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Q&A with Riley Reed: My Involvement in Pride Efforts in the US

In celebration of Pride month, we give space to young activists who address the rights of the LGBTQ+ community every day, like Riley who tells us about her experience in the US and shares a valuable message of solidarity for other young activists. 

Image credit: Young WILPF
  • 4 min
Riley Reed
28 June 2024

How was your experience as an LGBTQ+ advocate?

My experiences as an LGBTQ+ advocate in the United States have been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Serving as the Pride Chair for UNA-USA, I had the opportunity to lead and organise initiatives that elevated the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals within the broader context of human rights advocacy. This role allowed me to work closely with diverse groups and address the unique challenges faced by our community, particularly in the areas of visibility and representation.

One of the highlights of my advocacy work was collaborating with GLAAD, a non-profit organisation focused on LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change, where I helped create and promote media campaigns aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues. Additionally, my involvement in gun violence prevention space was crucial, as I worked to ensure that the specific vulnerabilities of LGBTQ+ individuals were addressed in broader policy discussions. Being an MCin the DC Pride Parade was another unforgettable experience, where I celebrated our community’s resilience and unity, while also drawing attention to the ongoing struggles.

While I was in university, I founded Pride in Running, an organisation dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ youth to run for public office. This initiative was born out of a deep-seated belief that representation matters and that having diverse voices in political spaces is crucial for driving meaningful change. Leading this organisation was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, as it allowed me to mentor and support young LGBTQ+ individuals who aspired to become leaders in their communities.

One of the core activities of Pride in Running was to provide training and resources to young LGBTQ+ candidates. We organised workshops on campaign strategy, public speaking and policy development, ensuring that our candidates were well-prepared to navigate the complexities of political campaigns. 

Through Pride in Running, I witnessed the transformative power of representation and the critical importance of intersectionality in advocacy. Our candidates, hailing from diverse backgrounds, brought attention to a wide array of issues – ranging from racial justice to economic inequality – while championing LGBTQ+ rights. Their campaigns underscored the necessity of addressing these interconnected challenges, reinforcing my commitment to inclusive and multifaceted advocacy.

Although no longer active, Pride in Running was a pivotal experience that deepened my commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and youth empowerment. It demonstrated the profound impact that young leaders can have on their communities and the political landscape. This journey underscored the importance of fostering inclusive and supportive environments where all voices can be heard and valued. As I continue my advocacy work, the lessons learned from Pride in Running remain a guiding force in my efforts to create a more just and equitable world.

What lessons did you take from your experience?

Throughout my journey, I have learned several important lessons. Firstly, the power of intersectionality is undeniable; our fight for LGBTQ+ rights must be inclusive of all identities and struggles, recognising that our community is diverse and multifaceted. Secondly, visibility is crucial. By sharing our stories and experiences, we can challenge stereotypes and promote understanding. Finally, collaboration and solidarity are key. Working with allies and other marginalised groups strengthens our collective efforts and amplifies our impact.

What is it like to be an activist for LGBTQ+ rights today?

Being an LGBTQ+ activist today is both invigorating and daunting. While we have made significant progress in terms of legal rights and social acceptance, there are still substantial hurdles to overcome. The current socio-political climate often poses threats to our hard-won rights, and the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in some areas can be disheartening. Despite these challenges, there is a strong sense of community and resilience among activists. We are constantly inspired by each other’s courage and determination to create a more just and inclusive world.

In your opinion, what are the difficulties faced by young activists in this field?

Young activists face several difficulties, including a lack of resources and support. Many of us operate within volunteer-led organisations with limited funding, which can make it challenging to sustain long-term initiatives. Additionally, there is often a generational gap in understanding and approach, which can create tensions within advocacy spaces. Young activists also face significant personal risks, including harassment and violence, especially in areas where anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment is prevalent. Despite these obstacles, our passion and commitment drive us to continue pushing for change.

What is your message for the other young WILPFers?

“To my fellow young WILPFers, I urge you to remain steadfast in your commitment to justice and equality. Embrace the power of intersectionality and strive to understand and support the diverse experiences within our communities. Remember that your voice matters and that every action, no matter how small, contributes to the larger movement for human rights. Build alliances, seek out mentors, and never underestimate the impact of solidarity. Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of their identity, can live with dignity and respect. Stay resilient, stay hopeful, and continue to be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Riley Reed
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Riley Reed

Riley Reed is a dedicated activist based in Washington, DC. From championing gun violence prevention to advocating for LGBTQ+ youth equality, Riley’s journey underscores the vital importance of visibility, intersectionality and solidarity in the ongoing fight for justice and equality.

