Gender norms and LGBTQI+ people

Sexual orientation and gender identity are related to gender norms in a number of ways. LGBTQI+ people are often considered to break or transgress gender norms by not performing masculinity or femininity in expected ways. Breaking gender norms can be perceived as a threat, which can be punished through social sanctions, sometimes taking the form of gender-based violence (GBV). LGBTQI+ people are at high risk of violence, isolation, family estrangement, and poverty as a result of social stigma stemming from expectations of heterosexuality. For some LGBTQI+ people, upholding gender norms becomes necessary as a form of survival. Fitting in with social and gender norms of appearance and behaviour as much as possible can help others to accept, or overlook, non-normative sexuality. 

More positively, LGBTQI+ people who push the boundaries of binary gender can challenge gender norms to bend or break, expanding acceptance of diversity and transforming social perceptions of what men and women should be. Changing discriminatory attitudes to become more accepting of different sexualities and genders is an example of norm change. Including a gender norms approach allows us to challenge deep-seated assumptions about what is considered ‘normal’ in sexuality and gender identity. 

Below you will find publications by ALIGN and the wider ALIGN community of practice on gender norms and LGBTQI+ people. ALIGN's content includes an extensive guide on the subject as well as various reports and blogs.

Upcoming research

We are currently undertaking research on the following themes:
Through 2024-25, ALIGN will produce research exploring how diverse sexualities and gender identities interact with gender norms. In particular, we will examine how LGBTQI+ social movements are responding to the anti-gender backlash in many regions of the world. How are activists mobilising to protect LGBTQI+ rights? In partnership with LGBTQI+ communities, we plan to deepen knowledge of how gender norms and ideas about gender, influence the key areas of contestation for contemporary LGBTQI+ activism.