ABOUT
HISTORY
The Global Equality Caucus is an international network of parliamentarians and elected representatives dedicated to tackling discrimination against LGBT+ people. Membership is open to legislators across the world, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics.
We are the only international network of elected representatives focused exclusively on achieving LGBT+ equality. We work together with NGOs, businesses and governments to promote and drive through measures on anti-discrimination and legal equality.
Parliamentarians are in a unique position to advocate directly for political and legislative action. We pass laws, vote funds and influence leaders. The Global Equality Caucus believes that politics has the power to change people’s lives, and we are united in a belief in equality for all.
We launched at the United Nations in New York City on 21 June 2019, where a delegation of elected representatives from all corners of the world spoke about their experiences in advocating for equality and signed a pledge to tackle LGBT+ discrimination in all its forms. You can view the New York Declaration here.
Since 2019, our membership has continued to grow and we now connect representatives in every global region.
FOUNDER MEMBERS
We were founded in the belief that change can be won anywhere in the world so long as equality advocates have the passion and resources to do so. Our founder members, representing legislatures across both the Global North and South, have been instrumental in advancing our mission.
WHY WE ARE NEEDED
Amazing progress has been made in some parts of the world. Over the past decade alone we have seen many countries approve new anti-discrimination laws, LGBT+ employment protections, marriage equality, and measures making it easier for trans people to change their legal gender.
However, homosexuality is still criminalised in nearly 70 countries, with the death penalty an option in 11 of them. And LGBT+ people still face violence and discrimination in every region of the globe, regardless of how far legal equality has progressed.
We believe that LGBT+ rights are human rights which should be universal, that all human beings are born free and equal, and that acts of violence and discrimination based on a person's sexual orientation or gender identity are wrong.
The need for co-ordinated political and legislative action and a global response to LGBT+ discrimination is necessary more than ever in an increasingly interconnected world. The Global Equality Caucus provides a forum and vehicle for this action.
STRATEGY & MISSION
The Caucus supports collective action for campaigns, facilitates the sharing of information, connects legislators with experts and activists, and aims to influence debate at national, regional and international levels. We are united in our mission to drive change across five key priorities:
1. Support decriminalisation and the end of violence against LGBT+ people.
2. Support equal rights and non-discrimination for LGBT+ people.
3. Ensure that LGBT+ people have equal access to healthcare, including HIV treatment and support for trans people.
4. Ensure that data is collected so that governments can be held accountable for how LGBT+ are treated.
5. Support and urge funding for NGOs which are working for LGBT+ people.