The problem with international development is that some human rights defenders are sexist, some feminists are transphobic and homophobic, and some LGBTIQ+ advocates racist.
By: Elise Stephenson, Jack Hayes and Matcha Phorn-In
Posted on 5 August 2022
Overview
Put simply, LGBTIQ+ inclusion and rights have often been marginalised in international affairs. Critically, it is not just conservative states who have pushed back on supporting diverse LGBTIQ+ folk and perspectives, with human rights defenders and more progressive state actors often perpetuating inequalities and discrimination – unintentionally or not. Progress is often non-linear and does not remain static – the rights of LGBTIQ+ people once earned are not always guaranteed, creating a shifting international landscape that is difficult to map out.
Feminist foreign policy (FFP) principles emphasise the need to transform the global systems which uphold and perpetuate inequality – including patriarchy, colonialism, capitalism and others. Yet to date, the application of FFP principles to LGBTIQ+ inclusion and rights has been limited. This issues paper seeks to extend principle of ‘transforming global systems’ - particularly homophobic, transphobic and heteronormative systems – to set forth an agenda for how FFP can enable progress and prioritise action around LGBTIQ+ inclusion and rights.
Contact
Elise Stephenson
Deputy Director
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