Berit Aasen

Europe Alternate Regional Representative

Berit Aasen is a sociologist by training and has worked at the OsloMet Metropolitan University on Oslo. She has 40 years of experience in research and consultancy in development studies, including women, peace, and security, and in later years in asylum and refugee studies. Berit Aasen joined WILPF Norway five years ago. She is an alternate member of the National Board of WILPF Norway, and representing WILPF Norway in the UN Association of Norway, the Norwegian 1325 network and the Norwegian Women’s Lobby. Berit Aasen has been active in the WILPF European Liaison group and is committed to strengthening WILPF sections and membership both in Europe and relations across continents.

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Melissa Torres

VICE-PRESIDENT

Prior to being elected Vice-President, Melissa Torres was the WILPF US International Board Member from 2015 to 2018. Melissa joined WILPF in 2011 when she was selected as a Delegate to the Commission on the Status of Women as part of the WILPF US’ Practicum in Advocacy Programme at the United Nations, which she later led. She holds a PhD in Social Work and is a professor and Global Health Scholar at Baylor College of Medicine and research lead at BCM Anti-Human Trafficking Program. Of Mexican descent and a native of the US/Mexico border, Melissa is mostly concerned with the protection of displaced Latinxs in the Americas. Her work includes training, research, and service provision with the American Red Cross, the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Centre, and refugee resettlement programs in the U.S. Some of her goals as Vice-President are to highlight intersectionality and increase diversity by fostering inclusive spaces for mentorship and leadership. She also contributes to WILPF’s emerging work on the topic of displacement and migration.

Jamila Afghani

VICE-PRESIDENT

Jamila Afghani is the President of WILPF Afghanistan which she started in 2015. She is also an active member and founder of several organisations including the Noor Educational and Capacity Development Organisation (NECDO). Elected in 2018 as South Asia Regional Representative to WILPF’s International Board, WILPF benefits from Jamila’s work experience in education, migration, gender, including gender-based violence and democratic governance in post-conflict and transitional countries.

A woman in a blue, black, and white dress smiles radiantly in front of a leafy green background.

Sylvie Jacqueline Ndongmo

PRESIDENT

Sylvie Jacqueline NDONGMO is a human rights and peace leader with over 27 years experience including ten within WILPF. She has a multi-disciplinary background with a track record of multiple socio-economic development projects implemented to improve policies, practices and peace-oriented actions. Sylvie is the founder of WILPF Cameroon and was the Section’s president until 2022. She co-coordinated the African Working Group before her election as Africa Representative to WILPF’s International Board in 2018. A teacher by profession and an African Union Trainer in peace support operations, Sylvie has extensive experience advocating for the political and social rights of women in Africa and worldwide.

WILPF Afghanistan

In response to the takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban and its targeted attacks on civil society members, WILPF Afghanistan issued several statements calling on the international community to stand in solidarity with Afghan people and ensure that their rights be upheld, including access to aid. The Section also published 100 Untold Stories of War and Peace, a compilation of true stories that highlight the effects of war and militarisation on the region. 

IPB Congress Barcelona

WILPF Germany (+Young WILPF network), WILPF Spain and MENA Regional Representative

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Demilitarisation

WILPF uses feminist analysis to argue that militarisation is a counter-productive and ill-conceived response to establishing security in the world. The more society becomes militarised, the more violence and injustice are likely to grow locally and worldwide.

Sixteen states are believed to have supplied weapons to Afghanistan from 2001 to 2020 with the US supplying 74 % of weapons, followed by Russia. Much of this equipment was left behind by the US military and is being used to inflate Taliban’s arsenal. WILPF is calling for better oversight on arms movement, for compensating affected Afghan people and for an end to all militarised systems.

Militarised masculinity

Mobilising men and boys around feminist peace has been one way of deconstructing and redefining masculinities. WILPF shares a feminist analysis on the links between militarism, masculinities, peace and security. We explore opportunities for strengthening activists’ action to build equal partnerships among women and men for gender equality.

WILPF has been working on challenging the prevailing notion of masculinity based on men’s physical and social superiority to, and dominance of, women in Afghanistan. It recognizes that these notions are not representative of all Afghan men, contrary to the publicly prevailing notion.

Feminist peace​

In WILPF’s view, any process towards establishing peace that has not been partly designed by women remains deficient. Beyond bringing perspectives that encapsulate the views of half of the society and unlike the men only designed processes, women’s true and meaningful participation allows the situation to improve.

In Afghanistan, WILPF has been demanding that women occupy the front seats at the negotiating tables. The experience of the past 20 has shown that women’s presence produces more sustainable solutions when they are empowered and enabled to play a role.

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