LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights

LGBTQIA+ is a broad, inclusive term used to describe a wide range of sexual orientations and gender identities. Each letter stands for a group of people whose identities have been marginalised throughout history:

• L = Lesbian
• G = Gay
• B = Bisexual
• T = Transgender
• Q = Queer or Questioning
• I = Intersex
• A = Asexual or Aromantic
• + = Other identities not captured by the letters above.

The term brings together many different communities under one shared goal: dignity, safety, and equal rights for everyone, regardless of gender identity (who you are) or sexual orientation (who you are attracted to).

At Oxfam we recognise it is not just about labels. It is about recognising lived experiences, challenging inequality, and standing up for human rights so that all people can be treated fairly and included in society.

A fair and equal world includes all of us.

Because of discrimination, LGBTQIA+ people globally are more likely than others to:

• Live in poverty
• Experience unemployment
• Experience homelessness
• Lack access to healthcare
• Experience violence
• Experience sexual assault
• Experience mental health issues

Oxfam works with communities and organisations globally toward a just world. A world where people can live with dignity, have their basic needs met and their fundamental rights respected.

We work for a world where people can speak up for their rights, their needs and their concerns, so people in power listen and act.

It’s a common misconception that LGBTQIA+ communities enjoy universal equality.

In times of peace and crisis, they remain one of the most vulnerable groups, facing disproportionate risks of violence and stigma, discrimination and marginalisation.

Even in 2026, at least 65 countries criminalise LGBTQIA+ relationships.

In more than half the world, LGBTQIA+ people aren’t protected from discrimination by workplace law.

The decline of LGBTQIA+ rights in the UK

A decade ago, the UK was ranked the most LGBTQIA+ friendly country in Europe. Now, we're not even in the top 20, according to ILGA Europe’s rainbow map. That decline means that many people in the LGBTQIA+ community are facing an increasing threat of violence and discrimination – simply for being themselves.

It's no coincidence that we're seeing a rollback for LGBTQIA+ rights – it is incentivised. Anti-LGBTQIA+ movements are incredibly well-funded. Between 2021-2022, just three anti-LGBTQIA+ organisations received more funding than all 8000+ LGBTQIA+ organisations worldwide.

Oxfam is against all oppression and discrimination – whether that is based on race, sex, gender or sexuality. It drives inequality, increases people’s chance of living in poverty, causes harm, and prevents people from upholding their rights.

Why does Oxfam take an intersectional feminist approach?

Tackling global poverty means tackling its causes. We take an intersectional approach – recognising the way that different identities and inequalities interact to create unique experiences, of both oppression and privilege. Such as discrimination against women, girls and gender-diverse people.

Intersectionality helps us see that millions of people live in poverty worldwide. Not because of who we are, but because inequality and discrimination exist within societal systems.

We’ll never build a radically better world unless we recognise all the ways power and oppression trap people in poverty.

It is our belief that everyone has the human right to freedom of sexual identity, gender identity and expression. We’re not safe until all of us are safe.

Only when we respect and uphold all human rights can we overcome poverty and injustice.

Our gender justice work advocates for the rights of all people. We recognise that systems where cis men hold most power (patriarchy) harm everyone. So we particularly focus on women (including trans women), non-binary people and trans men.

We see all forms of discrimination – including sexism, gender-based violence, racism, and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people – as connected.

While we don't specialise in LGBTQIA+ rights, Oxfam GB recognises that marginalised groups experience poverty and inequality. We are dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ people through specific partner-led programmes.