Combating sexual Discrimination – The worldwide promotion of LGBTI-Projects of the Heinrich-Böll-Foundation

Gender Politics is an important topic in the work of the Heinrich Böll Foundation. Concerning not only the gender equality between women and men and the promotion of the participation of women in different areas of life, Gender Politics also focuses on people with non-conforming sexual orientation and gender identities. They include sexual minorities such as Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, transgender and intersexual people who are also termed as LGBTI in the public and academic discussion.

Even though LGBTI are not a homogenous group at all, they are united in their struggle for social, political and judicial recognition. It is an inconvenient truth that LGBTI are still facing discrimination, persecution and societal ostracism in many countries of this world. In more than eighty states homosexuality is prohibited under criminal law, and in seven Islamic countries it may even be punishable by death.

One of the basic principles of the Heinrich Böll Foundation is that the choice of sexual orientation is an individual right and a fundamental human right. Therefore we strongly support the claim that “LGBTI Rights are Human Rights”.

Therefore, the support of and the cooperation with LGBTI groups and Non-Governmental Organizations is playing a main role in the field of work of the Heinrich Böll Foundation abroad. In many cases, LGBTI have as good as no lobby group. Furthermore they often are socially and politically marginalized and lack judicial recognition.

The Publication “Gender Politics makes a difference. Experiences across the Heinrich Böll Foundation around the world” is presenting the entire work of the Heinrich Böll Foundation of the Year 2009 concerning Gender Politics.

At this point we would like to refer to the chapter “Combating sexual Discrimination” (pdf, p.23-27). Here the LGBTI projects of the Heinrich Böll Foundation in Southafrica, Thailand, Georgia, Lebanon and Israel are highlighted and subsumed. Starting with an introduction in which the country specific situation for LGBTI is exemplified; a short report of the projects and partners of the Heinrich Böll Foundation is given.

 

For more information:

• About LGBTI projects of the Heinrich Böll Foundation abroad please note the article “Combating sexual Discrimination” (pdf, 5 pages, 304 KB)
• Download the entire publication “Gender Politics makes a difference. Experiences across the Heinrich Böll Foundation around the world" Berlin, 2009
• For further information about the county specific work of the Heinrich Böll Foundation abroad please visit our regional offices.
• More information on LGBTI in Africa
• More information on LGBTI in the Middle East