Central Asia, consisting of the five countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, is not only a geographical location. It is also a hub for empowering queer activism. In this region, the LGBTQ+ community is actively advocating for their needs, standing up against anti-LGBTQ+ agendas, and working to change negative perceptions surrounding them.
Despite facing various challenges, the movement for LGBTQ+ rights is continuously growing and creating safe spaces for people to connect, exchange ideas, show solidarity, and develop strategies to speak up for the community as a whole. Furthermore, recent queer organizing efforts are courageous and direct in addressing their needs to the regional and global philanthropic community while fostering a connection amongst those committed to protecting the rights and freedom of the LGBTQ+ community.
Numerous international laws protect the freedom and rights of all individuals, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, but Central Asian countries still discriminate, exhibit homophobia, and violate fundamental human rights. As a result, LGBTQ+ people experience relative hostility, as evidenced by the LGBT Equality Index | Equaldex. Recent data from the index, which assesses LGBTQ+ rights, laws, and public attitudes in different countries, shows that none of the Central Asian countries are considered LGBT+ friendly. In fact, out of approximately 200 countries on the list, all Central Asian countries rank below 100.
Information on the history of the LGBTQ+ community in Centr”al Asia is limited. When the community was less visible in the past, members may have experienced less hate. “However, as LGBTQ+ people became more visible during peaceful demonstrations supporting women’s and girls’ rights in Kyrgyzstan, their situation worsened, as mentioned in World Report 2020: Kyrgyzstan | Human Rights Watch. It’s unclear if there’s a direct correlation between queer visibility and increased hate towards them. Nonetheless, some Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, have no criminal codes against homosexuality and have registered LGBTQ+ organizations. However, even in these countries where criminalization does not exist, the LGBTQ+ community has no legal protections. In Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, there are criminal codes against homosexuality, and one can be jailed for at least two years (Uzbekistan | Human Dignity Trust).
The LGBTQ+ community in the Central Asian region faces various challenges, both legislative and social, as noted by activists. Housing, community safety, and self-determination are significant issues, along with the ability to register organizations and build movements to advance rights. Central Asian governments are introducing ongoing limitations, such as a new anti-NGO legislation initiative in Kyrgyzstan that aims to limit the work of CSOs, including LGBTQ+ organizations. Although the initiative has not been approved, activists are trying to cancel it. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have no plans to cancel the ongoing criminal code. Kazakhstan has ongoing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity at the legislative level.
On the other hand, Tajikistan has approved anti-discrimination legislation, but there is no mention of sexual orientation and gender identity within it. As for Uzbekistan, according to the law of the country, individuals from the LGBTQ+ community are forced to be tested for HIV, as mentioned in the following source, Uzbekistan’s Proposed Medical Testing Law Violates Basic Rights. Overall, the healthcare system in all Central Asian countries is highly heteronormative. Furthermore, political actors in Central Asia fully scapegoat the LGBTQ+ community, which has led to increased homophobia, as many community leaders, politicians, and healthcare system representatives speak negatively about the community.
While the LGBTQ+ community works towards unity and solidarity, resources are limited in the Central Asian countries’ remote areas. As a result, some community members are unable to access the information and services provided by LGBTQ+ organizations in the region. Despite this, new groups and initiatives are emerging based on community observations and needs.
As some activists have pointed out, some gender-focused organizations that support women and girls may exhibit homophobia or overlook queer and trans women and girls. This lack of intersectionality is apparent in the work of many organizations, including international ones, that are fighting against the patriarchal system in a challenging context. This also applies to international human rights organizations that adhere to international human rights principles but do not actively advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in Central Asia.
The politically active LGBTQ+ community in Central Asia faces difficulties in obtaining adequate funding to support its queer agenda. This is mainly due to security concerns resulting from the authoritarian regimes prevalent in some of the countries in the region. Local LGBTQ+ groups find it challenging to access significant funds, as receiving money from foreign sources is unsafe. Furthermore, only a few donors support unregistered groups, and LGBTQ+ activists struggle to obtain funding for labor rights and administrative costs, including salaries. This issue is compounded by the mental health problems experienced by activists who encounter ongoing stigma and discrimination. Some activists even face physical and digital threats, forcing them to leave the region to protect themselves and their families. Additionally, some safe spaces for LGBTQ+ groups have been attacked.
Thus, donors looking to provide resources for underserved communities must also consider labor rights, safety, and sustainability on behalf of LGBTQ+ activists who often operate in hostile environments. Sadly, donors often have a narrow perception of what resources the community needs, which creates survival challenges. Activists are expected to execute projects without sufficient funding for administrative costs, salaries, or benefits, leading to burnout.
As a donor organization whose primary commitment is to the movements and activist communities we support, FRIDA has a unique approach to how we do things. Our ecosystem is designed to be robust and responsive to the complex realities that activists face. We promote our alternative approach to this work by reaching out to newly established groups and offering them more and better funding. We also engage with various movements that resist patriarchal and colonial violence and offer alternative support to applicant groups who may not receive FRIDA grants. Additionally, we are dedicated to developing tailored strategies to better support trans youth, indigenous youth, adolescent girls, migrant youth, and sex workers in their specific contexts. We constantly question and redesign traditional philanthropy to ensure our work continually evolves and improves. We don’t just offer financial support; we also accompany movements. We currently support over 15 grantee partners in Central Asia, including seven focusing on LGBTQ+ rights. In addition, we work with individual experts who serve as advisors to FRIDA, helping us improve our regional expertise and better understand the needs of our grantee partners.
As a youth-led feminist fund, FRIDA acknowledges the difficulties the LGBTQ+ community encounters in the region and understands the need for more meaningful support from the global philanthropy sector. Thus, FRIDA is proud to have participated in the Central Asian LGBTQ+ platform in 2023.
This event allowed us to expand our regional knowledge and establish connections with queer activists and donors in Central Asia. We are grateful for the opportunity to strengthen our relationships within the community. We believe that by implementing participatory grant-making and providing more flexible funding, donors–including international organizations, funds, and individual supporters–can empower activists and ensure that resources are used effectively to serve those in greatest need. Supporting queer activism overall in Central Asia is essential beyond just financial support. It’s important to recognize the work of the LGBTQ+ community in serving and fighting against homophobia and oppressive systems. This will help raise awareness for Queer Central Asia and its ongoing efforts.
Written by Ainagul Amatbekova
Program Officer for Teenage Girl Organizing (CEECCNA Focal Point)
Kyrgyzstan
