Advancing the Inclusion of Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals in Youth-Focused Family Planning and Sexual and Reproductive Health Programs

This technical brief (coming March 2024) is a call to advance thinking and action on the intentional inclusion of sexual and gender minority individuals and individuals with diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics in youth-focused family planning and sexual and reproductive health (FP/SRH) programs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It summarizes insights from learning and assessment activities conducted by Breakthrough ACTION and recommends seven priority areas for action to design and implement more inclusive and equitable programs in LMICs.

The intended audience for this brief is program implementers working at the intersection of FP/SRH, positive youth development, and social and behavior change, or otherwise working to improve youth access to FP/SRH information and services. The insights and actions in this brief most directly apply to program design and implementation by global, regional, and local health non-governmental organizations working with multi-level partners and stakeholders, including funders, governments, and communities.