This month, the National Democratic Institute is celebrating Pride! In support of NDI’s commitment to increasing the inclusion of marginalized populations in political processes, we’re highlighting the essential work of partners who are at the forefront fighting for greater levels of equality, shifting norms and perceptions, and reducing barriers to political participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) communities. 

I have been studying violence against women in politics (VAW-P) from an academic perspective since 2014. Although VAW-P is a global phenomenon, my research focuses on Latin America. The tradition of transnational feminist and women’s movements in the region has strengthened the work of VAW-P activists who have mobilized to both raise awareness and combat this all too pervasive problem. 

Democratic backsliding, propelled by strong anti-gender and nationalist movements, is limiting the ability of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) people and other marginalized populations to participate politically and exercise their basic rights and citizenship responsibilities. Around the globe, LGBTQI+ organizations and activists are facing an increase in discrimination, exclusionary political discourse and anti-LGBTQI+ legislative action.

On May 24, 2019, Taiwan made history: it was the first in the Asia-Pacific to legalize same-sex marriage. After decades of grassroots advocacy, the Constitutional Court found that the denial of registered unions to same-sex couples violated the constitutional guarantees of freedom of marriage and right to equality. This decision laid the foundation for the Legislative Yuan’s legalization of same-sex marriage. 

Fight for freedom. Future of the global order. Existential struggle. 

It’s hard to find terms that describe the crisis in Ukraine without sounding like so much cable news hyperbole. And yet, Russia’s illegal invasion of a free and sovereign Ukraine is existential for the Ukrainian people: their sovereignty, freedoms and way of life are on the line.