Sexual and gender minorities in disasters

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) people – ‘sexual and gender’ minorities – have not been widely studied in relation to disasters. Likewise, little attention has been given to the abilities of emergency management actors and policy frameworks to support LGBTQI+ people in disasters. We summarise the literature on this topic and the results of a project looking at sexual and gender diverse experiences of disasters in Australia and New Zealand. We outline the negative experiences that exacerbate marginality and vulnerability, such as harassment in homes, emergency shelters and public spaces and uncertain access to relief services and funds. We identify elements of resilience and resistance that build upon social capital and elements of attentive and capable emergency management practice that recognise and include sexual and gender diversity. We provide suggestions to assist sexual and gender minorities to take responsibility for enhancing their resilience and preparedness, as well as for emergency management actors to better meet the needs of sexual and gender diverse people. We identify positive impacts research is having in driving more inclusive policies and guidelines. We briefly explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic for sexual and gender diverse people. We conclude by outlining research needs, which include exploring emergency workforce diversity; understanding faith-based organisations in relation to sexual and gender identity; and investigating the challenges for aid agencies navigating political and personal views of sexuality and gender in conflict and humanitarian crises