Statement by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on LGBTQI+ Pride Month

Pride Month is a time to celebrate the progress that we have made so far in securing protections for the human rights of the LGBTQI+ community. It is also the time to recognize the many challenges that we still face in the path to achieving full equality. As we mark Pride today, the United States reaffirms its unyielding commitment to defend the human rights of the LGBTQI+ community worldwide.

Who we are and who we love should never lead to discrimination and violence. And yet LGBTQI+ persons around the world continue to suffer abuses based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics, and face laws that impose capital punishment, imprisonment, and discrimination.

Standing up for LGBTQI+ people is a top priority for the Biden-Harris Administration domestically and abroad. At the UN, the United States continues to lead efforts to advocate for LGBTQI+ issues. In March, we partnered with the UN LGBTI Core Group to host the second ever UN Security Council Arria meeting on LGBTQI+ issues where we committed to better integrate LGBTQI+ concerns into the Security Council’s regular work of maintaining international peace and security. We also look forward to further collaboration with the UN LGBTI Core Group which will celebrate its 15th anniversary on June 22.

This month, and every month, the United States will continue to work to build a more inclusive society for all LGBTQI+ individuals. We call on all to join us in doing so. LGBTQI+ persons deserve to enjoy their same rights and same protections as all other people, without distinction of any kind.

Original source can be found here.