USAID/Timor-Leste LGBTQI+ Inclusive Development Analysis: Public Version

The IDA aims to support future designs across the USAID/Timor-Leste and address existing knowledge gaps on the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex people, and those with other diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics (LGBTQI+). The analysis explores the intersection of LGBTQI+ individuals and their economic opportunities, civic and political involvement, and factors affecting their well-being, such as health and exposure to violence. The IDA seeks to connect findings and recommendations with the realities of the Government of Timor-Leste's (GoTL's) investment in social capital that targets social inclusion, culture, education, health, and environment. Focusing on social inclusion and the cultural context in conjunction with USAID's investments will support recommendations for future programming. The main objectives of this analysis are to document the needs of and opportunities for diverse LGBTQI+ populations in Timor-Leste, locate current and potential local partners that the LGBTQI+ communities trust, and identify opportunities and develop concrete recommendations to adapt existing activities to strengthen inclusion. The IDA consisted of a thorough review of literature, including more than 40 documents such as government reports, USAID documents, civil society organizations' (CSOs') reports, and literature specific to the LGBTQI+ population. The IDA key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) took place over a 2-week period with travel to Baucau, Dili, Ermera, and Manatuto. A total of 65 participants were engaged in data collection, including 47 KIIs and 4 FGDs with a total of 16 participants. The IDA found that USAID and its implementing partners (IPs) have programmed for inclusive development across the USAID/Timor-Leste portfolio through stand-alone inclusion activities or ID integration into sectoral programs. However, there is a need to integrate LGBTQI+ people's needs and issues they face into programming. The IDA also found that local communities perceive and define inclusion in different ways, and there are behaviors and attitudes about marginalized populations and LGBTQI+ individuals in particular. The IDA identified good ID practices locally and regionally across civil society, including the work of organizations such as the Coalition for Diversity and Action (CODIVA) and the Forum of Non-Governmental Organizations of Timor-Leste (FONGTIL). However, there is a need to strengthen ID efforts, especially as they affect LGBTQI+ people. The IDA recommends that USAID and its IPs adapt existing activities to strengthen inclusion, and that the GoTL and other donors/funders encourage inclusion of LGBTQI+ individuals in Timor-Leste. The IDA also found that local communities have a strong sense of social capital, with many people participating in community-based initiatives and organizations. However, there are also challenges to social inclusion, including poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and exposure to violence. The IDA recommends that USAID and its IPs work with local communities to address these challenges and promote social inclusion. In terms of economic opportunities, the IDA found that LGBTQI+ individuals face significant barriers to employment and entrepreneurship. However, there are also opportunities for economic empowerment, including through the development of inclusive businesses and the provision of financial services. The IDA recommends that USAID and its IPs support the development of inclusive businesses and provide financial services to LGBTQI+ individuals. In terms of civic and political involvement, the IDA found that LGBTQI+ individuals face significant barriers to participation in the political process. However, there are also opportunities for civic engagement, including through the development of inclusive policies and the provision of support to LGBTQI+ organizations. The IDA recommends that USAID and its IPs support the development of inclusive policies and provide support to LGBTQI+ organizations. Overall, the IDA found that there are significant challenges to social inclusion in Timor-Leste, including poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and exposure to violence. However, there are also opportunities for social inclusion, including through the development of inclusive businesses, the provision of financial services, and the promotion of civic engagement. The IDA recommends that USAID and its IPs work with local communities to address these challenges and promote social inclusion.