Call for Consultants for a Case Studies Research Project Entitled: “LBQ Women in LGBTIQ Spaces”
Introduction
This research is being commissioned by Outright International and is being managed by the
organization’s LBQ Connect and Research teams. The objective of this project is to develop regional analyses and thematic case studies that document the status of LBQ spaces, organizations, and activists within LGBTIQ movements. This research is specifically focused on LBQ women in LBQ and LGBTIQ organizations in the Global South and East.
Application Deadline: 31 January, 2024
The term “LBQ” focuses on sexual identity and includes lesbian, bisexual, and queer women, both
cisgender and trans, and all non-binary people on the gender spectrum who relate to an LBQ identity.
For many people, labels are often inadequate or unwanted, language is limited, and gender exists on a
continuum. The usage of “LBQ women” in this context serves as the operational definition and critical
inclusion criteria for participation in the LBQ Connect program.
This research will be implemented by a group of consultants working as a team to cover identified focus regions and sub-regions. Each consultant will lead research on a specific region or regions according to their expertise. Outright has preliminarily identified Asia, Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East and North Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and possibly Eastern Europe as priority regions.
The identification of the specific focus regions and sub-regions will be determined in coordination with the team of researchers and based on global survey results. Prospective consultants must briefly provide a context for why research on LBQ women within LGBTIQ spaces in their chosen region would be useful and necessary. Prospective consultants may work individually to cover their chosen region, but they should be able to collaborate with other consultants within the broader global framework of the project.
It is expected that community-based LBQ activists–particularly from the present and past LBQ connect
cohorts–will be contracted under the regional/sub-regional researchers. The activists will be a resource
not only in understanding local contexts and in providing linguistic support where necessary, but will
also ensure a more inclusive and participatory approach in gathering data.
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This research aims to produce regional analyses that address the state of LBQ inclusion in larger LGBTIQ movement spaces, tackling issues such as LBQ funding, leadership positions, and programmatic work
The report’s concluding section will underscore broader recommendations, lessons learned, and best practices, potentially organized by region.
About Outright: Outright International collaborates for better LGBTIQ lives, dedicated to enhancing the capacity of the global LGBTIQ human rights movement, documenting and amplifying human rights violations against LGBTIQ individuals, and advocating for inclusion and equality. Founded in 1990, with staff in over a dozen countries, Outright works with various entities, including the United Nations, regional human rights monitoring bodies, governments, humanitarian and development institutions, and civil society partners. Outright holds consultative status at the United Nations, serving as the secretariat of the UN LGBTI Core Group.
LBQ Connect is a global feminist program aimed at boosting the visibility and impact of lesbian, bisexual, and queer activism worldwide. The program seeks to strengthen LBQ movements, making a tangible difference in the lives of LBQ women by enhancing activist capacity, supporting existing and new groups, collecting data, and elevating the visibility of LBQ issues and leaders.
Research Background and Context: LBQ women face challenges at the intersections of gender, sexuality, race, class, disability, and other identities. A 2023 Human Rights Watch report identified 10 significant human rights abuses affecting LBQ women’s lives, including barriers to justice, unequal property rights, workplace violence, and healthcare barriers. Existing mainstream LGBTIQ activism often falls short in addressing specific human rights abuses impacting LBQ women, as highlighted by Human Rights Watch.
In the past decade, LBQ movements have shown remarkable progress globally, led by pioneering LBQ activists. LBQ groups often engage in various movements beyond LGBTIQ and women’s rights, making their activism inherently intersectional.
However, LBQ activists still face invisibility and underrepresentation, even within LGBTIQ organizations. The research project, conceived within the Outright LBQ Connect program, aims to address this gap.
Research Objectives: The research aims to contribute to global knowledge on LBQ activism by examining LBQ women’s position and organizations within larger LGBTIQ movements. The objectives include documenting contextual challenges, LBQ-created spaces, LBQ involvement in social justice movements, LBQ leadership positions, and the experiences of LBQ activists in various spaces. The research also delves into the influence of funding on priorities and leadership of LGBTIQ movements, identifying good practices and lessons learned for improved LBQ inclusion and leadership.
The scope covers LBQ women in LBQ and LGBTIQ organizations in the Global South and East, focusing on regions such as Asia, Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East and North Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
Methodology: The research report will structure around regional analyses and thematic case studies. The methodology includes desk research, group discussions, a global survey, interviews, and case studies. The study prioritizes the use of diverse languages to access and analyze knowledge materials produced in local languages.
Positionality, Safety, and Consent: The researchers are expected to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in research, adopting ethical practices and ensuring continuous and informed consent. The focus is on minimizing extractive research practices and facilitating ownership of the knowledge produced among participants.
Expected Timeline: The study spans from the submission of applications in January 2024 to the completion of the final draft in August 2024.
Budget: The maximum budget for each regional study ranges from 5,000 to 12,000 USD, excluding costs related to translation and interpretation and honoraria for contributors.
Responding to this Tender: Interested consultants or teams should submit proposals covering approach, methodology, scope, evidence of relevant previous research, detailed costing, and timeline by January 31, 2024, at [email protected].
