On the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia
As delivered by Deputy Political Counselor Lewis Gitter
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
May 20, 2022
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
The United States affirms today, in celebration of the May 17th celebration of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), that the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons are the same human rights to which all persons are entitled. As enshrined in Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
Today, LGBTQI+ persons live under the shadow of discrimination, violence, and fear. Global data make clear that the dehumanization of LGBTQI+ persons is systemic, pervasive, and often violent. Homophobia, biphobia, interphobia, and transphobia are deeply entrenched in societies across the world, including in the OSCE region and in my own country.
The United States remains committed to ending this intolerance. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, and to live in safety. We affirm that all LGBTQI+ individuals, couples, and their families are valid and valuable.
As President Biden said this week to mark this special day, the United States will continue to defend human rights and dignity, at home and around the world. We will continue to support reforms to yield a world free from discrimination and violence, so that all of our LGBTQI+ friends, colleagues, neighbors, and family can live freely in dignity and with equal respect for their human rights.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
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