The U. S. Government is proud to honor the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) ON May 17 as well as LGBT Pride Month in June. President Obama said: “Every single person – straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) needs to be treated equally in the eyes of the law and in the eyes of society. It is a pretty simple proposition”.
Supporters of equality and LGBT rights in more than 120 countries will commemorate this year’s International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. Ambassador Brewster says “We are proud to be a part of these commemorations and look forward to the celebrations in June marking Gay Pride Month”.
On International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia, we celebrate human diversity and rededicate ourselves to a basic but essential truth – that human rights are universal and must be protected. To our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender friends and relatives around the world: the United States stands with you in your struggle against discrimination.
In a press release by Secretary Kerry of the U.S. State Department he stated the following:The United States is proud to be doing its part. This past week, we convened religious leaders and representatives of faith-based organizations to think about how we work together to promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons. Next week, we will convene meetings with our private sector allies to discuss the important role of the business community in promoting equality and the ways we can partner through the Global Equality Fund.
But this must be more than a moment to celebrate how far we have come. We know that our work is not complete when countries enact laws targeting LGBT persons and their supporters. We know that our work is not complete when LGBT persons and their allies are harassed, arrested, and even killed simply because of who they are and who they love.
The United States condemns these senseless acts of violence and discrimination. Human rights are universal, and LGBT persons and their allies must be free to exercise them without fear of intimidation or reprisal.
When our LGBT brothers and sisters are threatened anywhere, it is a threat to freedom, justice and dignity of people everywhere. The United States will continue to protect and promote the human rights of LGBT persons worldwide this day and every day.
