In the Caribbean, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people face legal, social, and economic barriers to full inclusion and enjoyment of their human rights. Despite positive developments regionally, including increased attention and funding to advance inclusion and the development of Anti-Discrimination policy and law, there remains much work to be done to guarantee equality of LGBTI people under the law and to ensure protection from violence and discrimination as well as equal access to services. Punitive laws and practices have a critical impact on the enjoyment of human rights, health as well as on social and economic development more broadly. They may further contribute to pervasive stigma and discrimination, which can lead to hate crimes, police abuse, torture and ill-treatment, and family and community violence. In recognition of the importance of acting on these issues and the connection between securing the rights of LGBTI people and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for the region, the Being LGBTI in the Caribbean (BLIC) Project was developed and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project aims to enhance knowledge, partnerships, and capacities of LGBTI communities, civil society, and states to reduce human rights violations and negative attitudes towards LGBTI people in the Caribbean. There is country level focus in Barbados, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Haiti. The project is a collaboration between governments, civil society,1 regional institutions and other stakeholders to promote the social inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI).                 

Rationale:                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Several studies have been undertaken by Jamaican Civil Society Organizations to uncover the realities of LGBTI people in the country. While these studies have indicated some of the social, economic, and legal gaps that persist today, they have been mostly limited in scope. To this end, a key objective of the BLIC Project is to strengthen knowledge and data on the rights of LGBTI people and improve the capacity of governments, civil society and LGBTI organizations to address and reduce the inequality, exclusion, violence, and discrimination suffered by LGBTI people. To achieve this objective, UNDP is seeking a qualified institution or consortium to undertake a National LGBTI Study-Jamaica to analyze the challenges faced by members of the local LGBTI community with pertinent recommendations to inform the development and advancement of inclusive policies.