Press Release
Published on May 17, 2015
Washington, D.C. – To mark International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO), Human Rights First today celebrates the work of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) activists and allies working for equality around the globe. Human Rights First’s Shawn Gaylord issued the following statement:
“Today we celebrate the advocates around the world who are working tirelessly, often at great risk to themselves, to promote freedom, safety, and equality for all people. We applaud the inspirational work of Jamaican activist Angeline Jackson, Kyrgyz activist Ruslan Kim, Ugandan activist Clare Byarugaba, and Dominican Republic activist John Waters, as well as many others who are working to combat homophobia worldwide.
“We stand together with the LGBT community in all corners of the globe, who often face discrimination, persecution, violence, and state-sponsored homophobia because of who they love or how they choose to identify.
“We also celebrate the accomplishments that we have seen in the struggle for equality during the past year, including the creation of a new special envoy for the human rights of LGBT people in the State Department and the new prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation in the Olympic Charter. We will continue to work together with policymakers, activists, and the international community to promote greater protection of the human rights of LGBT people around the world.”
IDAHO is an annual day recognized around the world by LGBT activists, allies, and human rights organizations, commemorating the anniversary of the the World Health Organization’s removal of homosexuality from its list of officially recognized mental illnesses. Human Rights First’s monthly feature titled “Voices for Equality” highlights the crucial contributions of human rights defenders to the global human rights movement by profiling an activist working on behalf of equality for all.
On Tuesday, May 19, Human Rights First will host a reception to celebrate International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia featuring Representative David Cicilline (D-RI), Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Representative Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Jamaican activist Angeline Jackson, and Dominican Activist John Waters. For more information or to RSVP for the event visit the event page.
