USAID Releases First-Ever LGBTQI+ Inclusive Development Policy

Today, USAID released the Agency’s first-ever Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) Inclusive Development Policy. The Policy guides USAID’s commitment to advancing LGBTQI+ Inclusive Development and the human rights of LGBTQI+ people as part of a coordinated, whole-of-U.S. government effort with our partners on the ground.

The Policy outlines overarching USAID principles and objectives for LGBTQI+ inclusive development programs and activities as part of a coordinated Agency priority, and advances USAID’s commitment to supporting protection, inclusion, and human rights for all so that LGBTQI+ individuals are able to live with dignity and free from all forms of violence, discrimination, stigma, and criminalization.

Recognizing that locally-led, LGBTQI+ inclusive development strengthens livelihoods, economies, and democracies, the Policy provides a blueprint for integrating LGBTQI+ individuals in USAID policy and programming, including by:

• Supporting locally-led programmatic approaches that advance USAID’s commitment to localization
• Using USAID’s global development diplomacy to drive progress on LGBTQI+ inclusive development both within and beyond the Agency’s programming
• Prioritizing evidence-based LGBTQI+ programming and approaches and strengthening responses through data
• Improving USAID’s response to crises that impact LGBTQI+ persons and communities

The Policy is available at: https://www.usaid.gov/ policy/lgbtqi