Prime Minister commends BCG's Elliot Vaughn for LGBT+ activism

A London-based Boston Consulting Group Partner has been recognised by the UK Prime Minister for his outstanding contribution to international LGBT+ activism. Elliot Vaughn founded charity GiveOut in 2017, with the aim of better distributing LGBT+ charity funds beyond the UK to activists in nations which are more hostile toward the community.

While progress has undoubtedly been made for the LGBT+ community in Britain, 2017 saw less than £200,000 of more than £5 million donated to LGBT+ causes make its way beyond the UK’s shores to aid groups in nations where human rights are more likely to be disregarded. To change this, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Partner Elliot Vaughn founded GiveOut, a charity aiming to provide a unique distribution network to support LGBT+ rights organisations around the world.

Speaking to Consultancy.uk last year, Vaughn enthused that he had been “bowled over by the interest and support” to help build GiveOut, and bring new resources into the global LGBT+ human rights movement. This included support from civil society organisations including the Kaleidoscope Trust, OutRight and ILGA; LGBT media such as Pink News; and LGBT+ advocates themselves. In its first year, the charity fundraised or received pledges of more than £250,000, collaborating with prominent figures in the LGBT+ community such as Antonia Belcher, Suki Sandhu OBE and Steve Wardlaw.

Now, in recognition of his commitment to LGBT+ activism, Vaughn has been honoured by the UK Prime Minister, receiving a Point of Light award for his work with GiveOut. Vaughn has seen GiveOut go from strength-to-strength since its launch in early 2018, but he has supported LGBT+ causes individually for years. Also a sponsor of various LGBT+ organisations, he serves on the global leadership of BCG’s LGBT+ network and hosts, regularly speaking at internal events, including delivering the keynote address at Pride in the City.

Vaughn was recently named the 1173rd winner of a Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others. The award was announced ahead of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on 17th May, raising awareness of LGBT+ rights violations around the world.

In a personal letter to the BCG Partner, Prime Minister Theresa May said, "Through Give Out you are providing a unique platform for people to donate to LGBT+ organisations outside the UK, helping distribute crucial donations to activists who are promoting equality across the globe. You should be extremely proud of what you have achieved and I wish you the very best in your continued work."

Commenting on the award, Elliot Vaughn said, “I am passionate about helping members of our LGBT+ community to show their solidarity and support for brilliant LGBT+ advocates around the world. It’s such a special and unexpected honour to have the Prime Minister recognise the impact that GiveOut is having. I am deeply inspired by the courage and work of LGBT+ human rights advocates around the world and dedicate this award to them.”

BCG was a founding sponsor of GiveOut and continues to partner with the charity. Stuart Quickenden, Senior Partner and Head of BCG’s London office, remarked, “We’re immensely proud of all the work Elliot does to help promote and further LGBT+ rights globally, both within our own organisation and externally through GiveOut. His efforts in this space have inspired everyone at BCG for many years and it’s great to see him be publically recognised.”