The Paris Prize for LGBT Rights is a new annual event that will be held every 17th May to reward the action of those who defend and promote LGBT + rights in France and around the world. The occasion which was part of yesterday’s World Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia celebrations, was witnessed by Anne Hidalgo (The Mayor of Paris) who presented the awards with the help of the Deputy Mayor of Paris; Hélène Bidard , and Jean-Luc Romero , deputy mayor of the 12th district of Paris and regional councilor.
Last year, in June, Jean-Luc Romero gave the Mayor of Paris his report on “Paris, the flagship city of inclusion and diversity”. This report contained 52 recommendations to make Paris the world capital of LGBTQI + rights and “LGBTQI-Frendly” tourism. One of the main points was to honor the people who defend the rights of LGBTQI + in France and abroad and to award them on the occasion of the World Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. That’s why Anne Hidalgo decided to create the “Paris Prize for LGBTQI + Rights”. This prize rewards both French and international laureates chosen by a jury composed of this year’s president; Edwin Cameron, judge of the Constitutional Court of South Africa and eight French and international members representing the diversity of communities LGBTQI +, including Anne Hidalgo.
The prizes were awarded to Handi-Queer (an association for the rights of LGBTQI + persons and people with disabilities) and 2 foreigners: NGLHRC (National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission of Kenya), an association that promotes and protects the equality and inclusion of LGBTQ people and communities in Kenya and lastly; Ameen Rhayem a Lebanese activist journalist with the Arab Foundation for Freedoms and Equality. The Paris Prize for LGBT Rights Jury members; Stuart MILK (Founder of the Harvey Milk Foundation) , Thierry MOULIN (Co-Chair of the Association for the Recognition of the Rights of Homosexual and Transsexual Persons in Immigration and Residence ( ARDHIS ) )and Alice NKOM ( A lawyer at the Douala Bar, President of the Association for the Defense of Homosexuals in Cameroon, were all Laureates of this year’s IDAHOT Prize “For Freedom”
The Rustin Times will like to congratulate our Kenyan brothers and sister at NGLHRC for a job well done and a much deserved recognition for bravery and true activism.
