Supporting young LGBTIQ+ people in our COVID-19 response

2 July 2020

The COVID-19 crisis is posing increasing risks to already vulnerable young LGBTIQ+ people. This briefing paper is for all Plan International staff, to help protect and empower these young people by including them in our response to crises and programme adaptations across the world.

Across the globe, there have been increasing reports of LGBTIQ+ people experiencing COVID-19 related homelessness, food insecurity, health and mental health issues, and violence. Therefore, Plan International has developed a briefing paper on young LGBTIQ+ people and COVID-19, with an accompanying infographic, focuses on the challenges faced by young people who are LGBTIQ+ and offers recommendations on how we can address these challenges within the pillars of the COVID-19 response. The briefing paper answers questions such as:

  • What are the particular challenges faced by young LGBTIQ+ people during COVID-19 pandemic?
  • In what ways can we include and support young LGBTIQ+ people in COVID-19 response interventions and adaptation of programmes?
  • What are the Do’s and Don’ts to consider when working with young LGBTIQ+ people to ensure Do No Harm?

What is this resource?

This briefing paper focuses on the challenges faced by young people who are LGBTIQ+. It offers guidance on how Plan International can address these challenges within the pillars of the COVID-19 response, and our commitment to all children, adolescents and young people under the gender transformative programming and influencing.  The Adaptation and Response Framework includes pillars on WASH, Health (incl. SRHR), Protection, Education, as well as Community Engagement and Influencing, including young people’s participation.  As we stand with our communities beyond COVID-19, now is the time to leave no-one behind! This paper support teams to:

  • » Understand the unique needs, vulnerabilities and capabilities of LGBTIQ+ youth during the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • » Ensure the inclusion of young LGBTIQ+ people in COVID-19 response interventions and adaptation of programmes, in line with Plan’s commitments to gender equality and challenging the exclusion of vulnerable children in society
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Emergencies, Protection from violence, Sexual and reproductive health and rights, COVID-19, LGBTIQ+

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