ABSTRACT
Through review of the organization’s history and activities, this chapter seeks to identify and begin to evaluate some of the ways in which Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual Employees (GLOBE) has interpreted, negotiated and sometimes challenged the heteronormative terms mandated by the World Bank’s constitution and implementation of its development programs, and in its institutional practices. It describes and evaluates some of GLOBE’s efforts to achieve better working conditions for gays and lesbians, including through its challenges to the institutionalization of heterosexist claims in its human resources policies. When Hans Binswanger moved to organize GLOBE, he believed it could work on two main goals: “getting gays at the Bank together to socialize,” and “achieving equal rights.” GLOBE’s most valued victories have been its achievement of domestic for same-sex partners and healthcare coverage for HIV-positive staff, both won after votes taken by the Bank’s Board of Directors in January 1998.
