Holding the Line: Drew Dalton Becomes CEO of ReportOUT Amid Global LGBTQI+ Rights Rollback

We’re proud to share an important milestone in ReportOUT’s journey.

After a period of growth, reflection, and organisational change, Drew Dalton is stepping into the role of paid (part-time) Chief Executive Officer of ReportOUT, and in doing so, stepping down from their position as Chair.

This marks a significant and timely moment for ReportOUT.

From Chair to CEO: a natural evolution:

Since founding the organisation and becoming Chair, Drew has played a pivotal role in shaping ReportOUT’s direction. Under their leadership, the organisation has strengthened its governance, clarified its mission, expanded its programmes, and grown its credibility as a trusted voice in global LGBTQI+ human rights.

Drew brings over 20 years of award-winning experience across human rights and the LGBTQI+ movement to the CEO role, spanning advocacy, organisational leadership, community development, and strategic change.

Reflecting on the transition, Drew shared:

“ReportOUT has always been about more than reacting to human rights abuses, it’s about building power, dignity, and visibility for LGBTQI+ people globally. Stepping into the CEO role allows me to focus fully on turning our collective vision into sustainable, long-term impact.”

Why this matters now:

This appointment comes at a critical time. Across the world, LGBTQI+ organisations are facing funding cuts, staff losses, and in some cases closure, just as the global rollback of LGBTQI+ rights accelerates.

At a moment when communities need stability, coordination, and strong leadership, having a dedicated, paid CEO in place is not a luxury; it is essential.

Drew commented:

“We are seeing a global rollback of LGBTQI+ rights alongside a shrinking civic space. At the same time, organisations like ours are being asked to do more with less. Having people in place, resourced, accountable, and focused, is how we make sure our movement doesn’t just survive, but continues to push forward.”

Moving to a paid CEO model enables ReportOUT to maintain continuity, respond strategically to emerging threats, and protect and scale impact across research, education, campaigns, and rapid response work.

“Communities can’t afford gaps in leadership when rights are under attack,” Drew added.

A new Three-Year Strategy launching soon:

Drew’s appointment also comes as ReportOUT prepares to launch a new Three-Year Strategy, setting out a clear roadmap for the organisation’s next phase. The strategy will focus on strengthening organisational resilience, scaling global impact, deepening education and research, and ensuring that community-led responses remain at the heart of ReportOUT’s work.

“This strategy is about clarity and courage,” Drew said. “It’s about knowing who we are, where we add value, and how we show up consistently for communities during increasingly hostile times.”

The new strategy will be published soon and will guide ReportOUT’s programmes, partnerships, and fundraising priorities over the coming years.

Leadership beyond ReportOUT:

ReportOUT’s growing role within the wider LGBTQI+ movement is reflected in its leadership and partnerships. ReportOUT is proud to serve as Chair of the U.K. Alliance for Global Equality (UKAGE), supporting collaboration and advocacy focused on the human rights of LGBTQ+ people across the globe.

ReportOUT is also a member of Kaleidoscope's LGBTQ+ Global Commission, working alongside global partners to address international human rights challenges, share learning, and influence global policy and practice.

These roles reflect ReportOUT’s commitment to both national leadership and international solidarity at a time when coordinated action has never been more important.

A new governance chapter:

With Drew stepping down as Chair, ReportOUT is reinforcing the separation between governance and management, an important marker of organisational maturity and resilience. The Board of Trustees will continue to provide strategic oversight and accountability, while Drew leads strategy and day-to-day operations as CEO.

“Strong governance and strong leadership go hand in hand,” Drew said. “This transition allows the Board to focus on stewardship, while I focus on strategy, delivery, people, and impact, especially during such a critical period for our movement.”

Looking ahead:

Drew steps into the CEO role at a defining moment for LGBTQI+ rights globally. Their leadership will focus on organisational stability, strategic growth, and ensuring that ReportOUT remains a visible, credible, and courageous voice in the face of growing challenges.

“ReportOUT exists because silence is not an option,” Drew said. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built so far, and determined to ensure we are equipped, strategically and structurally, to meet what comes next.”

We thank Drew for their leadership as Chair and warmly welcome this next chapter under their leadership as CEO.

Click on the links to read more about Drew, connect with him on LinkedIn, and see the rest of our Trustees and (some) of our dedicated volunteers.