"As far as the LGBTQ+ community is concerned, Argentina is the most liberal and progressive of South American countries…Argentina is also one of the world’s most progressive countries in terms of transgender rights.‘
We mark Pride Month with a personal viewpoint from Country Navigator co-founder Hans van der Linden
From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, the Country Navigator platform has over 100 country guides featuring detailed information on every aspect of business practices and cultural diversity, including attitudes to LGBTQ+ issues.
‘Transgender people in Argentina are allowed to change their gender on government documents with no requirement for counseling or transition surgery. Medical facilities, private and public, are required by law to provide free hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery,‘ reads the CN country guide.
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Sex and gender identities on the corporate agenda
Supporting LGBTQ+ staff and advocating for LGBT rights is a key concern for many companies operating globally and those who come to us for diversity and inclusion training. Sex and gender identities are higher on the corporate agenda than ever before, reflecting an increased awareness of homosexuality around the world. Our commitment to developing LGBTQ+ knowledge and awareness through our Country Navigator platform came about as a direct response to corporate demand two or three years ago.
The first question our US clients usually have for us is about security. Will their staff be secure as Americans abroad? The second question is often about the number of countries that still have laws that criminalize homosexuality and how it impacts LGBTQ+ issues.
When a staff member is not yet comfortable coming out at work, it is increasingly important that they can rely on us to be sensitive and reliable in addressing their questions. In the 69 countries where homosexuality is illegal, it can be a matter of life and death. Furthermore, even in countries like the United States, where LGBT rights are among the most advanced in the world, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity persists. Our coaches can help staff navigate the cultural challenges and have greater confidence in an unfamiliar environment.
Are employers doing enough to prevent human rights violations?
Multinational organizations must balance their duty of care to their employees with local laws and practices, especially in many parts of the world where attitudes towards gender identity and sexuality can drastically differ.
In 2021, it is illegal in 69 countries to be gay. These are countries where it is illegal to express one’s gender identity and sexuality freely, creating a challenging situation for both organizations and employees. In 8 countries, LGBTQ+ people can be executed, a grim reality under anti-homosexuality laws that are still prevalent today.
Suppose organizations expect employees to be productive and perform at the highest levels. In that case, both the organization and the employee must be aware of the country’s laws and the legal, political, and societal attitudes to gender identity and sexuality in the countries they operate in.
Organizations can also support their staff by creating a culture of openness so people feel free to express themselves. They should be able to show their gender expression and sexuality without fear of persecution. In addition to online learning, our expert coaches facilitate workshops and masterclasses, which give individuals the tools they need to create safe spaces for these discussions.
Do you feel psychologically safe at work?
Feeling psychologically safe in a virtual team is as important as feeling safe in a global role involving travel. Individuals may stay in their homes or countries, but they could be part of an international team working with people worldwide in a cross-border, cross-cultural environment. In many senses, virtual working is akin to inviting strangers into your home, so having the confidence to be yourself, even if you’re a part of an LGBT groups, in a psychologically safe space is key to maintaining mental wellbeing.
And for those companies where global mobility is still essential, our support goes even further. We offer one-to-one coaching to those relocating to many other countries and additional support for partners and children, always considering the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
At Country Navigator, we’re meeting more than an essential business need. We believe in cultural intelligence, diversity, and inclusion. Our mission extends beyond borders, reaching out to communities worldwide and promoting understanding and acceptance for all, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation.
LGBTQ + in The Netherlands
I’m Dutch, and I live in the Netherlands, which is one of the most tolerant and progressive countries in the world when it comes to LGBTQ+ recognition and rights. As a country, we strive to protect human rights, especially the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. Diversity is not just tolerated; it is embraced and celebrated, something I’m personally very proud of.
The Netherlands was the first country in the world to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriage in 2001. This significant step forward was part of our commitment to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless if they are openly gay, bisexual, trans, or identify in any other way within the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
Discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal, reflecting our strong stance against discrimination against LGBTQ+ people.
Same-sex couples can adopt, and lesbian couples are entitled to IVF, showing our respect for reproductive rights. Transgender people are able to change their legal gender with no need for reassignment surgery. In business, LGBTQ+ individuals should feel completely comfortable being out in the workplace. The support for LGBTQ+ is palpable, and there are no taboos around sexual orientation or gender identity.
While inclusion and diversity are increasingly recognized as essential in the workplace and beyond – there remain many countries where the LGBTQ+ community does not have equal rights.
LGBTQ+ in Zimbabwe – Homosexuality laws
Sadly, the ‘Z’ at the beginning of this article refers to Zimbabwe. This country has laws against ‘indecency,’ which effectively criminalize same-sex sexual acts and severely limit the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
The CN country guide issues a stark warning: ‘LGBTQ people may not marry or form civil partnerships. There are no laws to protect LGBTQ individuals against discrimination, and homophobia is common. LGBTQ people living in Zimbabwe say they are marginalized and persecuted. Many choose to move to neighboring South Africa, which has a more liberal and accepting attitude, or live secret lives. Transgender people currently have no rights to change their legal gender,’
The situation for LGBT people in Zimbabwe is dire. The LGBT community experiences frequent violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, making it one of the more challenging places for these individuals to live openly. Transgender rights are non-existent, as indicated by the lack of legal provisions for changing one’s gender.
The struggle for the rights of LGBTQ+ people in Zimbabwe continues, with human rights violations being a common occurrence. It’s a nation where the acknowledgment or discussion of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity is fraught with danger. ‘Coming out to one’s family would be virtually unthinkable, such are the taboos around LGBTQ issues, and discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity in the workplace would be unlikely.’
Despite the grim circumstances, there are brave souls and organizations in Zimbabwe that continue to fight for change and work towards a future where everyone can live freely and safely, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Global Challenges and Struggles
In many parts of the world, LGBTQ+ individuals face significant challenges. For example, people in Uganda and Nigeria contend with deeply ingrained homophobic attitudes and laws criminalizing homosexuality. Similarly, in countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Mauritania, and Yemen, same-sex conduct, even if consensual, is met with severe punishment.
The Homophobic Climate
The homophobic climate in these countries not only endangers LGBTQ+ individuals but also stifles any open discussion about sexuality and gender identity. This lack of dialogue further perpetuates misunderstanding and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.
Conscious Collaboration
At Country Navigator, we believe in equality for all. Country Navigator is the no.1 platform for cultural intelligence, inclusion, and conscious collaboration. Our training tools embed diversity and inclusion and help individuals and teams learn to understand and value difference.
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