The Unseen Crowd Episode 3 : Why Collaboration is Vital & Hard
In this episode of The Unseen Crowd, host Jonathan sits down with leaders from ILGA Asia, Pan-Africa ILGA, and COC Netherlands to explore the complexities, challenges, and power of collaboration in movement building. Using the Power of Pride program as a case study, the conversation dives into how organizations from different continents work together to support LGBTQI+ communities, overcome conflicts, and build trust across borders. Key Takeaways: Collaboration is not about uniformity—it’s about harmonizing differences, aligning values, and moving toward a shared goal. Trust is the foundation of effective collaboration: it builds slowly, can break quickly, and must be nurtured continuously. The Power of Pride program demonstrates that participatory decision-making, clear roles, and transparency are critical to sustaining long-term alliances. Intergenerational mentorship and cross-regional learning strengthen collaboration and ensure the continuity of movement leadership. Anti-LGBTQI+ movements are well-resourced and organized; siloed efforts are less effective, making coordinated collaboration essential. Conflict is inevitable in collaborations, but open communication, facilitated check-ins, and a shared commitment to the mission prevent escalation.