LGBT Human Rights Diplomacy: Policy Implications

Abstract

In this chapter, the data gathered from interviews with 29 diplomats, LGBT human rights advocates and UN representatives was analyzed and transformed into a series of recommendations. The goal of the research was to unlock a deeper understanding of the policy implications that have emerged from the internationalization of LGBT human rights. This chapter: demonstrates successful examples of LGBT human rights diplomacy; points to gaps, inconsistencies and contradictions; describes potential areas for research and policy development; and suggests new areas of engagement for diplomats, civil society organizations (CSOs) and intergovernmental organizations (IGOs). Although many would agree that multilateral LGBT advocacy and diplomacy have made spectacular gains over the past twenty years, questions remain. To what extent do these gains translate into rights enjoyed by LGBT people representing a plurality of regions, religions, races, cultures, social classes and gender identity categories? How human rights violations against LGBT people are defined, highlighted and prioritized will have a major impact on what a global LGBT rights movement could look like in the coming years. Whether this movement will coalesce and thrive, or fragment and shrink, will depend on whether it is nimble enough to coordinate a common approach to multiple threats.KeywordsLGBTHuman rightsCivil societyDiplomacyPolicyMultilateralismViolationsLitigationRegionalMovementHomophobiaTrauma