UN Geneva: UN Free & Equal: Demand justice, protection and equality for all

Fair treatment and protection from violence and abuse are things that many of us take for granted. Yet for millions of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people, justice is far from guaranteed. Globally, too many countries retain outdated or repressive laws, either lagging behind or wilfully rejecting progress towards LGBTI equality.

Because of this, being LGBTI often means hiding who you are or risking rejection, discrimination and violence. In some countries, it means arrest, a jail sentence or even the death penalty. Legal reform is urgently needed to protect people from acts of injustice and abuse and hold the perpetrators of such violations to account.

Real progress has been made in the fight for equality, but we’re not there yet. That’s why it’s so important to mark our support for LGBTI equality and show governments around the world that their citizens do not support repression or abuse in any form.

It’s time to accelerate the global march towards equality. Join the UN in demanding justice and protection for everyone, no matter who they are or whom they love.

Demand justice and protection for all. Share our social media content below!

Here’s how YOU can help

1. Make sure you and those around you have zero tolerance for any form of homophobic, biphobic or transphobic bullying and violence, including aggressive and threatening verbal abuse.

2. Challenge and report any form of abuse or discrimination towards LGBTI people, whether it’s at home, at work, in school, in public or online.

3. Speak out when people around you are arrested or imprisoned because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

4. Urge your government and lawmakers to take measures to protect LGBTI people from hate-fueled violence and discrimination.

5. If you live in a country that criminalizes same sex love, write to your government and/or legislators and urge them to decriminalize consensual, adult same sex relationships.

6. If you or your friends or family members are arrested and detained on charges relating to consensual, same-sex conduct, or a victim of hate-motivated violence, alert UN human rights special procedures .