Advocating for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Central Asia

INTRODUCTION

The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in 1994 set forth an approach to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) that focuses on incorporating rights into global health policies. In Central Asia, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth (aged 15–24 years) encounter resistance from political players in having their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs met. This resistance is purposely reflected in public discourse, underscoring the disparity between the ICPD objectives and the SRHR context in the region.¹ Despite advancements in legislation addressing SRHR for the general population—such as measures to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates and increase access to modern contraceptive methods—many Central Asian countries still lack specific laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This gap is influenced by the region’s prevailing social norms and legal landscape, which often neglects the unique needs of LGBT communities.² Access to services, such as social assistance, education, and mental health support, is hampered by conservative beliefs that ignore or discriminate against gender identities and sexual orientations. In Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, rooted societal heteronormative norms pose challenges to embracing and providing LGBT health care services, often leading to discrimination and marginalization.³ In Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, LGBT relationships are criminalized, which fosters an environment of fear and hinders LGBT individuals’ access to health care services.^4–6 The absence of …