What's "holding back change"? Opportunities and challenges for the 'participation' and 'inclusion' of people with diverse SOGIESC in disaster risk reduction

Using the inclusion of people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identity/expression, and sexual characteristics (SOGIESC) in DRR and humanitarian policy and action as a case in point, this paper intends to explore some of the opportunities and challenges for participatory projects to generate more sustainable and inclusive DRR practices. More specifically, it intends to unpack the drivers and obstacles to such 'inclusion' in the light of two consultative projects held in the Asia-Pacific region between 2018 and 2021: the Pride in the Humanitarian System consultation (2018) and the Platform for the Inclusion of Non-normative Genders and Sexualities in Climate Change Adaptation Policy and Action (2021). While these two projects generated tremendous energy and hope amongst their participants and extensive recommendations regarding diverse SOGIESC inclusion were made, meaningful changes remained elusive. This paper argues that these consultative and participatory forums are only some of the avenues to secure incremental changes, and that wider advocacy and working in solidarity with other activities is needed to advance a transformative agenda.