“The US must continue to recognise that LGBTIQ rights are human rights. We cannot allow this progress to be reversed during the Trump administration,” states Jessica Stern, Executive Director, OutRight Action International.
Over the last eight years, the United States has initiated unprecedented commitment to promote the human rights of LGBTIQ people, by issuing:
- a presidential memorandum to advance LGBT human rights,
- appointing a Special Envoy for LGBTI Rights,
- banning USAID contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity,
- and financing support of the Global Equality Fund among other initiatives.
These actions have advanced the promotion and protection of the human rights and civil liberties of LGBTIQ people internationally.
OutRight Action International, formerly the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission was founded in 1990 during the George H. W. Bush administration. The organisation has worked effectively in exceedingly conservative governments around the world.
“We know the value of organising, taking on the fight, and growing an inclusive movement that promotes those who support human rights for everyone. We are stronger today than we have ever been before and are committed to growing the global movement for LGBTIQ rights as we all move forward,” concluded Stern.
President-elect Donald Trump will be inaugurated in Washington, D.C, on 20 January 2017.
