Through our project monitoring and policy advocacy, BIC pushes for the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) individuals in World Bank policies, projects, and programs, so that LGBTQI+ people can benefit and are not excluded from World Bank operations.
BIC calls on the World Bank to help design and adequately supervise LGBTQI+-inclusive projects and programs. This includes pushing the Bank to proactively consult with LGBTQI+ people throughout the project lifecycle when it is unsafe for them to engage with their governments directly.
As of September 2025, 65 countries criminalize private, consensual, same-sex sexual activity.
LGBTQI+ people, referred to as sexual and gender minorities, are included in the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) under “disadvantaged or vulnerable groups.”
The World Bank Group’s 2024-2030 Gender Strategy defines gender to include concepts of gender diversity and gender identity.
We support our partners in combining research, monitoring, and strategic engagement to track project implementation, amplify community concerns, and push institutions to address gaps and risks.
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Our team of policy experts, regional specialists, and advocates works across institutions and regions to strengthen development finance policies and projects.
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