ILGA-NAC convened its Q1 Members’ Chat to reflect on the outcomes of the 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), bringing together advocates to share insights from their engagement at the United Nations and explore implications for LGBTQI movements across the Caribbean and beyond.
The conversation featured Maria Paula Perdomo and Andre du Plessis (Outright International), alongside Shantae Porteous (Jamaican LBQ Activist) and Obioma Chukwuike (Intersex Nigeria). Together, they offered a timely and strategic reflection on the shifting political landscape, key advocacy wins, and the ongoing challenges facing LGBTQI movements globally and regionally.
Key Highlights
CSW70 was marked by significant political tension, with coordinated efforts to roll back gender equality and human rights protections. Attempts to redefine gender and weaken protections were successfully resisted A historic meeting took place between the UN Secretary-General and the LGBTI caucus The first intersex-focused side event was held at the UN in New York
Why it matters: Global advocacy and solidarity continue to play a critical role in defending rights within multilateral spaces.
Participants highlighted increasing challenges for activists engaging in international advocacy spaces: Visa restrictions impacting activists from 58 countries Discriminatory policies around gender markers on IDs and visas Concerns about detention and safety
CSW70 reflected a changing political environment: Increased influence of conservative states and anti-rights actors Reduced access for civil society in negotiation spaces Coordinated lobbying to weaken progressive language
Despite this: Member States rejected attempts to impose restrictive gender definitions Multilateral processes held firm against historical revisionism
Speakers emphasized the direct link between global policy and local realities: Rising anti-LGBTQ legislation and violence in some contexts Limited Caribbean representation in key decision-making spaces Need for stronger coordination across movements
CSW70 marked a major step forward for intersex advocacy: First intersex-focused panel at the UN Progress through UN Human Rights Council resolutions Growing recognition of intersex issues globally
Next steps for the region: Increase intersex visibility in the Caribbean Integrate intersex awareness into advocacy and outreach Use storytelling as a tool for change
CSW70 reaffirmed that global advocacy spaces are both sites of progress and contestation. While important gains were made, continued coordination, vigilance, and strategic engagement are essential.
For ILGA-NAC members, these insights provide a roadmap to: – Strengthen advocacy efforts – Deepen regional collaboration – Translate global developments into local impact
Watch The Recordings
Full Conversation
Outright International – Maria Paula Perdomo and Andre Du Plessis
