USAID Launches First Ever LGBTQI+ Inclusive Development Policy

Taking meaningful steps toward LGBTQI+ inclusion and equity is no trivial feat. However, each step can make a world of difference in the lives of LGBTQI+ people. As a women-owned #smallbusiness focused on creating a lasting #impact, the Cloudburst Group is grateful for USAID ’s first-ever LGBTQI+ Inclusive Development Policy. Inclusive development is “an equitable development approach built on the understanding that every individual and community, of all diverse identities and experiences, is instrumental in the transformation of their own societies.”* An update to the 2014 LGBT Vision for Action, this policy reiterates, guides, and reinforces USAID’s commitment to championing #LGBTQI+ inclusive development and the human rights of LGBTQI+ people as part of a coordinated, whole-of-U.S. government effort with partners on the ground like the Cloudburst Group.?

The key principles for achieving LGBTQI+ #InclusiveDevelopment Policy goals are:

• Be proactive while upholding the principle of “Do No Harm”?
• Follow the lead of local LGBTQI+ activists and groups and act with humility and in allyship
• See the full person and work to meet diverse needs?
• Understand the landscape, history, stakeholders, and what has worked?
• Recognize the need for targeting, tailoring, and differentiating LGBTQI+ programs and that one size does not fit all

*Read USAID’s new LGBTQI+ Inclusive Development Policy: https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2023-07/USAID_LGBTQI-Inclusive-Development-Policy_August-2023_1.pdf?

Download USAID’s LGBTQI+ Inclusive Development Policy Fact Sheet: https://www.usaid.gov/document/fact-sheet-lgbtqi-inclusive-development-policy?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery?

Watch USAID’s LGBTQI+ Inclusive Development Policy introductory video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYijVPIQ_pY?

If you are interested in implementing LGBTQI+ equitable actions within your organization, please download: Cloudburst’s LGBTQIA+ Equitable Action resource checklist https://cloudburstgroup.com/2023/07/19/cloudburst-releases-lgbtqia-equity-actions-checklist/?

Together we can work toward equity and inclusion for LGBTQI+ people everywhere!?