Happy Pride Month from the Global Equality Caucus

The LGBT+ community is under attack in many parts of the world. Lawmakers in Uganda have approved the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, a draconian law that attempts to erase LGBT+ people from public life by increasing criminal penalties for homosexuality and ascribing the death penalty to 'aggravated' cases, specifically those where an individual is HIV positive. Similar laws have been proposed in Kenya and Tanzania.

Across the United States, state lawmakers are passing laws that restrict gender-affirming care, LGBT+ education, trans participation in sports, and even drag performances.

On every continent, there are instances where Pride marches are frustrated and civil society groups are restricted in how they operate. LGBT+ people continue to be subjected to conversion practices and are discriminated against in health systems, housing and employment. And at least one trans person is murdered every day, on average.

There is, however, hope. Movements to ban so-called conversion therapy, to introduce marriage and familial rights for same-sex couples, affirm trans healthcare as a right, and enshrine anti-discrimination protections in law are all gathering pace globally. Through the dedication of LGBT+ activists and hard-working lawmakers, there are more laws than ever that protect, support and recognise LGBT+ equality.

So in this tale of two worlds, this Pride Month it is more important than ever to celebrate LGBT+ lives. Through visibility we can send a message that our community is united against the hatred we are seeing. At the Global Equality Caucus the work continues until all LGBT+ people are safe, free and equal.