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Extreme stigma, discrimination, and violence based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC), reinforced by criminalizing and punitive laws and policies in many countries, continue to be among the greatest barriers to progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) populations. These structural barriers prevent LGBTI individuals from enjoying their human rights, meaningfully participating in the implementation of the SDGs, and reaching their full potential. The possibility for LGBTI people to access their full economic rights, to be fully productive workers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs is limited due to exclusion from educational opportunities, discrimination in hiring and promotions, as well as harassment and illtreatment in the workplace.
There is ample room, precedent, and creativity to include LGBTI people in SDG-related actions in order to Leave No One Behind, design effective development programs, and realize the SDGs. In light of the 2020 High-Level Political Forum Theme ‘Accelerated action and transformative pathways: realizing the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development’, activation of populations that are left furthest behind can accelerate future action and is crucial for transformation and realization of sustainable development.
Although there have been positive outcomes in the implementation of the SDGs, severe barriers for the inclusion of LGBTI populations around the globe remain. For instance, criminalizing, pathologizing, and discriminatory laws and policies make the realization of the SDGs impossible. Moreover, the lack of meaningful participation of LGBTI populations in decision-making and other political processes that affect them hinders their valuable contribution and results in ineffective policies not targeted to their unique development needs.
Patriarchy and heteronormativity are root causes of gender inequality and gender-based violence, harming women and girls, gender non-binary or gender non-conforming people, as well as men and boys. To eradicate inequalities in line with SDG10, States must forbid discrimination based on SOGIESC, introduce laws and policies that protect LGBTI people, and promote a culture supportive of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions and sex characteristics.
69 United Nations Member States criminalize consensual same-sex behavior between adults. 31 have laws and regulations enacted to restrict the right to freedom of expression in relation to sexual orientation issues (known as “propaganda laws”). 41 have laws and regulations that limit the ability of sexual orientation-related civil society organizations to legally register. 68 have laws criminalizing HIV non-disclosure, exposure, or transmission. These laws exclude and target LGBTI populations and people living with and affected by HIV, effectively leaving them behind.
It is also important to highlight that while LGBTI people share common experiences of marginalization based on SOGIESC, many also face intersecting forms of discrimination based on gender, age, race, ethnicity, ability, class, socioeconomic status, migration status, and other factors that drive exclusion.
There is a need for accurate and complete data disaggregated based on SOGIESC. Proper data collection is one of the best ways to guide concrete accelerated action and deliver transformation. Such data will allow for the formation of evidence-based laws and policies that serve to promote and protect LGBTI people’s rights. LGBTI-led organizations should be consulted in the data disaggregation and collection process.
A human rights-based approach to achieving the SDGs anchors implementation in State obligations established by international law. For instance, the realization of the right to health relies on the fulfilment of corresponding rights which address root causes of exclusion.
Finally, enabling meaningful participation of LGBTI populations in the monitoring and implementation of the SDGs would ensure that policies, programs and administrative measures address their unique needs in an effective and informed manner.
