Pride in Action: UN Teams Champion LGBTQI+ Rights

While Pride Month is celebrated in June, the UN's commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) individuals is a year-round endeavor. The UN's commitment is to ensure human rights and dignity for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

Guided by the UN Charter, human rights treaties, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the UN through its work strives to ensure no one is left behind. This commitment extends to challenging negative social attitudes, combating harmful practices, and advocating for non-discriminatory healthcare. 

Despite legislative progress in several countries, LGBTQI+ people worldwide continue to face discrimination, violence, and exclusion. From legal advocacy to community empowerment programmes, UN teams are working tirelessly to foster a more inclusive and equitable world for all. By empowering individuals, raising awareness, and influencing policy change, the UN is helping to build a world where everyone can live with dignity, respect, and equality.

Albania: Challenging discrimination and fostering inclusion

In Albania, the UN and the European Union Delegation are collaborating to create a more accepting society for LGBTQI+ individuals. While legal protections exist, discrimination remains prevalent in families, schools, and workplaces. To address this, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights with the Free and Equal global campaign, focuses on education, awareness, and advocacy to shift public opinion and promote acceptance. Training programmes for journalists and businesses, along with media engagement, are key components of this effort. The UN is also supporting the Albanian government in aligning its laws and policies with EU standards, thereby fostering a more inclusive environment as the country progresses towards EU membership.

Africa: A vision for 2030

Across Africa, challenges persist, however there have been significant legal and social advances, including the decriminalization of same-sex relationships in Gabon, Seychelles, Botswana, Angola, Lesotho, and Mozambique. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) “#WEbelongAfrica: Inclusive Governance Initiative" and Hivos "Free to be me" project came together to organise the Vision 2030: LGBTI+ Inclusion in Sub-Saharan Africa consultation in Mauritius. 

The recent consultation in Mauritius brought together diverse stakeholders to assess progress and strategize for the future. Participants emphasized the need to shift societal norms, build a stronger LGBTQI+ movement, advocate for inclusive laws and policies, enhance public services, and improve coordination among various initiatives. The urgency of addressing violence and discrimination was underscored by the experiences shared by activists from Nigeria and Uganda, where new anti-LGBTQI+ laws have created significant setbacks. In early 2024, Ghana's parliament passed a new bill that imposes a prison sentence for those convicted of identifying as LGBTQ+. Despite these challenges, the resilience and determination of activists continue to inspire hope for a more inclusive future.

Brazil: Empowering the trans community

In Brazil, the UN's Free & Equal campaign, in collaboration with Casa Neon Cunha, is dedicated to empowering trans, travesti, and non-binary individuals. The "Trans-formação" course offers these individuals a safe space to learn about their human rights, build community, and acquire skills for the labor market. The programme recognizes the unique challenges faced by trans individuals in Brazil, such as high rates of violence, discrimination, and exclusion from education and employment. By providing support and resources, the UN is helping to create a future free from discrimination for the Brazilian trans community. Graduates of the programme are already making their voices heard, advocating for access to housing, social services, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

Viet Nam: Raising awareness and promoting dialogue

The UN Free and Equal campaign in Viet Nam is focused on raising awareness about the rights and needs of transgender individuals. The "A4 Sheet - A happy beginning" media campaign has shared compelling stories that highlight the transformative power of legal gender recognition. The "Human Library - Trans living books" events have created platforms for open dialogue and understanding between the trans community and journalists. Through these initiatives, the UN is working to break down stereotypes and foster a more inclusive society where everyone can live authentically and free from discrimination.