Today is the sixth annual International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). Activities are being observed around the world.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released this statement on behalf of the Obama Administration:
In every part of the world, men and women are persecuted and attacked because of who they are or whom they love. Homophobia, transphobia and the brutal hostility associated with them are often rooted in a lack of understanding of what it actually means to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). So to combat this terrible scourge and break the cycle of fear and violence, we must work together to improve education and support those who stand up against laws that criminalize love and promote hate. As we mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia this May 17, let us resolve to redouble our efforts.
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am proud to reaffirm our support for LGBT communities at home and abroad, and to call for an end to discrimination and mistreatment of LGBT persons wherever it occurs. Whether by supporting LGBT advocates marching in Belgrade, leading the effort at the United Nations to affirm the human rights of LGBT persons, or condemning a vile law under consideration in Uganda, we are committed to our friends and allies in every region of the world who are fighting for equality and justice. These are not Western concepts; these are universal human rights.
Despite these gains and hard work, there is more to do to turn the tide of inequality and discrimination against the LGBT community. If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, know that the United States stands with you and we are unwavering in our commitment to ending this cycle of hate.
IDAHO and the United Nations Declaration for the Universal Decriminalization of homosexuality were launched by French Black gay activist Louis-Georges Tin. Background HERE and HERE.
Love this statement, go off Hills. I can appreciate these statements even more now that the successful actions of the administration have more closely mirrored their sentiment.
Thanks Rod for the refresher on Louis Georges-Tin, we have to do our part to ensure that black gay history remains as mainstream history, and not deleted or altered as we've seen so many times before.
Posted by: Procrastination_Xtravaganza | 17 May 2011 at 13:50
Very well stated Hillary, very proud of you and President Obama for not being afraid to talk about the rights of the LGBT community. I hate reading negative stories about another person's fear and ignorance and happy to read this article about combating the discrimination against human beings for being who they are and whom they love. Get over it HOMOPHOBES!!
Posted by: BLACK | 17 May 2011 at 15:03
There was also a nice column in the Jamaica Observer by the US Ambassador to Jamaica in yesterday's paper which carried the same sentiments expressed here. For Jamaica, that's a bold move. Keep the pressure on!
Posted by: Brien | 18 May 2011 at 08:29