As long as there have been political parties, there have been LGBTQI+ politicians. However, in a world characterized by homophobia, archaic values and old-fashioned traditions, it has not always been possible to live openly as an LGBTQI+ person. Today, being a gay, bisexual, transgender, lesbian or intersex person can be life-threatening in far too many countries as discrimination exists across the globe. The global democratic backsliding coupled with the rise of authoritarian leaders targeting the LGBTQI+ community is extremely dangerous.
What is hopeful is that since the mid-70s, the number of self-identifying LGBTQI+ people serving as Members of Parliament around the world has been on the rise. This has opened up spaces for politicians from rainbow communities around the world. I should note that in the Western World, the majority within this group, still remains to be white gay men. Nevertheless, diversity is growing worldwide and now most continents have openly LGBTQI+ politicians.
The Win With Pride self-assessment tool and framework is designed for political parties, LGBTQI+ politicians and their allies inside of parties to strive to be inclusive of all the citizens that they represent. Along with our partners at the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, NDI is proud to introduce it as part of a suite of tools, which can be used by civil society organizations, researchers, and advocates looking to work with political parties.
Political parties serve as a key entry point for political participation in most democratic states, and have a responsibility to provide a safe space for LGBTQI+ people to meaningfully engage in the political matters impacting their lived experience. When political parties take inclusion seriously, everyone will Win With Pride.
Do you want to learn more about the self-assessment for political parties? Contact us at [email protected].