Mongolia

Demographics

Estimated Total Population:

3.17 million

World Bank, 2018

Estimated SGM Population:

N/A

N/A

Estimated Total SGM Adult Population:

N/A

N/A

Estimated % of SGM Adults (18+):

N/A

N/A

There are no nationwide surveys looking at Sexual and Gender minorities in Mongolia. Interestingly, there are no serious religious barriers to SGM individuals, as the dominant religion, Tibetan Buddhism, is silent on homosexuality. Homophobia is regarded as a form of nationalism, as many Mongolians believe homosexuality to be a product of the West. Thus, while Mongolian law does not criminalize homosexuality, homophobia is very pervasive in Mongolian society. Overall, public discourse around LGBTQ issues has only recently emerged: the first organization serving gay men was established in 1999, the first LGBT rights advocacy organization was registered in 2009, and the first Pride Week was held in 2013.

Mongolia's Laws and Policies from ILGA World Report (2019)

RECOGNITION
Marriage for Same-Sex Couples
No
Civil Unions
No
Joint Adoption
No
Second Parent Adoption
No
Right to Change Legal Gender
Yes

The Constitution of Mongolia banned same-sex marriage as of 1992.

PROTECTION
Employment Nondiscrimination Laws
Yes
Broad Protections
Yes
Criminalization of Violence
No
Ban of Conversion Therapy
No
Hate Crime laws
Yes

Although the Constitution of Mongolia provides for a non-discrimination clause, prohibition on the basis of sexual orientation is not explicitly mentioned in the norm. As a result, SGM individuals in Mongolia face numerous human rights violations ranging from rape, physical and sexual attacks, arbitrary arrest and physical and sexual assault while in detention. Due to fear of reprisals and secondary victimization, mainly by the police, many incidents of harassment and violence are not reported.

CRIMINALIZATION
Consensual Same-Sex Acts are Legal?
Yes
Gender
Does Not Apply
Max Penalty (Yrs in Prison)
Does Not Apply

Selected Published Studies, Reports, and Other Documents

Aumakhan, B., Tsedendemberel, O., Galsanjamts, N., & Dambiinyam, M. (2014). “POVERTY AND THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND INTERSEX COMMUNITY IN MONGOLIA” SURVEY REPORT. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.21293.08164

Azyei, I., Aumakhan, B., Jantsansengee, B.Jantsansengee, B., Munkhbaatar, S., Gombo, E., Puntsag, U., Jagdagsuren, D., Ketende, S., Stromdahl, S., Baral, S., Sovd, T., & Amindavaa, O. (2014).Evolving Understanding of the Epidemiology of HIV and Prevention Needs among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. AIDS and Behavior, 18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-014-0780-5.

LGBT Centre Mongolia (2016). The Status of Lesbian, Bisexual Women and Transgender Persons in Mongolia. http://lgbtcentre.mn/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/63rdCEDAW-LGBTcentre-2016.docx.pdf

Peitzmeier, S. M., Yasin, F., Stephenson, R., Wirtz, A. L., Delegchoimbol, A., Dorjgotov, M., & Baral, S. (2015). Sexual Violence against Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in Mongolia: A Mixed-Methods Study of Scope and Consequences. PLoSONE, 10(10). https://link-gale-com.proxy.lib.duke.edu/apps/doc/A430528875/EAIM?u=duke_perkins&sid=EAIM&xid=0c6f73ec

Peitzmeier, S. M., Stephenson, R., Wirtz, A. L., Delegchoimbol, A., Dorjgotov, M., & Baral, S. (2015). Perceptions of sexual violence among men who have sex with men and individualson the trans-feminine spectrum in Mongolia. Global Pubic Health, 12(8): 954-969. https://doi-org.proxy.lib.duke.edu/10.1080/17441692.2015.1114133

UNDP, USAID (2014). Being LGBT in Asia: Mongolia Country Report. Bangkok. https://www.refworld.org/pdfid/54ed84be4.pdf

Yasin, F., Delechoimbol, A., Jamiyanjamts, N., Sovd, T., Mason, K., & Baral, S. (2013). A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Correlates of HIV Testing Practices among Men Who have Sex with Men in Mongolia. AIDS and Behavior, 17: 1378-1385. https://link-springer-com.proxy.lib.duke.edu/article/10.1007/s10461-013-0412-5