Dear IGLHRC Friends and Family,

From our global headquarters in New York City, I am relieved to report that the staff of the International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) is safe and sound after Hurricane Sandy swept through the Caribbean and Northeastern United States this week.

IGLHRC’s lower Manhattan office is temporarily closed as a result of flooding, but that hasn't stopped us from working. We are used to crackling phone lines, fleeting internet connections, and dropped Skype calls with our staff in regional offices and with LGBT activists and organizations worldwide. With IGLHRC staff on five continents -- spanning 15 time zones – we’ve been in constant contact throughout the week. Whatever the storm, natural or political, the day-to-day work of IGLHRC continues.

At this strange time, we send our heartfelt condolences to the many who suffered serious losses in parts of New York, New Jersey, Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. The devastation of Hurricane Sandy reminds us to think beyond national borders about human suffering wherever it is.

Wherever you are, we’re thinking of you and wishing you safety.

Through sunshine and storm, thank you for helping IGLHRC to advance human rights for everyone, everywhere.

With warmth and solidarity,

Jessica Stern
Executive Director