GiveOut
1173. Elliot Vaughn
Elliot Vaughn, from London, is the founder of GiveOut, a charity that enables people to support LGBT activism internationally.
Having supported LGBT+ causes for years, Elliot recognised that many others were keen to support LGBT+ human rights around the world but didn’t know how to. The charity raises funds from the British LGBT+ donor community, and allies, and makes grants to LGBT+ advocacy groups around the world to help them protect and promote LGBT+ human rights. GiveOut fundraised or received pledges of more than £250,000 in 2018, its first year, collaborating with prominent figures in the LGBT+ community, such as Antonia Belcher, Suki Sandhu OBE and Steve Wardlaw. In September 2018, the charity won ‘Breakthrough of the Year’ at the Third Sector Awards. GiveOut has been welcomed by parliamentarians from the APPG on Global LGBT+ Rights including Nick Herbert MP, Lord Cashman, and Baroness Barker, as well as charities including the Kaleidoscope Trust, OutRight International and ILGA, along with LGBT+ advocates around the world. GiveOut also has partnerships with the management consultancy BCG and events company Camm & Hooper.
Elliot’s award comes ahead of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on 17 May, raising awareness of LGBT rights violations around the world. Elliot was presented with his award by his local MP for Hammersmith, Andy Slaughter (pictured below).
In a personal letter to Elliot, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“Through ‘Give Out’ you are providing a unique platform for people to donate to LGBT organisations outside the UK, helping distribute crucial donations to activists who are promoting equality across the globe. You should be extremely proud of what you have achieved and I wish you the very best in your continued work.”
Elliot said:
“I am passionate about helping members of our LGBT+ community to show their solidarity and support for brilliant LGBT+ advocates around the world. It’s such a special and unexpected honour to have the Prime Minister recognise the impact that GiveOut is having. I am deeply inspired by the courage and work of LGBT+ human rights advocates around the world and dedicate this award to them.”