A newsletter on livelihoods and economic empowerment – i.e. the means to safely attain the necessities of life. Geared toward the global LGBTQ+ movement to inspire new frontiers of advocacy: let’s make economic development work for us. A cache for all things queer, development-focused, and in search of the good life.
In this 1st edition: why livelihoods & development, a look at Mexico, Brazil & UK, multilateral development banks, Russian-led violence, AfroQueer & more.
Why livelihoods and development?
Alongside many LGBTQ+ advances, we continue to see abuses and even backsliding, with ongoing challenges that impede human rights as well as livelihoods. Yet, the national and international institutions that could promote LGBTQ+ livelihoods and economic empowerment often remain inaccessible. The community has remained invisible and often excluded from economic development – a multi-billion $ sector.
Inspired by other social movements, its my hope to sensitize the global LGBTQ+ movement to push for a livelihoods and economic empowerment approach within our advocacy. From there, I believe we can collectively influence the national and international economic development sector so that it becomes accountable to our community – support for data, inclusive programs, dialogue, funding, and more. Inclusive economic development must better address homophobia & transphobia, but we must work hard to ensure it will. E.g., just today a coalition called on the World Bank to move past kind words to actually include LGBTQ+ people in programs.
I’ll send regular updates on this nexus, including: (I) examples from civil society, (II) development sector entry points, (III) research, and (IV) podcasts.
I. Shining examples from civil society
Trans well-being. In Mexico, the Centro de Atención Transgénero Integral provides comprehensive care for trans and gender non-conforming people, including mental health services, monitoring gender-affirming surgeries, education, legal services, and more. This sets a strong example on rigorous and holistic services, not only in terms of gender-affirming care, but also via services to facilitate overall well-being.
Training & helpline. In Brazil, Micro Rainbow International offers trainings to LGBTQ+ people on how to start a business. Due to labor market discrimination, this offers much-needed tools to foster livelihoods. Micro Rainbow is no stranger to providing services to vulnerable people: this week in the UK, it launched a helpline for queer Afghan asylum seekers, alongside its other mentoring programs and safe houses for LGBTQ+ forced migrants.
Social media campaign. Do you work for LGBTQ+ livelihoods? Do you wish your work had more visibility? Join us to share more with a global audience. Just today, a group of volunteers launched #WorkingForBetter to express how we are striving for better lives, jobs, health, schools, data, and more.
II. Development sector entry points
The multilateral development banks (MDBs), some governments and institutions are starting to bring LGBTQ+ issues into economic development agendas. Yet we must work hard to ensure its potential is reached.
Let’s look at 3 timely entry points:
MDB Safeguards. These are the standards that governments and the MDBs must follow to mitigate environmental and social harm. Both the African Development Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) are now in the process of updating these safeguards, offering an important opportunity. A coalition has already sent guidance to the ADB, hoping it joins the Inter-American Development Bank and World Bank in setting LGBTQ+ standards. In May, the ADB will host LGBTQ+ consultations.
Data. The Inter-American Development Bank recently announced it will give limited technical assistance to Costa Rica, Ecuador and Argentina regarding greater LGBTQ+ access to justice and measures against violence. This joins recently published research from the World Bank that examines legal exclusion in 16 countries. This is a step in the right direction for both, yet we should hope for more.
Engaging civil society. The Organization of American States and Synergía – Initiatives for Human Rights signed a cooperative agreement to work together in Latin America and the Caribbean. Guided by the Inter-American Convention, this gives more tools to secure the implementation of rights, including economic rights.
III. Analytical corner
Violence. As Russia invades Ukraine, we must see how Putin exports homophobia & transphobia to his own geopolitical ends, among other abuses. This commentary in LGBTQ Nation explores how Putin’s LGBTQ+ attack was a litmus test for the West in leading up to the invasion. Similarly, this in-depth 2015 Humanity In Action article explores Putin’s anti-LGBTQ exports as a harmful counterbalance to the EU.
Livelihoods. On March 3rd at 9am EST, the LGBTI Livelihoods Project will launch its new paper (and to RSVP) - a first-of-its-kind that culls 59 initiatives from around the world. Among its brilliant authors, you’ll likely recognize Dr. Lee Badgett, who wrote the pivotal book on working for LGBT equality through an economic lens.
IV. Dynamic podcasts
I’ve been listening to the enlightening podcast, AfroQueer, examining stories of “queer Africans living, loving, surviving and thriving”. In particular, a 2021 episode on Ghana provides an impactful examination of the challenges the community faces.
In the world of combatting sexual violence is the podcast by the South African-based Sexual Violence Research Initiative. Exploring best practices, episode 4 on ethical funding shows the powerful feminist & post-colonial standards expected of funders.
Congrats Phil, let me know if you need a North African perspective :D
Many congrats Phil! As usual, wishing you continued and increased success!