Support to the Multi-Donor LGBTI Global Human Rights Initiative (GHRI)

This project supports the multi-donor LGBTI Global Human Rights Initiative (GHRI) implemented by the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice (Astraea). The project works to help protect LGBTQI+ people in developing countries from violence discrimination stigma and criminalization. The GHRI is an 8-year (2019-2027) public-private partnership that leverages financial and technical contributions from multiple parties including the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice (Astraea) and Equality Without Borders. USAID is also responsible for managing the GHRI and overseeing the work of Astraea. The GHRI currently works in 4 regions (Africa Asia Latin America and the Caribbean Eurasia and Europe). Project activities include: (1) conducting research and data-collection to inform policy; (2) supporting social and behavior change communications (SBCC) and related capacity building to reduce stigma; (3) advancing projects in focus countries (i.e. the “most difficult” contexts based on violence discrimination stigma and criminalization); and (4) providing emergency response to LGBTQI+ individuals and organizations.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) enhanced inclusiveness of policies and programming in focus countries through expanded research and data collection on the realities of LGBTQI+ persons and communities; (2) reduced marginalization and stigma of LGBTQI+ people and communities through implementation of SBCC in targeted countries; (3) increased access to support (operational and financial) to help counter violence discrimination stigma and criminalization for local LGBTQI+ persons and communities in focus countries; and (4) increased timely and efficient emergency response provided to LGBTQI+ individuals and organizations in need by implementing organization and partners.