The Rainbow Tribunal invites qualified and committed professionals and community leaders from around the world to apply to become Volunteer Counsel Members, dedicated to advancing justice, accountability, equality, dignity, and protection for LGBTQIA+ people and victims of human-rights violations.
The Rainbow Tribunal provides a forum through which Counsel Members may be called upon to take part in, appear before, or attend proceedings involving alleged violations, discrimination, persecution, violence, or other serious injustices against LGBTQIA+ people.
Each participating country is represented by a Chair and Vice Chair, with Counsel Members serving as representatives and contributors to the Tribunal's work.
Available leadership and organizational positions include:
Chair — Provides leadership and may preside over proceedings and meetings.
Vice Chair — Supports the Chair and may preside in the event that the Chair is absent or unable to serve.
Registrar — Supports the administration, records, communications, and procedural functions of the Tribunal.
Counsel Members — Participate in proceedings, deliberations, consultations, research, reporting, and other Tribunal activities as required.
Applicants for the volunteer positions of Chair, Vice Chair, and Registrar may be considered through either of the following pathways:
Appointment and Swearing-In by the Interior Counsel: An applicant may be appointed and sworn in by the Interior Counsel in accordance with the Tribunal's applicable appointment, screening, and oath procedures; or
Public Nomination and Endorsement: An applicant may be nominated by one or more members of the public who are willing to provide written Letters of Endorsement supporting the applicant's suitability, integrity, qualifications, leadership, and commitment to the principles and mandate of the Rainbow Tribunal.
Public nomination does not by itself guarantee appointment. All nominated applicants remain subject to the Tribunal's applicable eligibility requirements, screening, background checks, evaluation, selection, appointment, and swearing-in procedures.
Letters of Endorsement should identify the person making the nomination, describe their relationship to or knowledge of the applicant, and explain why they believe the applicant is suitable for the volunteer position sought.
The Tribunal may consider the number, substance, credibility, and relevance of supporting endorsements when assessing an applicant, together with the applicant's qualifications, experience, integrity, professionalism, impartiality, and suitability for service.
Counsel Members may be summoned or invited to participate, appear, or attend proceedings relating to matters within the Tribunal's mandate.
Depending on the circumstances and applicable Tribunal procedures, Counsel Members may be called upon to:
Participate in hearings and proceedings;
Review and consider matters presented to the Tribunal;
Vote and contribute to collective decisions;
Make recommendations and provide professional opinions;
Submit reports, findings, observations, or recommendations concerning matters before the Tribunal;
Contribute to international human-rights advocacy and accountability; and
Where appropriate and subject to applicable laws, procedures, and institutional requirements, communicate reports or recommendations to relevant Supreme, Superior, or High Courts, the United Nations, and the International Criminal Court.
The Rainbow Tribunal welcomes qualified applicants from countries around the world. Counsel Members and Delegates may meet virtually through Zoom, while certain proceedings, conferences, ceremonies, or special meetings may be conducted in person when circumstances require.
The Tribunal's international structure is intended to encourage cooperation among professionals and community leaders who are committed to protecting the rights, safety, dignity, and equality of LGBTQIA+ people.
Applicants must:
Be 19 years of age or older;
Be a citizen of the country they seek to represent;
Have an up-to-date clean criminal record/background check;
Have demonstrated experience in community leadership, service, advocacy, or related community work;
Be willing and able to participate in Tribunal activities when called upon; and
Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, impartiality, respect, and a genuine commitment to human rights and justice.
Applicants seeking the positions of Chair, Vice Chair, or Registrar may also be nominated by members of the public, provided the nomination is accompanied by supporting Letters of Endorsement and the applicant satisfies the Tribunal's applicable eligibility and screening requirements.
LGBTQIA+ applicants and non-LGBTQIA+ applicants are both welcome to apply. Representation is based on qualifications, integrity, commitment, and suitability for service—not sexual orientation or gender identity.
First priority will be given to applicants with experience or professional backgrounds in the law and legal field, including lawyers, legal professionals, judges, paralegals, legal researchers, and others with relevant legal experience.
However, a legal or academic background is not required for all Counsel positions.
Applicants without a law background may still be considered where they demonstrate meaningful community leadership, advocacy, human-rights experience, professional expertise, lived experience, organizational skills, or other qualities that can contribute to the Tribunal's work.
No academic qualifications are required for applicants without a legal background.
Selection to the Rainbow Tribunal is an opportunity to serve as part of an international body committed to addressing serious violations and advancing accountability for LGBTQIA+ people.
Applicants who are selected will receive a formal invitation to be appointed and sworn in as a Counsel Member of the Rainbow Tribunal, subject to the Tribunal's applicable appointment, screening, and oath procedures.
Applicants for Chair, Vice Chair, and Registrar may additionally enter the selection process through public nomination and supporting Letters of Endorsement. A public nomination is an expression of support and does not replace the Tribunal's required screening, evaluation, appointment, or swearing-in procedures.
We welcome individuals who are prepared to contribute their knowledge, experience, judgment, time, and leadership in service of justice.
If you believe you have the integrity, commitment, experience, and dedication to serve, we invite you to apply to become a Volunteer Counsel Member of the Rainbow Tribunal or to seek consideration for one of its volunteer leadership positions.
Due to the sensitive and classified nature of information associated with the Rainbow Tribunal, all applicants must complete a mental evaluation and up-to-date police/criminal background check before selection, swearing-in, or appointment.
All information obtained through the application, nomination, endorsement, screening, and evaluation processes shall be handled in accordance with the Tribunal's applicable confidentiality, privacy, and procedural requirements.