Supporting LGBTI rights through development cooperation in times of authoritarian resistance

This UI brief explores how development cooperation can support the rights of LGBTI people amidst rising global opposition. It highlights advances like gender recognition laws and same-sex marriage, but also significant pushback, including Uganda’s 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act and restrictive laws in Russia, Europe and the US. This resistance is often fueled by transnational conservative networks leveraging “traditional values” rhetoric or opposing “gender ideology”. Development policies that integrate SOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression) can provide essential support to rights-defenders in hostile contexts, including funding, safe meeting spaces, facilitating networks and exchange of expertise. There are also risks, such as backlash from visibility-driven approaches. This UI brief advocates for long-term, locally-driven strategies, flexible funding, and engagement with diverse grassroots organizations. It cautions against imposing Western norms and priorities, and stresses the need to address colonial legacies. Recommendations include increasing funding, supporting locally-led initiatives, and ensuring consistent, sustainable efforts.