On this International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia [17 May 2025], UN Women joins the UN Secretary-General in acknowledging the persistent violence and discrimination that continue to shape the everyday lives of millions of LGBTIQ+ people.
Worldwide, they face hate, violence, discrimination-enduring assault, torture, and even death simply because of who they are. Services that ensure their safety and dignity are under attack, at a time when funding is being scaled back. No one should live in fear for being who they are.
As we mark 30 years of the Beijing Platform for Action, UN Women reaffirms that gender equality cannot be achieved without upholding the rights and freedoms of all people, in all their diversity. The values of the United Nations Charter-dignity, equality, and non-discrimination-are universal principles, affirmed by Member States as core to the international human rights framework.
This year's theme, "The power of communities", celebrates the strength that emerges from solidarity. It honours the diversity within LGBTIQ+ communities and the collective efforts of human rights defenders, civil society, allies, and all those working to advance dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunity around the world.
As communities stand up for inclusion and equality, the frameworks that protect their rights are coming under mounting pressure. UN Women remains steadfast in its commitment to a world where the rights, safety, and dignity of all people-regardless of identity or expression-are not only protected but fully realized.
