Canada announces funding for 3 LGBTQ2I-related projects in developing countries

July 31, 2022 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Global Affairs Canada

No matter where you live, every human being should have the same fundamental human rights regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is why Canada continues to stand up to promote and protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, 2-spirit and intersex (LGBTQ2I) persons around the world.

Today, at the Vancouver Pride Festival, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced $9 million for 3 projects supporting marginalized LGBTQ2I communities in developing countries around the world. He made the announcement at the Vancouver Pride Festival, an inclusive event that celebrates and advocates for LGBTQ2I communities through an intersectional lens.

With this new funding, Canada is supporting the APCOM Foundation, Cuso International, and the World Bank Group. It will help improve services and operations of local LGBTQI organizations in Asia; helping to create more safe, inclusive and gender-responsive work and community environments for LGBTQI youth in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and will work to expand country-level research on sexual and gender minorities in developing countries.

Canada supports projects that enhance the capacity of Canadian and local grassroots LGBTQ2I organizations working in developing countries and contributing to policy, advocacy and research efforts.