Pride month has wrapped up around the world. In some places, LGBTQ folks celebrated their identities in parades and other community events. Elsewhere, queer activists took to the streets in very different ways.

In Colombia, for example, LGBTQ organizations have worked with women’s organizations to develop and implement the historic peace agreement with the FARC rebels. Similarly, in Lebanon, queer activists are involved in the ongoing uprising.

These queer activists are working to influence peace-building so that efforts center the experiences of those who are among the most vulnerable to violence, even in times of peace: LGBTQ people.

Queer visibility in peace-building

Gender matters to understanding conflict. Research finds that women experience conflict differently than men do and are critical in helping to build a sustainable peace.

Women’s rights activists and academics committed to feminist visions for peace argue that one way to transform power through peace-building is by including women at the negotiating table and in key post-conflict positions. A review of the 13 peace agreements signed by women finds they are more durable, in part because the signatories represent diverse women’s groups and discuss a broader range of social issues, improving the accord’s implementation. Recognizing this, for 20 years, the United Nations Security Council has urged countries to ensure that women are involved in peacemaking and conflict prevention, given their commitments to uphold the 10 Women, Peace and Security resolutions.