Maria Sjoedin

I have been at OutRight Action International (formerly the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission) for three years and am currently Deputy Executive Director.

With expertise, connections and experience gained over two and a half decades, OutRight fights to protect and advance LGBTIQ peoples’ dignity and human rights as part of the global human rights movement. We empower people on the front lines, hold leaders accountable and measure our impact through positive change in people’s lives.

I am originally from Sweden, where I was Executive Director of RFSL, Sweden’s largest LGBT organization that has been around since 1950.

I am passionate about international LGBTIQ rights and issues and believe that we must support each other across national borders to achieve equality and freedom for all.

Another passion of mine is leadership, and I have led international leadership trainings of over 150 LGBTIQ activists.