USAID announces LGBTQI+ inclusive development policy

• USAID announces first pro-LGBTQI+ policy.
• The agency is supporting the gay community.
• They are promoting inclusivity.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) recently announced its inaugural LGBTQI+ inclusive development policy.

With this initiative, the agency aims to promote inclusivity.

The agency intends to provide support for LGBTQI+ rights within its institutional programming.

USAID is a federal agency responsible for planning and administering economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide.

USAID’s commitment to inclusivity

Through an official statement on its website, USAID affirmed its commitment to promoting LGBTQI+ inclusive development.

This marks USAID’s first inclusive policy dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex individuals.

The purpose of this initiative is to champion human rights for LGBTQI+ individuals.

This is a coordinated plan between the U.S. government and strategic partners.

Inclusive development policy

USAID highlighted the significance of this new policy.

«The Policy outlines overarching USAID principles and objectives for LGBTQI+ inclusive development programs and activities…»

«…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.»

Replacing the old USAID LGBTQI+ policy

The new LGBTQI+ policy supersedes a 2014 action supporting the diverse sexual community, according to Advocate.

USAID Administrator Samantha Power previously spoke about supporting LGBTQI+ rights.

«What we see is attacks on minorities, generally — sometimes religious minorities, sometimes LGBTQI+ communities…»

Power told the Atlantic Council that she aims to support LGBTQ+ rights during her tenure as USAID Administrator.

Key points of the new policy

USAID’s new LGBTQ+ Community-focused policy has strategic key points, as outlined their press release.

«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.»