{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"3. SoundOut - Voices of LGBTQI Activism - Amir Ashour","description":"In Episode 3, host Dan Vo and GiveOut's Grant-making Officer Claire Tunnacliffe speak with Amir Ashour, founder of IraQueer, to learn about how the organisation is working to challenge anti-LGBTQI hate speech in the mainstream Iraqi media. Amir tells us about how IraQueer is providing safe house refuges for LGBTQI individuals during the pandemic, his own personal journey as a refugee, and shares his thoughts on the the role of young people in the fight for human rights following Iraq's October Revolution in 2019. Plus Tag Warner from Gay Times, sponsor of Amplifund with GiveOut, joins us to talk about supporting LGBTQI media activism around the world and Gay Times\u2019 new 'It can happen. It does happen. It will happen.' campaign. About Amir Ashour Amir Ashour is a human rights defender with ten years of experience working with Iraqi and international organisations. He is the founder and Executive Director of IraQueer, and also holds a master\u2019s degree in human rights from Columbia University. About GiveOut GiveOut is an award-winning charity growing giving to support the global struggle for LGBTQI human rights. GiveOut enables individuals and businesses to give in one place to support LGBTQI activism worldwide. We pool these donations to provide grants to LGBTQI organisations around the world. About our Grant Partner IraQueer is Iraq's first and leading LGBTQI human rights organisation. Although Iraqi law does not expressly prohibit consensual same-sex sexual activity, the law disproportionately disadvantages sexual and gender minorities. Due to this, the LGBTQI community in Iraq faces discrimination, threats, physical attacks, and even killings. IraQueer sees a lack of visibility and effective advocacy as the main obstacles to LGBTQI acceptance in Iraq, and is working to protect and promote the human rights of LGBTQI people. Producers: Claire Tunnacliffe and Lee Dibben Editor: Samuel Gunn Host: Dan Vo ","author_name":"SoundOut","author_url":"http:\/\/giveout.libsyn.com\/SoundOut","html":"