“For me, Pride has always been Political...We need Visibility More than Ever.”

Drew Dalton is leading advocate for global LGBTQ+ rights. He is Founder and CEO of ReportOUT, an internationally recognised human rights organisation documenting abuses against LGBTQ+ communities worldwide, and a recent addition to the Connected Voice board. To mark Pride Month, he spoke to us about why Pride matters more than ever and what he is most looking forward to working on as part of Connected Voice. 

“For me, Pride has always been political.” said Drew. “I research LGBTQ+ hate crime globally and locally, and I am seeing that the community is under attack at a global level. Things are extremely tough right now.” 

“It started with censorship and hate in the US and Russia, which has leaked into to the UK and very sadly drip fed down into our local communities: this has emboldened people to stand against Pride and the LGBTQ+ community. For example, we’re seeing this in our area with the restrictions on flying Pride flags on Council buildings. I think it is important to note that Pride is not just a party, it is so much more, and we need this visibility more than ever.” 

As Outreach and Volunteer Manager at the One Centre, Gateshead’s first dedicated LGBTQIA+ community centre, Drew has seen first-hand the worries and fears of the local community – and is working to shape a space for solidarity, support, and connection. 

“The idea of a LGBTQ+ community hub that is not based around alcohol and the party scene has been something that people have been looking for for decades.” explained Drew. “There was overwhelming demand!”  

Drew got involved in the One Centre after being asked to commission research around it (it is now a hub for all LGBTQ+ research in the region). He is fundamental in organising the many wellbeing, support and outreach programmes that the Centre offers. He said: 

“We really do have it all at the One Centre, from coworking, to hosting Pride Radio, a youth theatre group, a book club, yoga, Citizen’s Advice, hate crime reporting (supported by Connected Voice), and we’re also a warm space too. We’re constantly evolving to meet new needs and we are open to the whole community - and to allies of course. In such tough times, we need to band together and support each other.” 

There are few people who are as well-placed to speak about these issues than Drew. A passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights for more than 25 years, he began his work with an internship in human rights with legendary campaigner Peter Tatchel, before progressing through roles in academia and setting up ReportOUT, the only global LGBTQ+ human right organisation based outside of London. 

Drew is also writing a book, Broken Rainbow, to be published next year with Bloomsbury. It chronicles discussing the nature of global queerphobia and what this looks like in different regions of the world. 

Drew’s extensive expertise, advocacy and activism make him a perfect fit as a Trustee for Connected Voice.  

“I knew of Connected Voice before I joined the Board,” said Drew. “I’d worked with the team in various way for many years, but I was particularly impressed with the work of Jane Kingston and the Advocacy Service when setting up the Hate Crime Reporting Service at the One Centre. The enthusiasm and speed in setting up the partnership was fantastic.”  

“I’m keen to support the Advocacy team at Connected Voice in my work as a Trustee, and I also have over 25 years of experience working with volunteers, so I hope I can offer support to the Volunteering Team too. 

“Most importantly, I’m just excited to be joining a like-minded community of good people doing good work,”  

Connected Voice can offer a range of support to VCSE organisations supporting LGBTQIA+ communities in Newcastle and Gateshead. Find out more here.