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A Progress Pride flag flying alongside American and USAID flags in front of an office building.

USAID affirms and celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) people and all people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) as integral parts of every society.

“All human beings should be treated with respect and dignity and should be able to live without fear no matter who they are or whom they love.” 
—President Biden in his February 2021 Memorandum

USAID supports the enactment of robust protections, inclusion, and human rights for all LGBTQI+ individuals through “inclusive development”—an equitable development approach built on the understanding that every individual and community, of all diverse identities and experiences, is instrumental in the transformation of their own societies. LGBTQI+ persons’ engagement throughout the development process leads to better outcomes.

LGBTQI+ inclusion leads to stronger democracies and economies. Violence, discrimination, marginalization, stigma, and criminalization negatively impact the lives of millions of LGBTQI+ people around the world, contributing to poverty and social instability. 

USAID supports a world in which LGBTQI+ persons are able to participate fully in civic and democratic processes; have equal access to sustainable livelihoods, economic assets, and resources; have full access to education, health, mental health, and other services that are essential for personal well-being and growth; and, importantly, are supported in times of emergency.

USAID operationalizes the inclusion of LGBTQI+ people into USAID’s  development approach through the 2023 LGBTQI+ Inclusive Development Policy. 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.

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LGBTQI+ human rights inclusive development