World’s first international LGBTQI+ Solidarity Declaration signed in Newcastle

The world’s first Global LGBTQI+ Solidarity Declaration has been officially signed in Newcastle-Gateshead, marking a historic moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights worldwide.

The signing took place at the Assembly Rooms in Newcastle during the Safer To Be Me summit, an event hosted by North East LGBTQ+ charities ReportOUT, Pride Action North, and OUT North East. Over the course of the week, the summit welcomed 600 delegates from 40 countries to share strategies, build networks, and advance LGBTQ+ equality.

The Newcastle-Gateshead Declaration reaffirms a universal commitment to freedom, dignity, and human rights for LGBTQ+ people, while rejecting persecution, discrimination, and criminalisation. It also calls for the protection of LGBTQ+ human rights defenders, the right to asylum for those fleeing persecution, and the amplification of LGBTQ+ voices in policymaking.

The signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Jeroen Cooreman, Belgian Ambassador to the UK, alongside Newcastle City Council leader Karen Kilgour and Gateshead Deputy Leader Gary Haley.

Drew Dalton, CEO of ReportOUT, described the Declaration as a “powerful and unified response to the global rise in anti-LGBTQI+ sentiment and repression,” adding: “More than ever, we need to unite. In an era of a highly organized rollback of LGBTQI+ rights, it is time to stand together. The Declaration is the beginning of our fightback and a good news story in a time when it feels like there are not enough of them.”

Developed by the UK Alliance for Global Equality in partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the Declaration represents months of international consultation with activists, policymakers, grassroots organisers, and civil society leaders. It has already received endorsement from regional law firm Square One Law, whose managing partner Gill Hunter said:

“The North East has always been a region that stands up for fairness and fosters a strong sense of community. In times when inclusion is being challenged, it’s more important than ever that we join our voices and stand up for fairness, respect and equity. We’re proud to support this initiative and to stand alongside others who share that commitment.”

Thousands of organizations and individuals worldwide are expected to endorse the Declaration in the coming months, making it a living and ongoing commitment to global LGBTQ+ solidarity.

The Newcastle-Gateshead Declaration is being hailed as a landmark achievement, sending a clear message that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is a shared global responsibility.

Click here for more information or to sign the declaration. myGwork is a proud supporter of Report Out.