FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2026
Media Contact
On International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, the Alliance for Diplomacy and Justice Demands Public Attention on the Trump Administration's Dismantling of LGBTQI+ Rights Worldwide
WASHINGTON (May 15, 2026) — The Alliance for Diplomacy and Justice marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), observed annually on May 17, by condemning attacks on LGBTQI+ people worldwide and calling for a new U.S. foreign policy that prioritizes their safety and rights. This year's global theme, "At the Heart of Democracy," is a powerful reminder that democracy cannot exist where LGBTQI+ people are excluded, targeted or stripped of their rights.
In March, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights convened a milestone hearing in Brazil to consider whether there is a human right to democracy. Jessica Stern, Co-President of the Alliance for Diplomacy and Justice and former U.S. Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons, argued that democracy is not unachievable without the fulfillment of the right to equality. She also argued that LGBTQI+ people are disproportionately excluded from full access to democracy. Stern’s testimony is part of a global campaign, on IDAHOBIT and beyond, to emphasize that LGBTQI+ issues are not niche or marginal concerns but central to the strength of democracy itself.
Ahead of IDAHOBIT on Sunday, Stern emphasized these points by issuing the following statement:
"On the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), we recognize that equal rights are a prerequisite for democracies to flourish. Sixty-five countries still criminalize LGBTQI+ people for simply living their lives — and the Trump Administration is leading this relentless, discriminatory charge.
"Just in the last year, the Trump Administration has gutted foreign assistance programs supporting LGBTQI+ communities worldwide by expanding the Global Gag Rule, weaponized U.S. influence at the United Nations to dehumanize LGBTQI+ people, and stripped LGBTQI+ protections at home. The Administration has made this community a canary in a coal mine, using LGBTQI+ people as pawns to test whether it can erode human rights and democracy for everyone.
"Today, we affirm that the rights of LGBTQI+ people are foundational – not a threat to democracy. This community has resisted attacks time and again, and protections for their safety and well-being are long overdue. Today, we celebrate the LGBTQI+ community and call on allies worldwide to fiercely defend their rights. We must fight against the harmful, discriminatory attacks coming out of this Administration that keep LGBTQI+ people from living freely, safely and with full dignity."
About The Alliance for Diplomacy and Justice
The Alliance for Diplomacy and Justice is an organization of former senior diplomats, elected officials and human rights experts working to make human rights and global justice central to U.S. foreign policy. Founded by former U.S. envoys and ambassadors — Rina Amiri, Desirée Cormier Smith, Cindy Dyer, Kelly M. Fay Rodríguez, Abby Finkenauer, Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta, Jessica Stern, and Dr. Beth Van Schaack — The Alliance advances principled, values-based diplomacy that strengthens democracy, equality and human rights worldwide.
Prioritizing human rights in U.S. foreign policy is good for Americans and good for the world.
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© 2025 Alliance for Diplomacy and Justice.
