Joel (he/him/his) is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a master of arts degree in strategic communication and a graduate minor in human rights. His goal is to advance the stories of global LGBTI activists with purpose. Contact joel@alturi.org
Contributions
CANADA: TRUE NORTH FOR LGBTI AFGHAN REFUGEES
While thousands of vulnerable Afghan refugees look to flee their homes, LGBTI refugees aren’t included by most countries as being vulnerable. Canada is a proud exception.
X MARKS THE SOGI RIGHTS OF NONBINARY PEOPLE IN ARGENTINA
Argentina continues to lead the way in SOGI (sexual orientation gender identity) human rights. It is the first country in Latin America to now recognize the gender identity of nonbinary people — outside of Latin America, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia recognize nonbinary gender identity on national identity documents.
INDIA LGBTI: AN EMERGENCE OF ACCEPTANCE OF THE LGBTI COMMUNITY
India, situated between Pakistan on the West and Nepal on the East, is a country with an often-misunderstood LGBTI history marked with unequal dignity and rights. Perhaps the most significant LGBTI news happened in 2018, when the Supreme Court of India decriminalized gay sex. Since then, there have been mixed outcomes.
NYASHA ZHAKATA – GLOBAL DIRECTOR, THE DREAM ACADEMY
My name is Nyasha Zhakata (Masi). I’m an out and proud 38-year-old lesbian mom of an incredible daughter. I’m an activist, human rights defender, and the Global Director of The Dream Academy, Safe Place International’s flagship program.
DANIEL ARZOLA – GLOBAL ARTIVIST
Daniel Arzola is a queer Venezuelan immigrant Artivist. Alturi’s Joel Klausler met Daniel at Twin Cities Pride and was captivated by his art. Their conversation evolved into a thematic expression of Daniel’s impact on communities and cultures worldwide.
CZESLAW WALEK — PRAGUE PRIDE
Prague Pride is an NGO based in the Czech Republic (also called Czechia) which strives to make a safe environment where LGBTI people can be themselves. Alturi’s Joel Klausler recently spoke with Prague Pride’s Founder and Chairman, Czeslaw Walek, to examine how to help Ukrainian LGBTI refugees who are principal targets in Russia’s horrific invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, Walek shared the severity of the threats facing LGBTI Ukrainians and what’s at stake for the global LGBTI community.
