MEET GURCHATEN SANDHU, ILGA WORLD’S NEW DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMES

Born to Panjabi Sikh working-class migrant parents in the United Kingdom, Gurchaten (Nanoo) Sandhu (he/they) joins ILGA World as the new Director of Programmes, to further strengthen and build on our programmatic work and manage the growing Programmes team.

“I am excited to join the ILGA World family”, said Gurchaten Sandhu. “I get to join an organisation, a community, a family that provides a unique platform to elevate the voices of LGBTIacronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people. Although this is not the acronym available to describe people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics, it is the most commonly used in United Nations spaces and advocacy. More people globally. So I count on you, on your support, so that we can work together to advance LGBTI rights for all”.

ILGA World began its search for a new Director of Programmes in November 2021, as Julia Ehrt moved into her new role as the organisation’s Executive Director. An inspiring selection process followed, and we are grateful to all the candidates who considered making their talents and dedications available to serve in this important role.

Before joining ILGA World, Gurchaten was the Non-Discrimination Programme Officer at the International Labour Organization’s (ILO). Working at the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work Branch, they built their expertise and knowledge on promoting social justice through decent and inclusive work for all, in particular to enhance LGBTI rights at work and economic inclusion. They were also the President for UN-GLOBE, the group representing LGBTIQ+ personnel in the United Nationsan international organisation comprising 193 member States. It has the mission of maintaining peace and security, protecting human rights, providing humanitarian aid and ensuring economic and social development across the globe. It is a network of many different bodies and agencies, each of which has a particular role and responsibility. More system.

Gurchaten currently serves as a steering committee member of International Family Equality Day NGO, a fellow of the Salzburg Global LGBT forum, a Sarbat LGBT Sikhs volunteer and a trustee for We Create Space.

Gurchaten is listed as the OUTStanding LGBT Role Model from 2018 to 2021, an Honouree of the Out & Equal’s 2021 Global LGBTQ Corporate Advocate Outie Award as well as the winner of the British LGBT Award for Exceptional Inclusion 2021.

Watch a video message from ILGA World Director of Programmes Gurchaten Sandhu, and join us in giving them a warm welcome to the team!