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On the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, my Administration supports and stands in solidarity with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) people around the world who are striving to live full lives free from violence and discrimination. This is a human rights issue, plain and simple. The United States recognizes individuals and groups around the world who are working to defend the rights of LGBTQI+ people wherever they are threatened. And we are grateful for the contributions that LGBTQI+ people make every day across our country.
From day one of my presidency, my administration has made advancing the human rights of LGBTQI+ people a priority. In my first month in office, I signed the Presidential Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ People Worldwide, which directs that our diplomacy and development work around the world be conducted in a manner that reflects our commitment to equal human rights for this population. We have opposed laws that target LGBTQI+ people for prosecution; worked to protect LGBTQI+ refugees who are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse; and launched
A global gender-based violence prevention and response strategy to ensure that our efforts to confront the scourge of gender-based violence take into account the unique risks and barriers faced by LGBTQI+ people. I also signed an executive order directing my administration to work to prevent the use of so-called "conversion therapy" - an abusive and discredited practice that often targets children. And my administration continues to work with governments, religious leaders, families, and communities around the world to protect and promote respect for human rights, including the rights of LGBTQI+ people.
These efforts have produced tangible results. In the past year, the United States has responded to abuses against LGBTQI+ people abroad. We have developed an approach to foreign assistance that ensures LGBTQI+ people are not overlooked in our work. We have expanded access for LGBTQI+ people through our refugee programs. And the Special Envoy for the Advancement of the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ People, whom I have appointed, has been a driving force behind the rapid response to proposed anti-LGBTQI+ legislation around the world. We have seen American leadership bring about change; over the past decade, more and more countries have decriminalized same-sex behavior, often with the support of the United States.
Yet we know that much more needs to be done. LGBTQI+ communities around the world still face hate violence and discrimination. They still struggle for equal access to healthcare, housing, employment, education and justice. Like all people, LGBTQI+ people deserve equality - equal rights, equal citizenship and equal dignity. It is our shared moral responsibility to fight homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, just as we must fight all hate-driven violence, at home and abroad.
Today marks the 34th anniversary of the World Health Organization's wise and belated decision to declassify "homosexuality" as a mental disorder. It was a victory for LGBTQI+ people and human rights defenders around the world. Thirty years later, the work to achieve equality continues. The Biden-Harris administration is proud to be a part of it.
whitehouse.gov/gnews.cz-JaV_07
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