Resourcing LGBTQI+ movements in the Global South and East to build inclusive civic space

Drawing on research from Pakistan, Thailand and Argentina, this Briefing Paper by ODI Global, ALIGN and the Global Philanthropy Project, argues that investment in LGBTQI+ movements is an investment in a more inclusive civic space – and, ultimately, in democracy.

The research is based on interviews with activists and other stakeholders who reveal how the movements have expanded participation in public and political life, changed discussions of democracy, and held civic space open through rights-based coalitions in the face of backlash. This briefing paper offers recommendations for effective and strategic resourcing from funders that can further help to create conditions that enable LGBTQI+ movements to build inclusive civic space.

Key messages

• Research from Pakistan, Thailand and Argentina shows that LGBTQI+ movements build inclusive civic space by expanding participation in public and political life, changing discussions of democratic outcomes, and building coalitions that strengthen demands around democracy and rights.
• Funding LGBTQI+ movements is central to a strategy of protecting civic space and democracy. Investment in LGBTQI+ movements must be recognised as an investment in democracy.
• International funding is at its best when it works collaboratively with local organisations to build their long-term resilience, enabling them to withstand fluctuations in resource availability and minimise the risk of backlash.
• Funders can support LGBTQI+ movements in accessing diverse funding opportunities across a wider range of issue areas (e.g. climate and democracy support) and for intersecting population groups (e.g. ethnic minorities and vulnerable women), reflecting their broadening alliances with other groups in civic space.
• LGBTQI+ movements operating under restriction can be resourced through supporting intersecting movement strategies (such as coalition-building between aligned movements) and trusted, movement-led intermediary funders.
• Funders can resource pathways that enable activists to enter civic space, including by supporting their social and economic security, and their engagement in cultural and community spaces.