Maria Sjödin: Fighting for Global Queer Liberation

Queer rights are under attack in too many places, but Maria Sjödin shows why the future is still being built right now. The Executive Director of Outright International shares how global change actually happens, why you can’t “parachute rights” into another country, and what it takes to turn visibility, joy, and local activism into lasting impact.Bryan and Jon sit down with Maria for a conversation that moves from her unexpected path from Stockholm to New York to the front lines of LGBTIQ human rights at the United Nations. She opens up about becoming an “accidental leader,” the power of platforming activists to speak for themselves, and the moments that prove international advocacy can change policy, funding, and confidence on the ground.You’ll discover: Why 65 countries still criminalize same-sex relations, and what that means in real life How Outright International works with local activists instead of imposing change from afar Why joy, art, and even karaoke are part of queer resilience What happens when frontline advocates speak directly to world leaders at the UN How the annual Out Summit creates a global microcosm of strategy, solidarity, and action Maria also shares the mindset she wants every queer person to hear: you are not alone, queer people exist everywhere, and connection is more possible now than ever before. If you care about global LGBTQIA+ rights, grassroots activism, or the power of community to outlast backlash, this episode is essential listening.Follow Outright International at OutrightInternational.org and join the movement for the future we claim. Learn more and donate to Outright International here. #LGBTQIA #QueerRights #HumanRights #LGBTQActivism #QueerAdvocacy #OutrightInternational #LGBTQPodcast #QueerResilience #OutLoudAndLaughing YouTube Channel:    / @outloudandlaughing   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Maria Shudin and Outright International 01:13 Maria's journey from Sweden to New York 02:07 A lazy Sunday morning with coffee and music 03:49 The light bulb moment for Maria's activism 06:08 The global scope of Outright's mission 08:30 Celebrating resilience and joy in activism 10:30 Memorable moments at the United Nations 13:40 Getting involved locally in LGBTQ+ activism 15:12 Upcoming Out Summit and future strategies 17:47 The international community at Out Summit 19:44 Reassurance for young queer people worldwide 21:43 Rapid fire: Maria's preferences and personality 23:48 Favorite candy and personal passions 25:48 Legacy: advocacy or heart? 26:34 Closing remarks and how to support Outright Maria Sjödin, Outright International, LGBTQ rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, queer rights, human rights, LGBTQ activism, global LGBTQ community, queer advocacy, LGBTQ leadership, United Nations LGBTQ rights, international activism, queer resilience, LGBTQ visibility, grassroots activism, Out Summit, LGBTQ nonprofit, LGBTQ podcast, Out Loud and Laughing, Swedish LGBTQ activist —-- Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF... Watch on YouTube:    • Season 1 | Full Episodes