Joe Biden: Sexual and Gender Minorities Seek a Life Free from Violence and Discrimination

Joe Biden, the President of the United States, issued a message on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. In his message, Biden stated that his administration expresses support and solidarity with sexual and gender minorities around the world, as "they seek a full life, free from violence and discrimination." He further emphasized that this is a "human rights issue." In another part of his message, Biden praised individuals and groups around the world who are working to defend the rights of sexual and gender minorities in at-risk locations. He added that we appreciate the daily contributions of sexual and gender minorities across the country. Biden also noted that "today marks the thirtieth anniversary of the World Health Organization's wise and overdue decision to remove 'homosexuality' from the list of mental disorders." He continued that this was a significant victory for sexual and gender minorities and human rights defenders everywhere. According to the U.S. President, 30 years later, the struggle for "equality" continues, and the Biden-Harris administration is proud to be part of this process. The U.S. Department of State also issued a statement on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia, and Transphobia. The department reiterated its commitment to opposing violence and discrimination against sexual and gender minorities worldwide. Part of this statement declares that the U.S. Department of State explicitly states that sexual and gender minorities deserve recognition of their universal human rights and human dignity. The department further stated that it will continue to advocate for the rights of sexual and gender minorities worldwide, as it is not only a moral obligation but also contributes to strengthening democracy, national security, global health, and economic development. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, also spoke on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, stating that in some countries, "horrific" laws have been enacted that impose the death penalty for same-sex relationships, and public discussion and educational materials regarding the rights of sexual and gender minorities are banned in those countries. May 17, corresponding to the 27th of Ordibehesht, has been designated as the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights noted that attacks and restrictions against human rights defenders continue, and anti-human rights groups, along with some media and political groups, fuel inhumane and hateful narratives on this issue. He emphasized, "The beauty of human rights is that it includes everyone. It does not matter who we are or whom we love." Volker Turk stated, "If we cannot guarantee equality for one group, we fail to guarantee it for all individuals." The theme chosen for this year's International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is "No One Left Behind: Equality, Freedom, and Justice for All." On this day, which commemorates the 1990 decision of the World Health Organization to remove homosexuality from the list of "mental disorders," programs are held worldwide to end discrimination and violence against sexual and gender minorities. Policymakers, leaders, media, and the general public are called upon on this day to address the urgent need to combat violence and discrimination against sexual and gender minorities and to create inclusive societies enriched by their diversity. 61 UN member countries criminalize same-sex relationships either legally or in practice, and at least 59 countries impose restrictions on freedom of expression regarding sexual and gender diversity issues. To date, 16 UN member countries have enacted national prohibitions on what is termed "conversion therapy," and 9 countries have imposed nationwide restrictions on unnecessary interventions for intersex youth. A group of UN human rights experts stated in a statement on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia that systematic discrimination, threats, and direct experiences of violence are a reality for many worldwide, undermining their human rights in conditions where sexual and gender minorities face the risk of being killed, including through arbitrary executions sanctioned by the government in some countries. The statement noted that imposing restrictions on the public expression of identity, especially in conditions where civil society space is also limited, creates an environment where violence and discrimination occur without punishment. UN human rights experts say that individuals marginalized socially and economically based on their sexual orientation and gender identity are likely to experience specific vulnerabilities, including homelessness, poverty, exposure to pollution, environmental degradation, and the effects of climate change and toxins. The European Union Council also issued a statement declaring that homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia have no place in the European Union. The statement emphasized that to ensure that no one is left behind, efforts must focus on combating inequalities and various forms of discrimination. The European Council stated that equality, freedom, and justice must be applied to all, regardless of their actual or presumed sexual orientation and gender identity. The EU has urged governments worldwide to repeal their discriminatory laws, take action to combat and eliminate hate crimes and hate speech, prevent any violence against sexual and gender minorities, and take steps to remove structural and institutional barriers that limit these individuals' participation in decision-making and political processes. Since 2019, eleven countries have legalized marriage equality. In Iran, sexual and gender minorities face numerous discriminations and obstacles. Honor killings, arbitrary arrests, and heavy sentences such as imprisonment, flogging, and execution for members of this community have been imposed by the Islamic Republic of Iran over the past 40 years, alongside other human rights violations by the Islamic government in Iran, creating a stifling environment for sexual and gender minority communities. Recently, a spokesperson for the Tehran City Council stated that "there should be space for the presence of trans individuals and others." Alireza Nadali added that they should not be allowed to move in Vali Asr Square, which is the busiest intersection in the country. The repressive atmosphere created by the Islamic Republic over the years for sexual and gender minorities has forced thousands of members of this community to emigrate from Iran.