In his address commemorating International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, President Biden on Tuesday called on the United States to lead “by the power of our example” in promoting LGBTQ+ rights.
“On the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia [Dr.] Jill [Biden] and I stand in support and solidarity with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) people in the United States and around the world,” the President said in his remarks. “And we join with Americans across the country to reaffirm our commitment to the ongoing work upholding human dignity for all people and advancing equality globally.”
Despite progress made, the President called out “hateful legislative attacks against members of our own LGBTQI+ community” which, he said, “cannot be tolerated in America or anywhere else. They spur discrimination and can stoke violence. And they are rooted in the same ignorance and intolerance we see around the world.”
He added that “The United States leads the world not only by the example of our power, but by the power of our example. That means making commitments – and following through with action, transparency, and accountability.”
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHO, IDAHOT, or IDAHOBIT) was first celebrated in 2004 to commemorate the day in 1990 when the World Health Organization declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder.
This year’s theme, “Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights,” promotes the safety, rights, and bodily autonomy of LGBTQ+ individuals.
In recent years conservative lawmakers across the United States have promoted legislation to curb the rights of transgender individuals in accessing healthcare and participating on scholastic sports teams in accordance with their gender identities, and have sought increasing restrictions on LGBTQ+ content in libraries and schools.
“Strong and healthy democracies must ensure LGBTQI+ people can enjoy full participation in society and access all the benefits available to a nation’s citizens,” the President said in closing. “To the LGBTQI+ community, my administration sees you. We stand with you. And we will continue to defend human rights and dignity, at home and around the world.”
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