What does tech have to do with it?

It was an honor to work with the inspiring Geena Rocero, founder of Gender Proud. Dear Friends, I am a techie at heart. I believe that innovative media and digital strategies can help propel social change. And I believe that LGBTQI leaders deserve technology and communications tools that are accessible, secure, and relevant to their communities. Three weeks ago, I had the honor of seeing this vision take shape at Astraea’s first-ever Media, Communications and Technology Lab (CommsLab) in Bogotá, Colombia. Astraea convened more than thirty activists from Latin America with practitioners in technology and communications to co-create new media strategies and digital advocacy tools specifically designed to meet the needs of LGBTQI human rights defenders. In all, it was site for innovation, learning, and ongoing experimentation. This milestone would not have been possible without the generous support of United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In 2012, Astraea joined USAID in a groundbreaking initiative, the LGBT Global Development Partnership, a strategic collaboration to strengthen the rights, economic status, and cultural and political experiences of LGBT people in targeted countries. The Partnership is comprised of influential organizations – across sectors and from around the world – working to leverage resources to secure LGBT rights. I am also grateful to Colombia Diversa, our local partner organization for the Lab, and to the top-notch trainers, participants, staff and volunteers who made this event a success. I am proud and excited to see the CommsLabs become a reality. Astraea will hold two more Labs in the coming year and we look forward to sharing what we learn along the way. Stay tuned. J. Bob Alotta Executive Director P.S. Check out this great article featuring Geena Rocero and Gender Proud in Colombia's biggest newspaper ¡El Tiempo! A special thanks to USAID, whose support made the Lab possible, and Colombia Diversa, our in-country partner: