On the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia on Wednesday (17 May 2023), Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that NATO's mission extends beyond protecting territories to safeguarding our diverse populations. "NATO's strength is our diversity," he said, stressing that "it is important that we reflect and celebrate the extraordinary diversity of our populations."
The Secretary General said that he values every member of the LGBTQ+ community serving at NATO Headquarters, and around the world. "You deserve dignity and respect. And I am proud to call myself your 'ally'," he stated. Mr Stoltenberg noted NATO's progress in promoting diversity and inclusion and emphasised the need for continued efforts to ensure that the Alliance truly represents the one billion people it protects.
The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia is celebrated annually, marking the World Health Organization's decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a disease.
