About us
ILGA – the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association - is the world federation of national and local organisations dedicated to achieving equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people across the globe.
Established in 1978, ILGA enjoys consultative status at the UN Ecosoc Council. It speaks and lobbies in international fora on behalf of more than 1,200 member organisations from 132 countries,
who are based in our six regions: Pan Africa ILGA, ILGA Asia, ILGA-Europe, ILGALAC (Latin America and the Caribbean), ILGA North America and ILGA Oceania.
We are funded by governments, private foundations and the invaluable contributions of hundreds of private donors. Together, they all chip in to help us fight for those who face discrimination on the grounds of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics.
What does ILGA do?
- We represent LGBTI civil society within the United Nations and other international organisations.
- We support our members and other organisations in promoting and protecting human rights.
- We raise awareness and inform institutions, government, media and civil society through advocacy and research.
Our work is guided by the rules set forth in our Constitution and Standing Orders.
How it all began
August 1978. Coventry, United Kingdom.
Representatives of organisations from Australia, Britain, Denmark, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Scotland and the United States gathered together at a fringe meeting of the annual conference of the Campaign for Homosexual Equality: the (then named) IGA was born.
Many legal, political and social changes that have happened for rainbow communities in the past 40 years seemed unthinkable back then.
We have been there ever since.
Read an extensive research on the history of ILGA between 1978-2012
Learn more about ILGA and the Ecosoc status controversy
ILGA is built on the energy and passion of its global membership.
Passionate and restless activists - along with partners, allies and families - continue to have a profound impact on many LGBTI lives around the world.
You too can join the ILGA family!
Any organisation interested in working for equal rights for LGBTI persons
may apply to become a member of ILGA.