As the Global Interfaith Network for People of All Sexes, Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities and Expressions (GIN- SSOGIE or GIN) in 2021 we continued to adapt and navigate the external realities posed by the COVID-19 pandemic following on from 2020. During this time we remained a critical actor in support for people of faith of all SOGIESC. In this fiscal year we saw GIN staff strengthen the implementation of its programmes: the Religious Dialogue Partners, Advocacy, Media production (including Fearless Allies) and the Free to be Me programme, which falls in our Engaging with Faith programme. This annual report provides key highlights from these programmes, which include getting ECOSOC status, two intersessional meetings for state delegates and CSO’s active in high level political spaces, getting the Free To Be Me grant from HIVOS and the Religious Dialogue Partners’ Regional Capacity Engagement which brought together almost 50 partners, both religious leaders and LGBTIQ+ people to discuss the management of the overall programme.
In 2021, we focused on strengthening the Secretariat’s capacity to deliver. This was achieved by expanding human resource numbers, ensuring staff are equipped and well-resourced to implement programmes, and nurture the organization’s mission and vision. There were continued efforts to strengthen governance, as well as, diversifying and increasing our funding. At a governance level, we welcomed 5 new Board members aligned to strengthening our governance and accountability structures. The General Members meeting provided a platform for member engagement and contribution to GIN’s work in 2021.
