A comprehensive report by Human Rights Watch highlights the ongoing struggles and discrimination faced by lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ+) women and non-binary individuals across the globe.
The 211-page document titled “‘This Is Why We Became Activists’: Violence Against Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer Women and Non-Binary People,” examines the violence, legal discrimination, and social injustices that pervade their lives in 26 countries.
Discrimination and Violence
The report details the multifaceted forms of violence these communities endure, often from multiple fronts including family members, society, and even state authorities. “Lesbian, bisexual, and queer women are not only leading human rights struggles globally but are also amongst the most susceptible to brutal violence and discrimination,” stated Erin Kilbride, a researcher at Human Rights Watch. This violence is not just physical; it extends to sexualized harassment, legal inequalities, and severe restrictions on basic human rights like marriage, property ownership, and healthcare.
The findings show that LBQ+ individuals are often forced into heterosexual marriages and are disadvantaged legally in areas such as property and inheritance laws. These laws frequently assume heterosexuality and fail to protect LBQ+ rights, leaving them vulnerable to a spectrum of abuses designed to enforce conformity to traditional gender and sexual norms.
Legal and Social Barriers
One of the most harrowing insights from the report is the legal and social barriers that LBQ+ individuals face, which are deeply embedded in the sexist and patriarchal frameworks of many societies. “In 40 percent of countries worldwide, women do not have equal rights to own, rent, administer, or inherit property,” highlights a concerning statistic from the World Bank cited in the report. These restrictions are significantly more pronounced for LBQ+ individuals, where the legal system itself often negates their existence and rights.
For example, the report discusses the issue of forced marriages, which is a critical area where LBQ+ women’s rights are compromised. This practice not only denies them the freedom to choose their partners but also exposes them to lifelong discrimination and abuse. The interviews conducted revealed that many LBQ+ women are coerced into marrying men, significantly curtailing their ability to live openly or form relationships with partners of their choice.
Recommendations for Global Action
Human Rights Watch makes several recommendations aimed at protecting and promoting the rights of LBQ+ individuals. Governments are urged to abolish laws that discriminate based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and to establish clear protections for LBQ+ rights. Additionally, the organization calls on international donors to fund LBQ+ rights organizations and support LBQ+ led movements that advocate for a broad spectrum of human rights, including environmental, racial, economic, and migrant rights.
These recommendations are aimed at fostering a more inclusive and equitable world where LBQ+ individuals can live without fear of discrimination or violence. The report stresses the need for a global shift in policy and perception, urging stakeholders at all levels to recognize the unique challenges faced by LBQ+ communities and to commit to meaningful, lasting change.
The full report and its detailed recommendations are available through Human Rights Watch, offering a profound look into the struggles and resilience of LBQ+ individuals fighting for equality and justice worldwide.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock /Jacob Lund.
