LGBTIQ Rights Are Human Rights, No Matter Who Is In The White House

The outcome of the U.S. election has raised deep concerns for many who care about fundamental human rights and freedoms for LGBTIQ people around the world. The Republican election campaign, which targeted trans people, women, immigrants, people of color, and other marginalized groups and contributed to a dehumanizing narrative, underscores the urgent need for leadership that prioritizes inclusion and equality. 

Outright International emphasizes that rising nationalism, authoritarianism, calls to withdraw from multilateral institutions, and attacks on gender equality threaten the global progress made toward justice, inclusion, and equality for LGBTIQ communities.

"The U.S. election results have far-reaching implications for LGBTIQ rights worldwide. We know how LGBTIQ communities are easy targets when politicians seek to score points. We also know that hostile or exclusionary policies in one region embolden similar tactics in other parts of the world. These policies risk undermining years of progress—eroding basic human rights and using marginalized communities as political scapegoats," said Maria Sjödin, Executive Director of Outright International. 

In response to these challenges, Outright International calls for global solidarity to stand against discriminatory forces and safeguard the hard-won achievements of LGBTIQ communities. We stress the importance of a unified resolve to counter these threats with strength and determination.

According to international human rights law, LGBTIQ people everywhere in the world have the right to live free from violence and discrimination, and governments must respect their privacy, right to family, bodily autonomy, and right to freedom of expression, association, and assembly. The incoming U.S. administration should commit to upholding these rights by supporting decriminalization of same-sex relations, legal gender recognition for trans people, an end to medical violence against intersex people, and comprehensive non-discrimination legislation, among other law and policy priorities.

Outright International is urging individuals and organizations to stay informed about the policies and trends affecting LGBTIQ communities around the world, amplify their stories and needs, and engage with organizations actively working to support LGBTIQ people in their regions and beyond.