Graham Robertson
24 oct 2025
Session summary
Recent years have seen a growing anti-gender movement globally, which is threatening progress on sexual and reproductive health and rights, LGBTQI+ rights, gender studies and other progressive values. The anti-gender movement is coordinated and well-funded; according to a report by the Global Philanthropy Project, from 2008-2017, the anti-gender movement spent over $1 billion USD. This movement is increasingly gaining influence in global forums such as the United Nations (UN), supported by actors such as Russia, the Holy See and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Beyond the Backlash: Addressing the Global Anti-Gender Agenda will provide an overview of the anti-gender movement, namely its origins, key players and finances, as well as tactics and narratives it employs to advance its agenda. Drawing from the presenter’s early research at the University of Oxford and his background in international LGBTQI+ policy with the Canadian government, this presentation will highlight measures in civil society to counter the anti-gender movement through diplomacy, advocacy and philanthropic initiatives. Following the presentation, audience members will be provided with case studies of anti-gender movements, and invited to brainstorm strategies to respond to these case studies through the lenses of activism and research, policy and philanthropy. As key takeaways, participants will consider how to dispel misconceptions used by anti-gender actors, for example, narratives about family values. Additionally, they will consider strategies for advancing progressive values in multilateral forums such as the G7 and UN, including negotiation tactics, coalition building and support for civil society. This session is intended for a range of participants in the fields of activism, academia and policy.
Biography
Graham Robertson (he/him) is a Master’s student at the University of Oxford, where his research focuses on addressing anti-gender movements. Originally from Toronto, Canada, he is currently on sabbatical from the Canadian government, where he led on international LGBTQI+ policy at the Department for Women and Gender Equality. In this role, he represented the Canadian government at global forums such as the Equal Rights Coalition, and strengthened LGBTQI+ rights in Canada’s international engagement. Graham holds an MSc in Human Rights and Politics from the London School of Economics. He has presented on LGBTQI+ rights at conferences in the United Kingdom, Canada and Mexico, including at the last #SaferToBeMe conference in 2023.
