David Kato, human rights activist, friend, and colleague, was murdered in his home in Kampala, Uganda on 26 January 2011.
To commemorate his life, the David Kato Vision and Voice Award will be awarded every year on Human Rights Day (10 December), to an individual who demonstrates courage and outstanding leadership in advocating for the sexual rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people, particularly in environments where these individuals face continued rejection, marginalization, isolation and persecution.
The award will be accompanied by a one-time grant of $10,000. The award recipient will be invited to accept the award at a key annual event early in the new year.
Nominations for the award are accepted for any individual whose leadership and life work has directly contributed to addressing the sexual rights of LGBTI people in their community.
The closing date for applications is November 1, 2011.
An individual can be self nominated or be nominated by an individual or organization familiar with the nominee’s work. Nominations must be completed online and include two letters of support from organizations familiar with the nominee’s work.
An international advisory committee will annually review the nominations according to the nomination criteria and select the award recipient. The current advisory committee includes representatives from the Global Forum on MSM & HIV (MSMGF), Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), GIZ -Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Herbert Smith LLP, and ILGA-Europe.
Website: http://www.visionandvoiceaward.com