It’s more than just a march! Pride Month in June is an annual observation that spotlights everything from advocacy and activism, to celebration, education, and fostering a sense of community and belonging for LGBTQIA+ individuals. It is an opportunity to stand in solidarity and join the ongoing fight for visibility and inclusivity – despite significant progress, even in the most progressive societies.
A notable highlight in the waterdrop® calendar is our Pride Campaign, and for the fourth consecutive year, we are delighted to support two non-profit organisations – Outright International and Queer Base – through a 10% donation from the proceeds of our Rainbow Glass Bottle; a new Limited Edition design that is now larger to exhibit the quality of ‘standing taller’ when it comes to advocating for equality.
To celebrate our ongoing partnership with Outright International, we spoke with the organisation’s Director of Queer Legal Futures, Alberto de Belaúnde (he/him). A Peruvian lawyer, LGBT activist, and writer, Alberto was one of the first openly gay congressmen in the history of Peru, an independent progressive that, one year prior to his term in 2020, was awarded the Victory Institute Tammy Baldwin Breakthrough Award for his work with the LGBT community. Since then, Alberto was part of the Yale World Fellowship, and has published two books, one of them about openly LGBTI authorities in Latin America, titled Más allá del arcoíris. Autoridades LGBTI en Latinoamérica.
Alberto, it’s a real honour to have you with us. Before we dive in: who is Alberto beyond the headlines and job titles?
Thank you! I’d say I’m a proud Peruvian, married to my husband Diego since 2021 – we've been together since 2011. I love writing, and I’m especially excited because next year I’m publishing my first work of fiction. I also really enjoy cooking – it’s one of my favourite ways to unwind after a long day.
You made history as one of Peru’s first openly gay congressmen. Looking back, what did that moment really feel like? And what is the one thing you wish people understood about it?
It was a mix of pride, responsibility, and – if I’m honest – a bit of fear. I knew it wasn’t just about me; it was about opening a door that had been shut for too long. I think what I wish more people understood is that visibility matters, but it also comes with a cost. You're suddenly carrying expectations, hopes, and sometimes hostility. But the truth is, I never felt alone. I was lifted up by people who had long been fighting for human rights, for dignity, for justice. And I felt the support of my constituents – the ones who believed in what I stood for, and who re-elected me. That solidarity made all the difference. It reminded me that representation isn't just symbolic – it can build real bridges between people and power.
Building bridges between people and power: there is a lot happening on a global scale when it comes to LGBTQIA+ rights. What are the most pressing issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community globally right now, and how is Outright stepping in?
We’re living a paradox right now. On one hand, there has been incredible progress in many parts of the world – marriage equality, legal recognition of gender identity, bans on conversion practices. But on the other hand, we’re seeing a very organised, well-funded backlash. In countries across Africa, Eastern Europe, and even parts of the Americas, new laws and policies are being passed that criminalise our existence or silence our advocacy.
One of the most pressing issues is the global spread of anti-gender and anti-LGBTIQ narratives – often exported and coordinated across borders. These narratives don’t just attack our rights – they threaten democracy, free expression, and bodily autonomy more broadly.
Outright is stepping in by working with partners on the ground in more than 50 countries, supporting local movements with funding, research, and strategic advocacy. We engage with the UN and other international bodies to make sure LGBTIQ voices are heard where decisions are made. And we’re building coalitions – because this moment demands solidarity that crosses borders, just like the backlash does.
When it comes to solidarity, at waterdrop®, we believe real impact comes through long-term partnerships. We've proudly supported Outright through four Pride campaigns now, what does this kind of collaboration mean to you and the wider Outright community?
We wholeheartedly agree. At Outright, we prioritise partnerships with companies that share our values and authentically and boldly support our communities. This commitment means investing in long-term relationships with organisations like Outright that have expertise and global reach to drive meaningful progress with LGBTIQ groups and communities. At a time when some actors are retreating in the face of escalating backlash, waterdrop’s generous support is more visible and more vital than ever. Its actions speak boldly to its values. We remain proud to partner again this year in our shared commitment to achieving LGBTIQ equality worldwide.
Of all of Outright's global programs that waterdrop®'s donation will support, is there a specific project that you are working on which is close to your heart?
I think what’s closest to my heart is not just a single project, but the ability to respond quickly when crisis hits. One of the things waterdrop’s donation will help us do is keep that flexibility. When the war in Ukraine began, Outright was able to launch a support fund for LGBTIQ people within days – the same week of the invasion. That kind of immediate action can mean safety, shelter, or even survival for someone suddenly in danger. And we have used our data from these interventions to educate the mainstream humanitarian sector to push them to be more inclusive of LGBTIQ people.
More recently, we’ve been able to step in and begin to support organisations that lost everything when the U.S. government cut critical funding for LGBTIQ groups in several countries. For many of these local organisations, it meant they could keep their doors open, keep helping their communities, and keep hope alive. That’s what this support makes possible – not just programs, but presence, solidarity, and action when it matters most.
Adding to that: for everyone reading this who wants to make a difference beyond purchasing our Rainbow Glass Bottle, what’s one thing that they can do today?
One of the most powerful things anyone can do right now is to embrace global solidarity. The attacks on LGBTIQ rights may look different from country to country, but they’re all part of the same backlash – and our response has to be just as connected. So stay informed, speak up when it matters, and support the organisations doing the work on the frontlines.
And if you want to go a step further, I invite you to learn more about Outright International. Our annual “Outright Proud - Stronger Together” campaign page on Outright’s website provides individuals with critical actions they can take to support LGBTIQ communities worldwide. We’re working every day with brave activists around the world to push back, to protect, and to build a future where everyone can live with dignity and freedom – no matter where they are.
Conclusion
With partnerships such as Outright International, accelerating change, however big or small, is still, simply put, very much needed. For the queer community and allies, there is no right or wrong way to celebrate Pride, it’s being in unequivocal solidarity with the community to protect their rights, and centre their voices to avoid such significant resets that many societies have recently experienced. Play your part today: be brave, stand tall, and show your true colours.
