UK’s First Global LGBTQ+ Human Rights Summit, #SaferToBeMe, to Counter Populism and Roll-back of Rights
- ReportOUT
- Oct 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 6
The UK’s first ever global LGBTQ+ human rights summit, Safer To Be Me, is taking place in the North East next week, bringing together delegates from over 40 countries in a landmark event.
Running from 20th to 25th October, the week-long summit is organised by LGBTQ+ charities ReportOUT, Pride Action North, and OUT North East. This groundbreaking gathering will focus on the theme ‘Power, Populism and Politics’, exploring the challenges facing LGBTQ+ communities across the globe.
The summit’s programme includes training workshops, networking events, queer history walks, over 40 panel discussions, and a two-day international conference. Discussions will span pressing global issues, from the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric to advances in legal protections and community resilience.
Headline speakers or panellists include:
Lady Phyll, Co-founder and CEO of UK Black Pride
Peter Tatchell, renowned human rights campaigner
Jeroen Cooreman, Belgian Ambassador to the UK
Kate Osborne, local MP and LGBTQ+ campaigner
Professor Sue Sanders, SchoolsOut and co-founder of UK LGBT+ History Month
"Safer To Be Me is more than a conference – it's a movement," said Drew Dalton, CEO of ReportOUT.
"We are building global connections, shaping international policy, and taking a stand for LGBTQ+ human rights.
“Working with Pride Action North, OUT North East and our amazing partners, we aim to use the conference to amplify voices that are too often silenced, creating real change, and ensuring that everyone, everywhere, feels safe to be who they are."
One of the events most significant milestones will be the unveiling and signing of the Newcastle Gateshead Declaration – the world’s first Global Compact for LGBTQ+ rights. Inspired by UN declarations and created by 14 international LGBTQ+ organisations, this bold solidarity statement will be signed by global business leaders, politicians, and individuals during a high-profile ceremony. The final document will then be distributed globally as a call to action and unity.
The summit aims to empower attendees to take meaningful action within their own communities, while creating a global support network that uplifts and protects LGBTQ+ voices. Through its workshops and panels, the event will showcase innovative grassroots work, share lived experiences and build strategies to resist political oppression and discrimination.
The event promises to be both locally grounded and globally impactful, with a vast audience expected to engage through international live streams, making it accessible to communities and advocates worldwide.
