Hard-won advances for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex communities are increasingly under threat. Discriminatory laws, norms and practices are denying LGBTQIA+ people their autonomy, their access to health care, their reproductive rights and choices.

An equal world depends on recognizing and respecting diverse identities. With that in mind, the theme for the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia this year is “Together always: United in diversity.”

More than a third of countries criminalize same-sex relationships. Only 24 allow same-sex marriage. Violence against LGBTQIA+ persons is consistently high, and cases are often underreported.

Comprehensive sexuality education can shift harmful norms and counter discrimination. It informs all young people of their right to bodily autonomy, on which all other rights depend. It helps prevent stigma, discrimination and violence, and it can empower LGBTQIA+ youth with information and skills, provide them with sexual and reproductive health commodities, and link them to services, mentors and other support.

Achieving universal comprehensive sexuality education requires human rights-based laws and policies, as well as dedicated budgets. In low- and middle-income countries, investment is needed to strengthen the delivery of appropriate and accessible comprehensive sexuality education in line with national priorities.

UNFPA stands for and works toward rights and choices for all. 

“Human rights are inherent to all human beings, and these rights are guaranteed for every person, regardless of gender or sexual orientation,” UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem has said. “The persecution of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex people is a breach of their right to freedom of expression, to liberty, privacy and equality, to freedom from violence, discrimination and inhuman and degrading treatment, and to a fair trial. By protecting, promoting and fulfilling the human rights of LGBTQI people worldwide, we can secure rights and choices for all.”