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U.S. Embassy Berlin hosts Panel Discussion on the Decriminalization of LGBTI
2 MINUTE READ
July 26, 2019

a panel of people listening to a speaker
Podiumsdiskussion zur Entkriminalisierung von LGBTI

U.S. Embassy Berlin hosted a panel discussion on the decriminalization of LGBTI status on July 26, in honor of Berlin Pride and Christopher Street Day.  Ambassador Grenell moderated the panel, and panelists included LEGABIBO Advocacy Officer Caine Youngman (Botswana), Co-Organizer of Tbilisi Pride Mariam Kvaratskhelia (Georgia), Beirut Pride Organizer Hadi Damien (Lebanon), Founder of International Women in Power Hourvash Pourkian (Germany/Iran), and Harvey Milk Foundation Co-Founder and President Stuart Milk.  Speaking to a standing-room only crowd, panelists emphasized the importance of understanding local culture and laws, as well as the need to build broad, collaborative networks with the business community, politicians, and other marginalized communities to advance decriminalization initiatives.