JULIA EHRT APPOINTED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ILGA WORLD

ILGA World is the International Lesbianadjective/noun to describe a woman whose enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction is to other women. Women and non-binary people may use this term to describe themselves. More, Gayadjective to describe people whose enduring physical, romantic, and/ or emotional
attractions are to people of the same gender. Men, women and non-binary people may use this
term to describe themselves. More, Bisexualadjective used to describe a person who has the capacity to form enduring physical, romantic, and/ or emotional attractions to those of the same gender or to those of other genders. More, Transadjective/umbrella term to describe a person whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. More and Intersexan umbrella term for the spectrum of variations of sex characteristics that naturally occur within the human species. Intersex people are born with variations of sex characteristics (such as genitals, reproductive organs, hormonal and chromosomal patterns) that are more diverse than stereotypical definitions of male or female bodies. Up to 1.7% of the global population are born with such traits; yet, because their bodies are seen as different, intersex children and adults are often stigmatised and subject to harmful practices – including in medical settings - and discriminated against. More Association – a worldwide federation of more than 1,700 organisations from over 160 countries and territories campaigning for 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 human rights. Founded in 1978 as a global voice for grassroots LGBTI populations, it works to advance the human rights of all people of diverse sexual orientations, genderrefers to a social construct which places cultural and social expectations on individuals based on their assigned sex. More identities and expressions, and sex characteristicsa term that refers to physical features relating to sex - including genitalia and other sexual and reproductive anatomy, chromosomes, hormones, and secondary physical features emerging from puberty. More worldwide.

Ehrt assumed the role as of 1 November 2021, while outgoing Executive Director André du Plessis will remain with the organisation in a senior advisor capacity until the end of the year.

“We are exceptionally pleased to welcome Julia as our next Executive Director,” said ILGA World Co-Secretaries General Tuisina Ymania Brown and Luz Elena Aranda on behalf of the ILGA World  Board. “From her ground-breaking work shifting the narratives around trans issues, to her unstoppable advocacy reaffirming how LGBTI and feminist movements are inextricably linked, she has demonstrated the perspective, passion, and skills to ensure that our work continues to be both relevant to LGBTI communities worldwide and sensitive to their needs. With her strategic leadership, ILGA World will undoubtedly continue to grow in its capacity to make an impact in achieving justice, equality and liberation for all – in our LGBTI communities and beyond.”

Julia Ehrt is the new Executive Director of ILGA World (ph. Ben Buckland)

Born in Germany, and a pioneer in trans self-organising in Europe, Julia Ehrt has been with ILGA World since late 2018, serving as its Director of Programmes. During this time, the organisation has been among the driving forces of global advocacy campaigns, including the ones leading to the renewal of the mandate of the UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, and to having more than 2,000 individuals and human rights groups reaffirm shared feminist principles.

Prior to ILGA World, she was the Executive Director of Transgender Europe (TGEU) for seven years, and served as a member of the Steering Committee of the International Trans Fund (ITF). She is also a board member of the Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID) and a signatory to the Yogyakarta Principles plus 10. She holds a PhD in Mathematics, and lives with her partner and child in Berlin and in Geneva.

“In over 40 years of its history,” Ehrt said, “ILGA World has been a crucial voice of the LGBTI movement: an instrument in the hands of marginalised communities to make their struggle visible – from the grassroots up to 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 and more international fora. Our work is more necessary than ever, and I will be honoured to work with our dedicated Board and to lead an outstanding staff team here in Geneva and around the world. Together we will continue to translate ILGA World’s strategic vision into positive impact and lasting change for the communities we serve.”

“In these deeply divided times, where even hard-won rights are constantly at risk, we must strengthen alliances with other movements and let our feminist values guide our work, if we want to dismantle the patriarchal systems of power which continue to oppress and exclude so many of us”.

Watch a video message by Julia Ehrt, Executive Director at ILGA World