The International LGBTQI+ Activism Summit is the annual culmination of the Online Program for LGBTQI+ Advocacy and Leadership. It brings together a selected group of LGBTQI+ leaders from the Changemakers Network to the Harvard Kennedy School for an immersive learning experience, to present their theories of change, and to share their own powerful stories of success and setbacks in the global movement for equality. Participants delve into cutting-edge approaches to organizational and movement building with Harvard faculty and fellow activists, gaining insights to champion LGBTQI+ rights, challenge discrimination, and drive systemic change.
The first International LGBTQI+ Activism Summit held in 2023 brought together 10 global activists dedicated to expanding LGTBQI+ rights in challenging and dangerous contexts and provided a unique opportunity for these individuals to receive training and engage with distinguished Harvard faculty members and fellows.
The second International LGBTQI+ Activism Summit was held in October 2024. Twenty LGBTQI+ rights activists—selected from from nearly 1,000 applicants—came to Harvard from 20 countries around the world where LGBTQI+ rights are imperiled or nonexistent. Over the course of three days, they worked with Harvard faculty and affiliates in an immersive learning experience, sharing ideas and stories about proven strategies for catalyzing powerful social movements that dismantle myths and stigma harming their communities. Participants gained insights to champion LGBTQI+ rights, challenge discrimination, and drive systemic change when they return home.
The third International LGBTQI+ Activism Summit will be held in October 2025.