The organisation, named The Kaleidoscope Trust, works around the
world to promote diversity and respect for all regardless of sexual
orientation.
It is the UK's latest human rights body and will officially launch
today, 13 September. The occasion will be marked by a reception at
the House of Commons hosted by the Speaker, John Bercow MP,
Kaleidoscope's Honorary President.
In anticipation, Prime Minister David Cameron, Labour leader Ed
Miliband and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg have all lent their
support.
"I am delighted to send my best wishes to Kaleidoscope and wish
them well in their work," said Cameron. "We look forward to the
contribution that Kaleidoscope will make to the debate on and
progress towards equality worldwide."
Miliband added: "I am proud to offer my support to Kaleidoscope as
it seeks to protect LGBT people from prejudice and persecution
across the world."
Meanwhile, Clegg said: "We share your belief that global problems
have grassroots, local solutions. I have no doubt that
Kaleidoscope's innovative and unique approach will prove hugely
important."
The director of Kaleidoscope, Lance Price, paid tribute to all
those who had helped bring the organisation from an idea to
reality. He said: "So many people have given up their time and
energy to make Kaleidoscope possible. They know who they are it's
now our responsibility to translate their hopes and efforts into
something that can really make a difference. I am especially
grateful to those women and men born and brought up in countries
where just to be gay is to be in danger. Their experiences and
their views have helped shape everything we plan to do at
Kaleidoscope.
"Now we look forward to welcoming new supporters and getting down
to work. The scale of the task appears daunting and it is. But
wherever there has been progress, where unjust laws have been
repealed, and where homophobic attitudes have been successfully
challenged, the process was invariably started by a few brave
individuals. They felt isolated, they faced abuse and attack, but
they knew that they had right on their side.
"There are men and women with just the same courage, facing just
the same threats and dangers, in every country where discrimination
and persecution persist. They too have right on their side. With
your help they can feel less isolated and be better equipped to
take on the challenge they face."
