British Embassy staff led by Ambassador Nick Whittingham, participated in Guatemala's pride event on 25 June. The famous parade returned alongside a slew of events in collaboration with different human rights organizations.
Unfortunately, the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons remain vulnerable or actively violated in many places. LGBTQI+ status or conduct is still illegal in 70 countries around the world. In far too many parts of the world being lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, or simply gender non-conforming means that even the most basic of daily activities such as going to work or to the doctor's office can result in violence, harassment and deep social exclusion.
By participating in this year's event, the United Kingdom and other allies honoured the resilience of LGBTQI+ people in Guatemala, who are fighting to live authentically and freely. We reaffirm our belief that LGBTQI+ rights are human rights. We remain committed to ending violence and discrimination because of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and sex characteristics.
