International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia; 'Always Together, United in Diversity'

May 17, coinciding with Wednesday, May 17, is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, or the LGBTQ+ community. This year, the slogan for the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is 'Always Together: United in Diversity,' focusing on how people from all gender identities, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, and backgrounds can work together to make the world a better place for LGBTQ+ individuals. Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, stated that NATO's mission goes beyond protecting territories, emphasizing that 'NATO's strength is our diversity' and that 'we must reflect and celebrate our extraordinary diversity.' He expressed value for all LGBTQ+ individuals serving at NATO headquarters and around the world. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also issued a statement on this occasion, asserting that 'everyone should be able to be who they are and love whom they love, free from hate and discrimination.' The Human Rights Campaign Foundation commemorated this day by celebrating the third year of its global program known as 'Small Grants,' which this year supported 20 projects with financial assistance ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to promote equality for the LGBTQ+ community in eighteen countries. While LGBTQ+ individuals enjoy equal rights in many countries, Iran remains one of the few countries where homosexuals face the death penalty, as sexual relations between men, referred to as 'lavat' in Islamic jurisprudence, are punishable by death under Iranian Islamic Penal Law. Although the transgender community has equal rights in many parts of the world, in some Islamic countries, including Iran, they may face ostracism for revealing their identity, and the identities of individuals outside the male-female binary are not recognized. Honor killings, arbitrary arrests, and severe sentences such as imprisonment, flogging, and execution for members of this community have created a repressive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in Iran over the past 40 years. This oppressive atmosphere has led thousands of community members to emigrate from Iran. Pope's reiterated emphasis: Homosexuality is not a crime. UN experts called for a halt to the execution of two gender equality activists. The judiciary confirmed the death sentence for two lesbian women. The Urmia Revolutionary Court issued a 'death sentence' for two gay rights defenders. Tens of thousands participated in the 'Pride Parade' for sexual and gender minorities in Tel Aviv.