Diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC)
SOGIESC is an acronym that stands for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics. It is a term used to capture the diverse experiences and identities in relation to sexuality and gender. Within international development and humanitarian contexts, people with diverse SOGIESC are not recognised in many of the frameworks that currently exist. Additionally, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) does not recognise diversity in relation to sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and sexual characteristics. Inclusion in the community, being important for full and effective participation of people with disabilities in society, may pose specific challenges for people with disabilities who also have diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, and sex characteristics.
The resources provided in this section include relevant research, guidelines and recommendations to understand the experiences of people with diverse SOGIESC who also have disabilities, to ensure they are included.
Plan International (2020) Walking the Talk: Supporting Young LGBTIQ+ People in our COVID-19 Adaptation and Response
This briefing paper was prepared to help humanitarian and development practitioners protect and empower LGBTIQ+ youth by including them in response to crises and program adaptations.
Edge Effect & UN Women (2021) The Only Way Is Up: Monitoring and Encouraging Diverse SOGIESC Inclusion in the Humanitarian and DRR Sectors
This study provides accounts of lived experience from Cox’s Bazar, Mindanao and Vanuatu detailing the ways in which people with diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) are excluded from humanitarian and disaster risk reduction (DRR) programs.
Edge Effect (2021) “We Don’t Do A Lot For Them Specifically”: A scoping report on gaps and opportunities for improving diverse SOGIESC inclusion in cash transfer and social protection programs, during the COVID-19 crisis
This study explores whether mainstream or targeted social protection programs have met the needs of people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC, aka LGBTIQ+ people).
Edge Effect & CBM Global IAG (2020) Out of the Margins: An intersectional analysis of disability and diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, expression & sex characteristics in humanitarian and development contexts
This paper explores and builds on the understanding of the intersection of people with disabilities and diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) in development and humanitarian contexts.
