13 steps to greater LGBT equality

LGBT activists have reached significant milestones over the the past few years. How can they achieve more? Our expert panel had these ideas.

1 | Encourage LGBT activism

We began developing leadership capacity in the LGBT community years ago. We now have five LGBT-led groups and one sex worker group that have come together to discuss how to advance rights defense and protection concerns. There was only UniBAM when we started. Caleb Orozco, LGBT human rights advocate, United Belizean Advocacy Movement (UniBam), Belize City, Belize, @UNIBAMSupport.

2 | More leadership from the UN

It's past time for the UN to take a more proactive role. Cedaw is one of the most effective tools for defending women's rights. When you have strong UN mechanisms in place with numerous enforcement options, this can be one of the most beneficial things for LGBTI rights. Sujan Panta, human rights and legal officer, Blue Diamond Society, Kathmandu, Nepal, @sujanktm

3 | Unleash parent power

The visibility of LGBTI people is what eventually makes change possible, though in some places it can result in job loss, loss of family support, and even death threats. It's easy to see why many people are afraid to come out. Involving parents of LGBTI people in public initiatives is one effective strategy for combating efforts to dehumanize LGBTI people. Renato Sabbadini, Executive Director of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex Association in Geneva, Switzerland LGBT rights, Renato Sabbadini. Lewis Brooks, Royal Commonwealth Society policy and research manager in London, UK, @lewibrooks

4 | Address the Commonwealth's legacy

The UK government faces a challenge in advancing human rights in a way that does not replicate the empire's political impositions. It should provide technical assistance to countries that want to change their policies [to decriminalise homosexuality] and encourage governments to do so through dialogue rather than lecturing. We plan to release a toolkit for Commonwealth countries on how to advance LGBT rights. Lewis Brooks, Royal Commonwealth Society policy and research manager, London, UK, @lewibrooks

5 | Sometimes it’s alright for western governments to interfere

In theory the business case should work in Singapore and the public health arguments in east Africa. Sri Lanka is trying to boost its democratic credentials and a commitment to democratic values should work there. Jonathan Cooper, chief executive, Human Dignity Trust, London, UK, @HumanDignityT

6 | Recognize the context Advertisement

The business case should work in Singapore, and the public health considerations should work in East Africa, at least in theory. Sri Lanka is attempting to improve its democratic credentials, and a dedication to democratic values should help. Human Dignity Trust, London, UK, chief executive Jonathan Cooper @HumanDignityT

7 | Put an end to all forms of violence.

This year, anti-LGBT violence is our top priority. Although it is regrettable that Jennifer Laude, a 26-year-old transwoman, had to die, we recognize that her death was a turning point in the Philippines' LGBT activism. Her case revealed the macho, patriarchal, misogynistic, and intrinsically violent nature of Philippine culture. We need to work with other social justice movements to eliminate violence because the culture in my country is ultimately what we want to change. That is a massive undertaking. So, first and foremost, we must ensure that anti-violence action in the Philippines. 

8 | Big business might be beneficial.

In the case of Vietnam, businesses can operate independently of the government, as PwC, Baker & McKenzie, and KPMG have done. These Vietnamese businesses have taken steps to raise awareness of LGBT problems and to try to establish a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all. They've also spoken at a number of public events to encourage others in the business community to follow suit. Viet Pride, Hanoi, Vietnam, creator Tam Nguyen 

9 | Use television and movies to persuade people to change their minds.

During my time with Glaad, it became evident that media advocacy is a scalable and effective strategy for reaching large audiences and increasing acceptability. The media aided in the exponential growth of the "coming out experience," through which other Americans learned what it means to be LGBT and who we are. We are siblings, sisters, sons, daughters, neighbors, and coworkers, not just facts, figures, statistics, or moral or ethical discussions. Because Hollywood is America's most valuable cultural export, this programming will also assist to alter hearts and minds around the world. Human Rights Foundation, New York, USA, Omar Sharif Jr., actor/ambassador @omarsharifjr 

10 | Take cases of discrimination to the courts.

If LGBTI persons live in a country where equal rights are guaranteed by the constitution, they should use the courts to challenge discriminatory laws and policies. Winning each case makes the next one easier, allowing the media to report on the issue and the general public to discuss it. It also serves as motivation for those who are frightened to express their gender or sexual orientation. Human rights lawyer Michael Vidler of Hong Kong's Vidler & Co Solicitors

11 | Use unique concepts to increase acceptance. Advertisement

There are a plethora of strategies that can be utilized to alter culture. Art, discussion, and media campaigns, among other things. Hiker Chiu of Taiwan, for example, started the global "Free Hugs With Intersex" initiative to combat prejudice. Alturi's research and communications coordinator, Leah Entenmann (@AlturiOrg), is based in New York.

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12 | Fight the crackdown on civil society

There is a troubling trend of crackdowns on civil society. This closing of the democratic space has a particular impact on LGBT rights groups. Look at what is happening in Uganda, Nigeria, Russia and central Asia. It is very worrying. Jonathan Cooper

13 | Activists should be honored.

The global LGBTI community has developed dramatically over the last three decades, and tens of thousands of people throughout the world are working hard every day to change their local and national communities, and this change is becoming increasingly genuine. Taking credit for all of these people's efforts can also help us advance our rights. Rosanna Flamer-Caldera