International Best Practice Guide to Equality on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Each country that has made reforms has done so at its own pace. This guide highlights promising progress from some countries in the early or interim stages of introducing measures that safeguard sexual and gender minorities from harm.

Addressing inequality is important for many reasons. New data shows that the inclusion of sexual and gender minorities is a major factor that fuels growth in the most innovative cities. This data is important to consider as cities play a leading role in global innovation and are responsible for more than 80% of the global GDP. Economic trends have strengthened states’ resolve to address inequalities as evidence suggests that sexual and gender minorities are highly vulnerable to poverty, most likely because they have missed out on opportunities to build human and social capital, capabilities and productive assets.