ILGA World at CSW69: Honouring legacy, advancing LGBTI rights   

 

The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) remains the largest annual global convening of advocates for gender equality — and CSW69, marking the 30-year review of the Beijing Platform for Action, was no exception. Despite significant challenges, including funding cuts, heightened border restrictions for trans, gender-diverse and intersex persons, and the growing strength of anti-rights movements, thousands of feminists, activists, and advocates gathered in New York to push for progress.  

Here is how ILGA World ensured we maximised the participation of activists from member organisations, allies and our partners. 

ILGA World once again prioritised CSW as a critical space to advocate, build community and partnerships. As co-convenors of the LBTI Caucus, we were proud to witness a growing number of members engage in both the lead-up and the CSW itself. We see these spaces as vital—not only to advance LGBTI rights but also to stand in solidarity with feminist and social justice movements around the world.

Through our engagement at CSW69, ILGA World sought to honour the legacy of the Beijing Platform by highlighting the progress achieved while also drawing attention to the persistent challenges that LGBTI communities encounter. This dual focus served to underscore the importance of intersectionality in gender equality discussions, ensuring that the unique experiences of LGBTI individuals are not overlooked

This year, ILGA World supported six LBTI human rights defenders to participate in CSW69. The selected delegates—representing North Africa, West Africa, South Asia, East Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America—brought a strong focus on trans, gender-diverse, and intersex rights into the heart of global gender equality discussions.  

A highlight of our participation was the Lesbian Tent*, a co-created space that paid tribute to the original self-organised lesbian tent from the Beijing conference. Held on Day 1 of CSW69, this space offered a moment of connection, creativity, and rest—especially for those who were not included in the formal programme. It reminded us of the power of grassroots organising and the importance of making room for joy and resistance, especially in difficult political times. 

We also joined for the ’Lesbians* of the World Unite!’ demonstration outside the United Nations, celebrating all LBTI identities, where we all came together for our rights and our lives. Organised by Outright International, this protest showed that we are united, from our advocacy within the walls of the UN, to outside, raising our voices loud and proud. Joining the list of speakers included individuals who had been at the original lesbian tent such as Julie Dorf, as well as other speakers such as ILGA World’s own Executive Director Julia Ehrt, and Obioma Chukwuike, ILGA World’s Intersex Steering Committee Chair. 

Whether through high-level bilateral meetings, supporting our members’ events, or leading our own, ILGA World’s presence at CSW69 was grounded in collaboration. We showed up for our partners, as they showed up for us, and together, we amplified the voices and leadership of LBTI people from around the globe. 

As we look ahead, we remain committed to ensuring LGBTI voices are not only present but heard—and to continuing the long tradition of collective organising that has always powered feminist movements forward.

By honouring the legacy of past frameworks like the Beijing Platform for Action and actively working to address current challenges, ILGA World exemplifies the importance of sustained advocacy and collaboration.