Research
Finding Sexual Minorities in United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Towards the Deconstruction of Gender Binary in International Development Policies
Author:
Warisa Ongsupankul
Monash University and Deakin University
Abstract
‘Leave No One Behind’ is an underlying principle enshrined in United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), among which Goal 5 aims to achieve ‘gender equality and empower all women and girls’. The question remains as to the manner in which the term ‘gender’ is interpreted. Does it accommodate the sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) of non-conforming individuals? This paper will examine the gender politics within the United Nations which resulted in the failure of SDGs to explicitly recognise the rights of sexual minorities in its agenda. Bearing in mind that all Goals are interrelated and that marginalisation by oppressive institutions is often interconnected and cannot be examined separately from one another, this paper will also consider how such exclusion has had a negative impact not only on the achievement of Goal 5 but also on the overall success of the SDGs. Harnessing the insights of feminist legal theories, this paper will address the challenges as well as propose a more inclusive framework that goes beyond the sex/gender binary to promote gender equality in all of its manifestations.
How to Cite:
Ongsupankul, W., 2019. Finding Sexual Minorities in United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Towards the Deconstruction of Gender Binary in International Development Policies. LSE Law Review, 5, pp.1–30.
Published on
19 Nov 2019.
Peer Reviewed
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