CBC News highlights Global South LGBTQIA+ partners visiting Canada
A visit by Global South LGBTQIA+ faith leaders to Canada is receiving national media attention, with CBC News highlighting the experiences and perspectives of advocates from Kenya and Zambia who are participating in a United Church of Canada exchange focused on human rights, inclusion, and faith-based advocacy.
The CBC story features two LGBTQIA+ advocates from Africa who are in Manitoba this week as part of a broader United Church initiative that brings together partners from across the Global South and Canada to strengthen international solidarity, share experiences, and advance advocacy for human rights and inclusion.
The visit is part of the United Church's ongoing commitment to supporting Two Spirit, LGBTQIA+, and gender-diverse communities, and to building relationships grounded in justice, mutual learning, and decolonized partnership. The exchange includes participants from Zambia, Kenya, Mozambique, South Korea, and Colombia, alongside Canadian United Church leaders and advocates.
During their time in Canada, partners are meeting with communities of faith, ecumenical and civil society organizations, and government officials. The visit provides opportunities to hear directly from leaders working in contexts where LGBTQIA+ people continue to face significant discrimination and hostility, while also exploring how faith communities can be partners in advancing human rights and inclusion.
"Our partners bring enormous wisdom about how LGBTQIA+ justice is being advanced in different social, political, cultural and religious contexts. Creating space for partners to share their experiences helps deepen our understanding of the global nature of these struggles and strengthens solidarity across borders," said Jane Thirikwa, Program Coordinator, Global Advocacy 2S and LGBTQIA+. The exchange builds on years of regional consultations and relationship-building undertaken by The United Church of Canada and its global partners.
The CBC feature captures the importance of these conversations, illustrating how faith leaders and advocates are working together to transform faith into action and advocacy for justice.
Media Coverage
CBC News: Global advocates bring international 2SLGBTQ struggle and solidarity to Manitoba
Related: Global South LGBTQIA+ Partners to Visit Canada September 28 to October 6