibility of establishing a West African support network. Obviously, this is not something that can be done overnight, but I am confident that we can create something good, one step at a time. Apart from that, we are looking into the option of an LGBT film festival, either here or in Nigeria, or maybe even both.”
Nana S. King, Project Manager, Deutsche Welle Akademie, Ghana

“When I came and saw the diverse nature of this Forum, and the diverse nature of the information coming in and the discussion, I got very interested, so I wanted to be part of it in the longer term… The Forum allowed me to highlight the advocacy work in my organization; to create networks in which we use for advocating our work. To add a voice to the general advocacy of LGBTI around rights in Uganda.”
Dennis Wamala, Director of Programs, Icebreakers Uganda

“When you bring so many diverse individuals together for a five-day period, how deep can your insights go? Quite significantly, as I found. I go back quite overwhelmed by the ideas I’ve picked up. To name a few: I realize how strongly I need to focus on evidence building vis-à-vis discrimination particularly when it comes to making an economic argument on exclusion. The radical possibilities of this argument have really opened up for me after the conversations we’ve had around it at Salzburg. I also see the need for broadening my activism to focus on solidarities across movements – discussions here have helped me think through how I can re-frame my positions in a manner to get more people on board. Finally, I must say I’m quite enchanted by the possibilities of using storytelling in my work in a more creative manner. I’ve also been gratified by seeing the manner in which academia can be integrated into activism, a personal ambition of mine which I now see new routes to achieving.” 
Danish Sheikh, Advocate & Researcher, Alternative Law Forum, India

“Apart from the high-estimated opportunity to spend time away from the daily work and routine, which actually works as a burn-out prevention mechanism, this Forum brought practical assistance to the activities that I implement within Russian LGBT Network. Several sections of the Forum were dedicated to the topic of LGBT allies. Within the mingles, we discussed approaches to attract new allies, different categories of the supporters or social groups that could be regarded as potential allies for the LGBT movement, and also how cooperation between the labor unions and LGBT movement is arranged (if any) in other countries. That helped me to generate new ideas for the future projects that focus on reciprocity development. I also had a chance to speak out on the fact of state-orchestrated mass atrocities in Chechnya in a safe forum, applying to some individuals directly to exercise concrete tasks for facilitation of the crisis resolution.”
A Fellow from Russia

“This program is unlike any other program or space for the exchange of opinion and experiences about the LGBT population and for addressing – in a global Forum – the problems affecting LGBT people in various continents and environments. We see a clear link between equal rights and citizenship. Through our exchanges we learn that hostile environments are affecting not only those directly targeted by hateful acts, but also the country in which such acts occur. Diaspora, lack of equal opportunities, bullying and discrimination have clear repercussions on the economy of the country in which such acts occur. I would therefore encourage you to continue to organize this kind of event, in order to promote a better world for us all.”
Tamara Adrián, Human Rights Lawyer; President, IDAHOT Committee, Member, National Assembly of Venezuela

“Getting to know advocates, researchers, film producers, photographers, members of government agencies and professors from 38 different countries was a deeply profound experience for me. Seeing how the advance of LGBT rights and equality can be so much more powerful and effective when we all work together, with shared objectives and strategies that involve advocates and allies in every field of study, gives me such renewed focus, determination and enthusiasm.  For example, stronger bonds with activists from Bolivia and Jamaica, particularly, fostered developing new collaborative projects that we apply for funds together.”
Mariano Ruiz, IDAHOT Committee, Latin America & Caribbean Outreach Communications Officer, Argentina

“Even though I had a chance to participate at many different international forums and conferences this one was exceptional… They were media representatives, professors, NGO activists, politicians and individuals who defend the idea of equality and justice for LGBT minorities. In addition, it was a group of people where each person had a personal story from which generations should learn.”
Marko Karadzic, Former Serbian State Secretary for Human and Minority Rights, Belgrade, Serbia / USA

“The Forum is truly a special gathering of some of the bravest and most committed people one can encounter anywhere.”
Sudeshan Reddy, Communication Specialist, UNICEF, South Africa


“This was my second time at Salzburg Global Seminar, and I feel a stronger connection to the global movement. As a writer, a big perspective is one of the most important things to me. Hearing so many different personal stories was an inspiration. I hope I will be able to work with some of my friends and Fellows at Salzburg Global to capture their stories in writing one day. As an individual activist in a complicated political environment it makes a big difference to have friends and networks who can offer help and support. It was also very precious to learn from others of their strategies around security issues. The session also gave me a clearer picture of myself and my own expertise which is a big boost to continue with my work here.”
Rooi Teve, Human Rights Activist & Writer, Russia / UK


Dennis Wamala on how empathy and faith inspire him to work against persecution of LGBT people