USAID Announces First-ever Policy for LGBTQ, Intersex-inclusive Development

thegavoice.com:

The U.S. Agency for International Development on Wednesday released its first-ever policy for LGBTQ and intersex-inclusive development.

A USAID press release notes the policy has four pillars. • 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 a blueprint for USAID’s staff and partners around the world to champion LGBTQI+ inclusive development and the human rights of LGBTQI+ people through our work,” said USAID Senior LGBTQI+ Coordinator Jay Gilliam in a video his agency released. “Inclusive development means that every individual and community of all diverse identities and experiences is instrumental in the transformation of their own societies.

inclusion matters because it leads to better development outcomes.” Gilliam in the video highlighted the policy’s four goals. • Lead through development diplomacy • Drive evidence-based policies and approaches • Accelerate locally-led programming • Ensure USAID’s crisis response is inclusive USAID Administrator Samantha Power, USAID Lesotho Country Director Smita Kumar, USAID Guatemala HIV Project Management Specialist Giovanni Melendez and Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice Executive Director Joy Chia also appear in the video. “USAID is incredibly proud to stand for nondiscrimination, to stand for empathy and to stand for inclusion,” said Power after she and other USAID staffers raised