Yogyakarta Principles in Action

Activist's Guide

This 146-page guide consists of four sections preceded by a foreword, acknowledgements, and the purpose and structure of the guide. Unlike The Yogyakarta Principles, the term LGBTI instead of LGBT is used in all occurrences.

Table of Contents

The Foreword at p. 6 states, "We all have the same human rights. Whatever our sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status, we are all equally entitled to our human rights without discrimination. These rights - interrelated, interdependent, and universal - are shared by each one of us." On p. 7, it is stated that "There is an inconsistency between the rights identified in international human rights documents, such as those in the Yogyakarta Principles, and the rights actually enjoyed by individuals. While international standards may grant us rights, discrimination, stigma, violence, and fear pose real threats to people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Activists, human rights defenders, and individual members of our many communities are the driving force behind closing this gap between our rights and our reality."

On p. 9, the Acknowledgement states that "Thanks are due to the staff of ARC International and the International Commission of Jurists, as well as the following group of generous activists:

On p. 10, the Purpose and Structure of this Guide states, "The Guide is an introduction to the Yogyakarta Principles, to facilitate a deeper understanding of the Principles and to encourage their use and their promotion."

Section 1, The Yogyakarta Principles - overview and Contents

Section 2, The Yogyakarta Principles Up Close

Section 3, The Yogyakarta Principle in Action

Section 4, Applying the Yogyakarta Principles

Characteristics of the Guide

On p. 19, the guide states that "The Principles do not create any new rights; they are, rather, an articulation of rights already held. The Yogyakarta Principles are based on international human rights law as reflected in international and regional treaties; the jurisprudence of human rights treaty bodies and specialised courts and commissions; authoritative interpretation by the special rapporteurs and working groups of the UN; expert opinion; and State practice." At p. 21 affirms relating the cause of the Yogyakarta Principles that "In many other parts of the world LGBTI people continue to face criminalisation, marginalisation, discrimination, hatred and many, many forms of rights violations. Within many mainstream societies, the notion of rights for LGBTI people has historically been ignored or treated with derision."

And about notion and categorisation of LGBTI on p. 23 states that "Notwithstanding the desire to escape the negative connotations and effects of identity categories, the LGBTI community does organise itself around identity groups, and common patterns of oppression are clear." And about intersex at p. 24-25 states that "Again, rights-based advocacy must be based on universal rights that are available regardless of how people are categorised. For example, although the drafters of the Yogyakarta Principles did not specifically address the rights of intersex people, the Principles do identify the right to be free from medical abuses. Advocacy on behalf of intersex people will include seeking specific affirmation of each of the listed rights." And further about the transsexuals, at p. 100 states that "It is important to note that while 'sexual orientation' has been declassified as a mental illness in many countries, 'gender identity' or 'gender identity disorder' often remains under consideration." (indicating F64 of ICD-10 Chapter V)