Maria Sjödin | Fighting for Global Queer Liberation, Finding Joy on the Front Lines, & Swedish Candy

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" and the power of platforming activists to speak for themselves.

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: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1

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

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Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9