Graeme Reid

Graeme Reid is an accomplished academic and advocate in the field of human rights, currently serving as an Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity at the United Nations Human Rights since November 2023. Reid has extensive experience in education as a lecturer at both Columbia University and Yale University, and has played a pivotal role as the Director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights Program at Human Rights Watch from 2011 to 2023. Reid also contributed to social research at the Wits Institute For Social And Economic Research from 2001 to 2007 and founded the Gay and Lesbian Archives of South Africa, where leadership was held from 1997 to 2001. Additionally, Reid coordinated efforts at the National Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality in 1995. Educational credentials include a PhD (cum laude) in Social Anthropology from the University of Amsterdam, an MA (cum laude) in Social Anthropology, and a BA (Hons) in African Literature, both from the University of the Witwatersrand.