Human Rights & Social Justice · Term 4

LGBTQ2S+ Rights Globally

The varying legal status and social acceptance of LGBTQ2S+ individuals around the world, and the role of international advocacy.

About This Topic

This topic explores the varying legal status and social acceptance of LGBTQ2S+ individuals around the world. Students examine the evolution of LGBTQ2S+ rights in Canada, from the decriminalization of homosexuality to the legalization of same-sex marriage and the protection of gender identity. The curriculum analyzes the role of international pressure and grassroots activism in driving these changes and the challenges faced in countries where LGBTQ2S+ individuals still face severe persecution.

Grade 12 students investigate the tension between universal human rights and cultural or religious traditions regarding gender and sexual identity. They analyze the impact of 'globalization' on the spread of LGBTQ2S+ rights and the rise of international solidarity movements. This topic comes alive when students can participate in a 'Human Rights Advocacy Campaign,' where they design a strategy to support LGBTQ2S+ rights in a specific global context, considering the local legal and social hurdles.

Learning Objectives

• Compare the legal frameworks governing LGBTQ2S+ rights in at least three different countries, identifying key similarities and differences in legislation.
• Explain the mechanisms through which international human rights organizations influence domestic policy changes related to LGBTQ2S+ equality.
• Evaluate the impact of historical events, such as the decriminalization of homosexuality or the legalization of same-sex marriage, on the global LGBTQ2S+ rights movement.
• Analyze the evolving social acceptance of LGBTQ2S+ individuals in Canada, referencing specific policy shifts and public opinion data.
• Critique the challenges and strategies employed by international advocacy groups working to advance LGBTQ2S+ rights in regions with significant legal and social barriers.

Before You Start

Foundations of Canadian Law and Governance

Why: Understanding the Canadian legal system provides a baseline for comparing legal approaches to human rights globally.

Global Citizenship and Human Rights

Why: Students need a foundational understanding of universal human rights principles to analyze their application and variation across different national contexts.

Key Vocabulary

Sexual Orientation	A person's enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction to members of the same sex, opposite sex, or both sexes. This is distinct from gender identity.
Gender Identity	A person's internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or somewhere else along the gender spectrum. This may or may not correspond with the sex assigned at birth.
Decriminalization	The legislative act of removing criminal penalties for certain behaviors or acts, such as consensual same-sex sexual activity, which were previously outlawed.
Marriage Equality	The legal recognition of marriage between two people of the same sex, granting them the same rights and responsibilities as heterosexual married couples.
International Advocacy	The organized effort by individuals or groups to influence policies and practices at an international level, often focusing on human rights issues like LGBTQ2S+ equality.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: A Global Map of Rights

Small groups are assigned different regions of the world. They research the legal status of LGBTQ2S+ individuals in those regions (e.g., marriage rights, protection from discrimination, or criminalization) and create a visual 'Global Rights Map' to compare with Canada.

⏱ 60 min·Small Groups

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Simulation Game: The UN Human Rights Review

Students represent a country being reviewed by the UN for its LGBTQ2S+ rights record and a group of human rights activists. They must engage in a dialogue about the country's laws and the steps needed to protect the rights of its citizens.

⏱ 75 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: The Power of International Pressure

Students read about a case where international boycotts or diplomatic pressure were used to challenge anti-LGBTQ2S+ laws. They discuss with a partner whether this pressure is an effective tool or if it can lead to a 'backlash' against local activists.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

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Real-World Connections

Human rights lawyers working with organizations like Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch research and report on discriminatory laws and advocate for legal reforms in countries like Uganda or Saudi Arabia.

Diplomats at the United Nations participate in debates and vote on resolutions concerning LGBTQ2S+ rights, influencing international norms and potentially leading to sanctions or aid conditionality for member states.

Journalists and documentary filmmakers investigate and expose human rights abuses against LGBTQ2S+ individuals in various global contexts, raising public awareness and mobilizing support for advocacy campaigns.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

LGBTQ2S+ rights are a 'new' or 'Western' invention.

What to Teach Instead

Diverse gender and sexual identities have existed in many cultures throughout history, including many Indigenous societies in North America (e.g., Two-Spirit individuals). A 'Historical and Cultural Diversity' activity can help students see that the current movement is about reclaiming and protecting rights that have often been suppressed by colonial laws.

Common Misconception

Once same-sex marriage is legal, the struggle for LGBTQ2S+ rights is over.

What to Teach Instead

Legal marriage is only one aspect of equality; LGBTQ2S+ individuals still face significant challenges regarding healthcare, housing, safety, and protection of gender identity. Analyzing 'Post-Marriage Equality' issues can help students see the ongoing nature of the movement.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Facilitate a class debate using the prompt: 'To what extent should international pressure be applied to countries with discriminatory LGBTQ2S+ laws?' Students should be prepared to cite examples of successful and unsuccessful interventions.

Exit Ticket

Students write on an index card: 'One country where LGBTQ2S+ rights are significantly restricted is _____. One international organization working to improve these rights is _____. The main challenge they face is _____.'

Quick Check

Present students with a short case study of a specific country's legal approach to gender identity. Ask them to identify two key legal provisions and explain how they align with or diverge from international human rights standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the '2S' in LGBTQ2S+ stand for?

The '2S' stands for 'Two-Spirit,' a term used by some Indigenous people to describe their sexual, gender, and/or spiritual identity. It is a term that predates Western categories and reflects a traditional role in many Indigenous cultures.

What are the 'Yogyakarta Principles'?

The Yogyakarta Principles are a set of international principles relating to sexual orientation and gender identity. They were developed by a group of human rights experts to provide a guide for how international human rights law should be applied to LGBTQ2S+ issues.

How has Canada's approach to LGBTQ2S+ rights changed over time?

Canada has moved from a history of criminalization and discrimination (including the 'Purge' of LGBTQ2S+ individuals from the military and civil service) to becoming a global leader in rights, including the 2005 Civil Marriage Act and the 2017 addition of gender identity to the Human Rights Act.

How can active learning help students understand LGBTQ2S+ rights?

Active learning through 'Oral History and Narrative Analysis' is very effective. By engaging with the stories of LGBTQ2S+ activists and individuals from different eras and cultures, students can understand the personal and political stakes of the movement and the diverse ways that people have fought for the right to be themselves.