TLDEF Observes International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund stands with activists around the world in commemorating the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

IDAHOT “was created in 2004 to draw the attention of policymakers, opinion leaders, social movements, the public and the media to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTI people internationally.” More than 130 countries will mark this occasion, including dozens where it is illegal to be openly LGBTQI.

Statement from TLDEF Interim Executive Director Dolph Goldenburg

“On this day we shine a light on the strength and resilience of LGBTQI people across the planet who face of widespread violence and discrimination. In the U.S. alone we have lost nine people to anti-trans violence this year, seven of whom were people of colour. Systematic barriers to employment, healthcare and public accommodations contribute to a climate that puts our communities in harm’s way. Continued anti-LGBTQI policy attacks from the highest levels of our government only exacerbate the prejudice against us. Despite these immense hurdles, we as a global LGBTQI community continue to stand shoulder to shoulder, living our lives authentically and advocating for justice We may suffer setbacks, but we will never stop fighting for a world that is free from bias and full of love and acceptance.”