Building a bridge between ideas and practice.
The fight for LGBTQI+ dignity and equality is increasingly urgent amid a deepening crisis of violence and discrimination worldwide.
How We Work
The Global LGBTQI+ Human Rights Program is committed to making the Universal Declaration of Human Rights a reality for LGBTQI+ people worldwide. The program empowers emerging and established leaders through four pillars:
Through the Global Changemakers Network, Online Program, and International Summit, we link leaders and allies with Harvard experts, policymakers, and activists to exchange knowledge, strengthen networks, and advance global LGBTQI+ rights.
Our research advances advocacy through fellowships, LGBTQI+ scholarship at HKS, research collaboration with Harvard's Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, and a global academic network generating knowledge, partnerships, and innovative initiatives worldwide.
We spotlight LGBTQI+ issues by leveraging the Carr-Ryan Center’s convening power through podcasts, media events, and digital platforms to raise awareness, spark dialogue, and strengthen the global movement’s impact and reach.
We create opportunities to connect organizations and advocates with Harvard’s resources through sponsored internships, student research and thesis project partnerships, as well as other collaborations to strengthen global LGBTQI+ advocacy and drive meaningful change.
“The heart of this program is empowering and supporting the brave LGBTQI+ activists working in challenging and often perilous environments. Through our training and high-impact research, we aim to supercharge their efforts.”
Key Program Initiatives
Global LGBTQI+ Human Rights Fellowship
An annual cohort of researchers, practitioners, advocates, and defenders with a demonstrated commitment to advancing the human rights of LGBTQI+ peoples globally.
Changemakers Network
The Global LGBTQI+ Changemakers Network serves as a hub for learning, research, and collaboration on global LGBTQI+ challenges.
Online Program for Advocacy & Leadership
The Online Program for LGBTQI+ Advocacy and Leadership offers fundamental and advanced trainings connected to our annual summit.
Weatherhead Carr-Ryan Research Cluster
Through a multi-year partnership with Harvard's Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, we strengthen and expand global LGBTQI+ human rights scholarship.
International LGBTQI+ Activism Summit
An immersive learning experience that brings together LGBTQI+ leaders from around the world to learn how to build powerful social movements.
LGBTQI+ Student Leadership Fellowship
Competitive fellowships for current Harvard University graduate students working on issues and topics related to LGBTQI+ peoples and their rights.
HKS Student Opportunities
HKS students can partner with LGBTQI+ organizations around the world through internships and Policy Analysis Exercise (PAE) collaborations.
Who We Are
Our program team, faculty, and fellows support and strengthen a worldwide network of emerging and established leaders in LGBTQI+ rights.
Timothy Patrick McCarthy
Faculty Program Chair
Diego Garcia Blum
Program Director
Ying Xin
Program Manager
Jean Freedberg
LGBTQI+ Changemakers Network Manager
Senior Fellows
Rachel Levine
Jessica Stern
Fellows
Imani Alpha
Rémy Bonny
Jasmin Lilian Diab
Harleen Kaur
Francisco Ruiz
Kimberly Zieselman
Our Faculty Affiliates, along with our Global LGBTQI+ Founders and Affiliates, help to shape the vision and direction of our work across the entire program.
Timothy Patrick McCarthy
Faculty Program Chair
Mathias Risse
Faculty Director, Carr-Ryan Center
Our Recent Work
For HKS Students
Explore meaningful internship opportunities curated by the Global LGBTQI+ Human Rights Program.
Support Our Work
Make an impact by supporting the Global LGBTQI+ Human Rights Program at the Carr-Ryan Center.