Approaches and Findings from Inclusive Development Analysis in Timor Leste

• In Event: Catalyzing Change by Building Community Awareness and Understanding of LGBTQI+ issues in DRC, Guinea, Sierre Leone, Timor Leste and Serbia

Proposal

Under the IDAMS Project, an inclusive development analysis (IDA) was conducted to guide future programming for USAID/Timor-Leste and address existing knowledge gaps on inclusion of LGBTQI+ individuals. The purpose of the IDA was to explore the intersection of LGBTQI+ individuals’ economic opportunities, civic and political involvement, and factors affecting their wellbeing (such as health and exposure to violence). Elements of the IDA also further assessed the effects of engaging with trusted organizations and the potential for building trust among other well-known organizations and current USAID implementing partners. The IDA specifically addressed inclusion of the LGBTQI+ community in economic growth opportunities, education opportunities, state-building and policy development processes, their access to healthcare, and experiences of gender-based violence. The IDA for Timor Leste used a qualitative approach of key informant interviews and focus group discussions to better understand community perspectives, including regarding local contextual considerations and safety and protection concerns when working with the LGBTQI+ community. While prioritized participants included stakeholders engaged in LGBTQI+ activities, the team also sought feedback on inclusion of those with other diverse intersectional identities in the community that might include indigenous populations, youth, people with disabilities, or others viewed as marginalized. The presentation will present select data collection approaches and share findings and how programming is being developed to respond to the IDA findings.

Author

• Christine Allison, Data and Development Strategies, LLC