Working Within Parliament

Promote dialogue and tolerance, including sensitization campaigns, among fellow parliamentarians to address discrimination and exclusion on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Support and respect the privacy of LGBTI parliamentarians who are often present in parliament in very small numbers and may themselves be experiencing discrimination, stigma and harassment and, therefore, may not be ‘out.’
Challenge other parliamentarians who advocate for discriminatory and exclusionary language or actions and take concrete steps to counter these actions.
Ask organizations like Parliamentarians for Global Action, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other relevant agencies for technical assistance and facilitation of networking opportunities with parliamentarians in other countries who are also engaged in equality and non-discrimination work. Parliamentarians can draw from the experiences of neighbouring countries and those in their region to help build arguments and offer concrete examples of successful recognition of human rights for LGBTI people.