International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Awards

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The lights are bright, the food is delicious and savory, and the drinks are made to perfection. This should make you think that you're sitting at a club or a cocktail party, but in fact you're at the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission Awards. You may be asking, what on earth is IGLHRC, and the answer is that it's an organization that “works to improve the lives of those who experience discrimination and abuse because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and to achieve a world with human rights for everyone, everywhere.” The above was taken directly from IGLHRC public relations, and it does a good job of explaining the complex role this organization plays in international LGBT human rights.

On March 7th, IGLHRC held “A Celebration Of Courage.” This award ceremony was presented to honor those who've done outstanding work, either as an individual or a group, to improve the conditions of LGBT people on a global scale. Hosted by master performer of stage and screen Alan Cumming, the evening got off to a humorous start. A slight problem with the sound system was played off by the talented Cumming with the joke, “That's what we get for being gay in a church.” This humor was met by chuckles from the audience.

Cumming's warm opening was followed by a introduction from MSNBC talk show host and political expert, Rachel Maddow. Although Maddow could not be there in person, she took the time from her busy schedule to prerecord an introduction for one of the award's honored guests. Journalist, author and activist Jeff Sharlet received the 2011 Outspoken Award for his work in exposing the connection between the right wing religious group The Family, and the, “kill the gays bill” in Uganda. Called this by Maddow, the title is an appropriate one. For those who aren’t familiar with the bill, a man named David Bahati introduced this horror into the Uganda government that would make the punishment for homosexuality life in prison or death. Jeff Sharlet worked to expose Bahati's connection to the American religious group. The Family, a group that is also involved in Republican sex scandals according to Maddow, sent missionaries who helped to build up homophobia in Uganda.

“Even the most homophobic, right wing politicians have condemned the bill,” said Sharlet. “David Bahati actually said to me, 'why should I trust you? You probably work for Rachel Maddow, and are trying to expose me.'” The truth of course is that is exactly what Sharlet was doing. Sharlet is an easy going, sweet natured man, who looks utterly harmless and kind. It's easy to believe this organization would let him so easily into their clutches. Sharlet doesn't hold America responsible if the bill passes, but he says that The Family, “put the gun on the table.” "Tanzania, Zambia and Kenya have all asked for copies of the bill," Sharlet warned. "The way Uganda goes, all those countries could go."

After a touching speech by Sharlet, a documentary depicting the ongoing struggle in Uganda was shown, with the expected outcome if the bill passes being genocide. After the documentary, the next award was presented. The Felipa de Souza Award was given to the LGBT Centre of Mongolia. A shocking and horrifying short film was shown depicting the lives of LGBT Mongolians. Scenes of LGBT people being beaten by men waring NAZI Swastikas were shown, and the confessions of a Mongolian trans woman about the atrocities she's faced were enough to soften and emotionalize the audience. After the short film, the award was presented to the centre and was accepted by two of it's leaders, Anaraa Nyamdorj and Munkhzaya Nergui. “As LGBT we live in a dire and perilous Mongolia,” said Nyamdorj. “The rise of poverty has inspired certain groups to enforce what the think are the traditional values of Mongolia. This is a mistake. Mongolia has always been a beautiful, open place. We strive towards returning Mongolia to it's accepting values.”

After a few closing statements by Cary Johnson, IGLHRC's executive director, an internship for LGBT future leaders was introduced. Named for LGBT activist Paula Ettelbrick, the internship promises to train new LGBT leaders, and promote the next generation of activism. Alan Cumming closed the show. “It was very inspiring,” Cumming said. “The thing I learned is how abstract our fight here can be, and to understand what we're really fighting for, the right to live.”

That my beloved readers is what it's all about, the right to live. These champions deserve their honor, and their awards far more than movie stars deserve Oscars. These are real champions doing real things for change. The fate of Uganda and Mongolia is uncertain, but with champions like Jeff Sharlet and the Mongolian LGBT Centre, life has a much higher chance of persevering.

So it goes.

Anaraa Nyamdorj, Alan Cumming, Munkhzaya Nergui