GO Visible Award handed out in Stockholm

This week-end the LGBT Intergroup awarded the GO Visible (Get Organised and Visible) Award at the conference of the International Lesbian and Gay Association, the worldwide federation campaigning for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex rights.

Sappho for Equality, a pioneering activist platform for lesbian, bisexual women and transgender men in Eastern India received the €2,000 award for their outstanding work—including advocacy, services and community development, and training efforts with medical personnel and police.

Two runner-up prizes of €500 each went to Miles Tanhira from Gays and Lesbians in Zimbabwe (GALZ) for initiating an anti-hatred campaign, and to Kenita Placide from United & Strong in Saint Lucia for her local and regional advocacy and capacity-building in the Caribbean.

Ulrike Lunacek MEP, Co-President of the LGBT Intergroup, presented the awards in Stockholm on 16 December. She said: “The Go Visible Award is a recognition for the courage and determination that young LGBT leaders show in hostile surroundings. The award should help them make their work sustainable… I hope their innovative visibility will help others overcome fear and be more open to family and friends, at schools, universities and on the job.”

Michael Cashman MEP, also Co-President of the LGBT Intergroup, added: “This award is a testimony to the countless courageous women and men who fight every single day for equality around the world. They inspire us a politicians, and will ultimately make the world a truly better place.”