We work across programs to uphold the rights of LGBTIQ+ people and others who are experiencing violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or sex characteristics. The Advocates helps LGBTIQ+ migrants fleeing persecution find safety in the U.S. We partner with LGBTIQ+ human rights defenders to promote equality in their countries. We empower our LGBTIQ+ clients to share their lived experiences by participating in advocacy at the United Nations.
Read our submissions to international human rights mechanisms by clicking here or navigating to LGBTIQ+ Advocacy on the sidebar.
Note on terminology: Significant portions of the United Nations currently use the acronyms LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex) and SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity. These acronyms, however, do not recognize other identities that fall under the queer and transgender umbrellas, such as pansexuals, asexuals, and gender non-binary people, among others. Unfortunately, many of these communities who are excluded by the acronym LGBTI have a long history of exclusion, both from outside the queer and trans community and from within. That is why we at The Advocates use LGBTIQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, plus) to be as inclusive as possible of all people within the queer and trans community. LGBTIQ+ often also refers to a community or communities, whereas the discrimination that members of the LGBTIQ+ people may be on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and/or sex characteristics (often abbreviated as SOGIESC). It is important to note that these terms and acronyms are neither universally accepted nor consistently used. Some places may add additional letters to the LGBTIQ+ acronym, such as "2S" to refer to indigenous two-spirit identities. Others may reject these identities entirely, using more culturally appropriate or relevant terminology that expresses a history of sexual and gender variance that existed prior to colonization, such as the third gender fa'afaine of Samoa or the hijra and kothi of South Asia.
Read about our work defending LGBTIQ+ communities.
