Todd Larson

Todd Larson (born 1960) is an American recognized for his contributions towards securing rights and benefits for LGBT employees of the United Nations. He currently serves as the Senior Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Coordinator at the United States Agency for International Development.

LGBT Advocacy

Larson is recognized for his efforts for LGBT equality in the UN and at USAID. His work with the Federation of International Civil Servants' Associations and the UN Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Employees group since 2000 led to what are considered the first affirmative, internal policy initiatives in the UN in favor of LGBT rights,[1] particularly a successful eight-year effort to convince the UN to give domestic partners of employees the same benefits granted to employees' spouses.[2][3]

Larson's role at USAID includes a mandate to coordinate the Agency's implementation of the President's December 6, 2011 memorandum on "International Initiatives to Advance the Human Rights of LGBT Persons"[4] and, in particular, lead ongoing efforts to ensure regular U.S. Government engagement with governments, citizens, civil society and the private sector to build respect for the human rights and development of LGBT persons.[5] According to USAID Deputy Administrator Mark Feierstein, this includes "bringing together domestic and global partners while ensuring that USAID is integrating LGBT considerations into every area of our work and every place where we work."[6]

Larson previously served on the board of directors for the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission from 2007 to 2013 and was co-chair of the board for the majority of that period.[7] He also served on the board of directors for the Fair Wisconsin Education Fund.[8]

Work with the United Nations

Larson was employed at the United Nations for twenty years, most recently as Senior Counselor at the World Intellectual Property Organization in New York.[9] In his career at the UN, Larson served with the High Commissioner for Refugees in Indonesia and Malaysia and with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations in Cambodia, Haiti and the Former Yugoslavia.[10]

Awards

Larson was recognized as a distinguished alumnus of the University of Washington School of Law in 2007.[11] He was given special recognition by IGLHRC in 2014.[12]

Personal life

After graduating from Carleton College in 1983, Larson served in the Peace Corps for two years in Togo, West Africa. He received his law degree and master's degree in international relations from the University of Washington in 1988.

References
  1. "News Release". University of Washington. Retrieved 2012-01-19.
  2. "Carleton College: Carleton News: News: Todd Larson '83 of World Intellectual Property Organization to give Carleton Convocation". Retrieved 2012-01-19.
  3. "Equality Forum - www.equalityforum.com". Retrieved 2012-01-19.
  4. "Presidential Memorandum- International Initiatives to Advance the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Persons". 2011-12-06. Retrieved 2014-06-27.
  5. "Todd Larson- U.S. Agency for International Development". 2014-03-21. Retrieved 2014-06-27.
  6. "U.S. Official at Launch of USAID's LGBT Vision for Action". 2014-06-17. Retrieved 2014-06-27.
  7. "IGLHRC: Celebration of Courage 2014 Bios". Retrieved 2014-06-27.
  8. "Fair Wisconsin Education Fund". Retrieved 2012-01-19.
  9. "United Nations Visitors Centre - Speakers List L". Retrieved 2012-01-19.
  10. "News Release". University of Washington. Retrieved 2012-01-19.
  11. "News Release". University of Washington. Retrieved 2012-01-19.
  12. "IGLHRC: Celebration of Courage 2014 Bios". Retrieved 2014-06-27.
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