Testing the Waters: LGBT People in the Europe & Eurasia Region

by U.S. Agency for International Development

As public awareness of sexual orientation and gender identity increases in the E&E region, so does the expression of hostility towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in general society. Despite some recent breakthroughs, LGBT persons regularly meet with a lack of support or outright condemnation from families and communities, political and religious leaders, law enforcement, service providers (e.g., in health and education), and employers. This report, originally published in November 2013, discusses the principal issues pertaining to LGBT populations in the Europe & Eurasian (E&E) region, (a) a clarification of relevant terms; (b) the experiences and ability of LGBT persons to live authentic lives free from violence and discrimination; (c) public attitudes toward LGBT people; (d) discrimination and human rights violations; (e) international and national protection vehicles and their implementation; (f) LGBT non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and allies active in the region; and (g) recommendations for engaging LGBT people and addressing the needs of LGBT individuals and NGOS through USAID programming and indicators that can be used to measure success.

94 pages, Paperback

First published August 25, 2014