Drew Dalton - Chair of Trustees

Case study

Describe yourself in three words.

Creative, bold and driven.

What is your background?

For the past 20 years I have worked in broad areas of inequality and human rights, particular around sexual and gender minorities and HIV and AIDS, at a regional, national and international level. I have taken part in work in Kenya and Nepal. Alongside this, I have also been deeply involved within education and through teaching in schools, colleges and universities. I am currently an academic, social researcher and campaigner.

What is your role at ReportOUT?

I am the Chair, so alongside the other trustees, I drive the strategic direction of the charity. However, like most small charities, I am also operational and so I am effectively the CEO of the organisation! I am also the 'Trustee Lead' for the EducateOUT project, our education project.

What Impact has your role had on the charity?

I am the Founder of ReportOUT, so that is a big impact! I led on one of our biggest projects, the 'OUT in Uganda' research project with seven Ugandan partner organisations and have helped to form our 'Hidden Voices' podcast project. My major impact comes down to ensuring that ReportOUT has a clear strategy and action plan for the year ahead, which is what I compile. An average day at ReportOUT is always varied and so my impact is in different ways! I could be running a volunteer meeting, speaking to someone in other nation state, leading a research project, delivering a training course or public speaking at events!

What is one thing you aim to achieve for the charity this year?

I want to ensure that ReportOUT gets more public recognition for the hard work that we do!

List one personal achievement you want to accomplish as a result of being part of the charity.

I would like to learn how to make really good videos.

Have there been any notable moments in your life that have led you to working at and supporting the charity?

Through working with LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and after hearing of their experiences, I was inspired to contribute to the voices advocating for social change at a global level.

What is your personal view about global Sexual And/Or Gender Minority issues?

The world is polarising in many ways. As more countries are becoming socially liberal (in places) toward sexual and gender minorities, others are becoming more hard line. The only way to make change is to remind all of us, of our most fundamental and cherished human rights, which we as nation states, have all signed up to address.

What is the best advice you have been given?

I have two: "Regret is a useless emotion" and "Ask for forgiveness, not for permission"

What is the best advice you would give to a young LGBTQI+ young person?

Regret is a useless emotion.

What other hobbies and interests do you have?

I love photography and for every country that I go to, I take a little LEGO person with me and I photograph them! I am a huge fan of culture and travel, either going off the beaten track or being a typical tourist seeing the big sites. I love to read (I read a lot) about the world, society and the people who live in it, but I also love adventure and to take part in things such as white water rafting and canoeing. I am a huge board games fan and I love Mario Brothers games! (I am not always a serious activist). I love volunteering and I like to make sure that I give back.

Who inspires you and why?

I have always been inspired by activists, particularly Peter Tatchell. He is bold, driven, radical and not afraid to take risks.

Anything else you would like to share?

My biggest personal achievement in life would be to see ReportOUT live on after I leave this Earth!