Queer Intersectional Perspective on LGBTI Human Rights Discourses by United Nations Treaty Bodies

Abstract

The article suggests applying queer intersectionality to the analysis of international LGBTI human rights discourse–particularly, those of UN treaty bodies. By focussing on three single-axis committees, this paper looks at possibilities to respond to queer critique of LGBTI human rights strategies. In particular, the article provides an overview of three UN treaty bodies that monitor the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, in order to investigate if the addition of gender, race and (dis)ability angles to the analysis of LGBTI / SOGIESC rights and struggles could be helpful in addressing queer critique. Each of the three committee’s discourses are discussed from the perspective of its actual stance, as well as potential for future developments.