1. The World, and LGBTQI Chloe Schwenke, Ph.D. www.chloemaryland.net Human Development and Capability Association Pre-Conference Workshop Thursday, September 10, 2015 A joint effort of the HDCA Ethics, Human Rights, and Sustainability Thematic Groups, and the International Development Ethics Association

2. 1. There’s no such thing as “LGBTQI rights” A modest rights agenda – Be who you are – Love who you love But don’t talk about sex! A fragile consensus on universal “truths” – Human dignity – Human rights – Avoiding “other” Being “special” is counterproductive, maybe even “Western”

3. 2. “LGBTQI” are many letters Different realities Different priorities Different public reactions Different funding realities Different definitions Different leadership Different demographics Different politics and laws

4. 3. Gay ≠ LGBTQI Gender identity is NOT the same as sexual orientation Only some transgender and intersex people are gay Yes, it matters

5. 4. It’s a lot worse than you think Extreme homophobic and transphobic violence is in every region of the world LGBTQI people are often targets of organized abuse or mob violence Violence against LGBTQI persons is especially vicious compared to other bias-motivated crimes Violent incidents or acts of discrimination often go unreported, because victims: – do not trust police, with reason – are afraid of reprisals – are unwilling to identify themselves as LGBTQI, or as an ally – face social and cultural taboos

6. 5. We have to talk about religion The exercise of religious freedom must not be allowed to “qualify” universal human dignity – “Those people…” – Sinners and “abominations” – Religious exemptions – Religion and politics – Religions and the “T” – “Traditional values”