Across the globe, democratic freedoms are weakening as governments pass more restrictive policies and use state-sanctioned rhetoric to target LGBTQI+ communities. This event explores how rising authoritarianism impacts human rights and civil society, emphasising the Venezuelan case: A once-thriving democracy that shifted to become an emblem of global authoritarian regimes.
Is democracy the oxygen of LGBTQI+ and queer movements? What does democratic backlash mean for the future of LGBTQI+ movements worldwide? How can we redefine democracy to better serve the needs of today’s societies and build plural and inclusive societies? Together with activists and experts from Venezuela and the Netherlands, we’ll explore the realities of creating social impact under challenging political conditions and the resilience of the LGBTQI+ and queer movement.
Daniel Picado, Director of País Plural (PP), a youth-led LGBTIQ+ organisation in Venezuela. committed to increasing activism knowledge among youth, conducting research, and advocating for the needs of the LGBTIQ+ community. He will share insights on the struggles and resilience of civil society in Venezuela, shedding light on how the LGBTQI+ community is advocating for human rights in a restrictive environment.
Ana Milagros Parra, Venezuelan political scientist, communicator. Public policy analyst. Co-host of A Medias Podcast. She will discuss the current democratic landscape in Venezuela, examining how institutions fail to protect vulnerable populations and how this impacts marginalised communities.
Tania Barkhuis, is a Dutch lgbtiq activist, GreenLeft politics, musicschool businesswoman, radical in everything.
Join us for an evening of insight, activism, and solidarity as we explore the future of democracy and human rights in a rapidly changing world.
Please note: Our space is open, inclusive, and respectful for all. We foster dialogue, leaving no room for discrimination or hate speech.
About the Urgent Foundation
Urgent Foundation fosters public debate on critical social issues. We support activists, human rights defenders, and artists by organising events and creating multimedia content, including exhibitions, documentaries and podcasts. Additionally, we build networks to connect individuals across various fields of human rights work.
About Shelter City
Shelter City, an initiative of Justice and Peace Netherlands, provides safe refuge for human rights defenders facing threats. In partnership with Dutch cities and local organisations, the programme offers three-month stays in cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, and Maastricht, allowing defenders to work safely and connect with civil society and political networks. During their stay, they receive training in advocacy and security, continue their impactful work, and engage with local residents, strengthening their efforts to promote democratic values and civil rights.
About the dissident
The Dissident, a talk show by the Urgent Foundation, shines a light on prominent activists and human rights defenders. Through personal conversations, it shares compelling stories that delve into a range of themes, topics, and unique lives.
País Plural’s website provides information in Spanish about the organisation’s mission to empower and support the LGBTQI+ community in Venezuela.
On the Shelter City website, find information on their safe haven programme for human rights defenders, partner cities, and how they support advocacy and training.
On the URGENT Foundation website, find information on their mission to spark social debate, the public events they organise, and their multimedia projects supporting activists and human rights issues.
On the Townmaking website you find a recent interview with Daniel Picado. Daniel shares his vision for a more equitable society, his experiences and how his personal calling has guided him through the challenges he has faced.
