Statement by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on LGBTQI+ Pride Month
This Pride Month, we join the world in reaffirming our commitment to the promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons across the globe.
The Biden-Harris Administration has made it clear that addressing the human rights concerns of LGBTQI+ communities both at home and overseas is a top administration priority. In 2021, President Biden issued a Presidential Memorandum directing U.S. agencies engaged abroad to promote and protect LGBTQI+ human rights across their work globally.
We know that in calling for change in other countries, the United States must also do the necessary work at home. Over the past year, President Biden has taken historic actions to advance the human rights of LGBTQI+ Americans – from repealing the discriminatory ban on military service by transgender individuals, to strengthening non-discrimination protections in housing, health care, education, and more.
Here at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, we are working to advance the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons throughout UN resolutions. We have re-invigorated our participation in the UN LGBTI Core Group, and we look forward to hosting the UN’s independent expert on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in August.
While the United States is incredibly proud of the progress that has been made so far in support of the LGBTQI+ community, it is imperative we continue to counter discrimination on the basis of LGBTQI+ status or conduct; expand the coalition of countries willing to support and defend the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons.
Original source can be found here.
