As part of the build-up to June’s Safer To Be Me Symposium, we are proud to be sharing our Safer To Be Me: Global Voices blog series, showcasing LGBTQ+ themes from around the globe, written by ReportOUT volunteers.
We’re delighted to present this week’s blog from ReportOUT researcher Apiyo from Kenya, who discusses the intersectionality between climate change and LGBTQ+ communities and how changes to our climate threaten minorities disproportionately.
Our LGBTQ+ community and global climate change represent two pressing issues of our time that intersect in complex and nuanced ways. While climate change affects everyone, it has a disproportionate and immense impact on marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ population. At the same time, LGBTQ+ communities across the globe are taking an active role in the fight against climate change, advocating for policies that protect both the environment and vulnerable populations.
A Complex Intersection
The intersection of LGBTQ+ rights and climate change can be seen in many areas, including access to resources, health, and migration. Climate change exacerbates existing inequalities, leading to greater resource scarcity and heightened competition for resources such as food, water, and energy. According to research (Santos 2022), such inequalities can be illustrated by analysing the Philippines, a country that experience extreme weather conditions.
Santos recounts the experience of Arthur Golong, a transgender community leader in Tacloban. As a survivor of typhoon Yolanda, Arthur’s experience became even more devastating due to cumulative prejudice and unjust treatment within the community. Arthur’s experience is one out of many marginalized communities, who often lack access to the resources they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
Furthermore, extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves can lead to displacement, food and water insecurity, and other challenges that disproportionately affect the LGBTQ+ community.
For instance, LGBTQ individuals who live in poverty, face discrimination, and lack access to safe housing and healthcare are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Additionally, LGBTQ individuals who are homeless or living in areas prone to natural disasters are at a higher risk of harm during extreme weather event. An interview by International Commission of Jurists features an Indian trans woman, who explained the hardship of getting better accommodation in her city due to her gender identity. Prejudice from within Indian society and a lack of institutional protections leave marginalized communities at extreme vulnerability when severe weather events hit (Behal, 2021).
Barriers Wherever You Turn
The LGBTQ community also faces a range of health challenges related to climate change. Rising temperatures can lead to the spread of infectious diseases, such as heatstroke and West Nile virus, while air pollution from fossil fuels contributes to respiratory illnesses such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The LGBTQ community is also more likely to experience mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, as a result of climate change and its impacts on their daily lives in addition to the prejudice many communities already face.
In the context of migration, climate change can contribute to the forced displacement of populations and lead to increased numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons. This is particularly relevant for the LGBTQ community, who face a range of barriers when seeking asylum, including discrimination (see our previous blog on this subject), lack of legal protections, and difficulties accessing services. Climate refugees are at a higher risk of human rights abuses and can face significant barriers to accessing basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care.
A Call To Action
Despite the challenges posed by climate change, the LGBTQ+ community is also playing an active role in the fight against it. LGBTQ+ activists, organizations, and allies are advocating for policies that address both climate change and LGBTQ+ rights, recognizing the interconnected nature of these issues. Consequently, while the impacts of climate change are real and pressing there are ways to empower and support LGBTQ+ communities so that they can be active participants in the fight against global warming. Here are a few suggestions:
Many LGBTQ+ communities are advocating for policies that address the root causes of climate change, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the transition to a renewable energy economy.
This transition must be done in a way that prioritizes the needs of marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ population, and ensures that the benefits of a low-carbon economy are shared equitably.
Additionally, many LGBTQ+ activists advocate for climate justice policies that ensure the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, including those affected by climate change, are respected and upheld. This includes ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals and communities have access to services, protection, and support, as well as promoting gender-sensitive approaches to climate-related migration.
Awareness also needs to be raised about the unique challenges that LGBTQ+ communities have to deal with. Even experienced climate activists don’t always draw the link between climate change and the disproportionate impact upon minority communities and such activists should advocate for climate change policies and initiatives that are inclusive of LGBTQ+ people and that take into account their specific needs and concerns.
Support Queer-Led Organizations: Organizations led by and for LGBTQ+ communities that are working to address the impacts of climate change.
These organizations can provide a platform for queer people to share their stories and experiences, and they can also provide essential resources and support to those in need.
In conclusion, the intersection of LGBTQ+ rights and climate change highlights the complex and interconnected nature of social and environmental issues. Climate change has a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ population, and exacerbates existing inequalities.
At the same time, our communities play an active role in the fight against climate change, advocating for policies that address both climate change and LGBTQ rights. To effectively address the impacts of climate change, it is essential that we take a holistic approach that prioritizes the needs of the most vulnerable populations and recognizes the interconnected nature of social and environmental issues and all LGBTQ+ activists should ensure they are aware of these disparities.
Apiyo’s blog is part of ReportOUT’s Safer To Be Me: Global Voices series, in support of the Safer To Be Me Symposium, a joint ReportOUT-University of Sunderland project, which will take place on 22nd June 2023 at Sunderland University in the North East of England.
The symposium will create a safe space where some of the most important issues facing international LGBTQI+ human rights can be explored and discussed in great detail, as well as encouraging a call to action where all involved can identify meaningful ways to be proactive and make a powerful impact. To find out more, visit our website