Visibility is crucial
Pride events are about human rights; they empower queer and trans individuals to reclaim the rights and freedoms they are denied and the public space they are often excluded from.
Often in political discourse LGBTQI+ people are seen as a cohesive group in the fight for their rights, but many face diverse realities and different forms of discrimination that place them in situations of extreme danger and at risk of human rights violations.
This is the case for queer and trans migrants and refugees who have left their countries fleeing from situations of violence and persecution or in search of better life opportunities; people with diverse sexual orientation, identity or gender expression who belong to Indigenous Peoples and rural communities and who experience greater violence and discrimination in their communities; as well as people who are incarcerated and who face segregation and a higher risk of violence in prison facilities.
Trans Rights are Human Rights
Despite many years of progress in the United States, a cruel wave of anti-trans legislation is sweeping the country and putting the lives and rights of trans people in danger. Transgender and nonbinary people in the United States are being punished for their identity. They’re being attacked. They’re being dehumanized. And their lives are in danger.
In the first four months of 2023, state legislatures introduced more than 470 anti-LGBTQI+ bills – most targeting transgender youth. That’s more bills attacking LGBTQI+ rights than in all of 2022. These anti-LGBTQI+ bills being introduced across the country are fueling violent threats and attacks against LGBTQI+ communities.
Resources
Throughout Pride month, commit to learning more about queer and trans rights and what you can do to support LGBTQI+ people.
- If you misgender someone, don’t panic. Read this to practice how best to respond.
- Know the difference between gender identity, gender expression, sex assigned at birth, sexuality, and emotional attraction (be sure to notice the explanations).
- Read more about using inclusive language and why it matters.
- Find out more about how you can be a good ally for LGBTQI+ people in your life.
- Ever wonder about the different acronyms? You can see one glossary here to learn more about some of the terms you see.
- Learn more about what LGBTQI+ people face globally with these maps on sexual orientation and gender identity around the world.
Learn More
- Track anti-LGBTQI+ bills in your state through the ACLU bill tracker
- Transgender and non-binary FAQ from Human Rights Campaign
- Trans Lifeline provides peer support for those in the Trans Community. The Hotline 877-565-8860 is available for confidential peer support.
- The Trevor Project also has a 24/7 Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) or TrevorChat, their online instant messaging options, or TrevorText, a text-based support option. If you are looking for peer support, you can visit TrevorSpace from anywhere in the world.
- Read Amnesty’s latest report: “Justice like any other person” – Hate crimes and discrimination against LGBTI refugees
Pride
Every year, we celebrate Pride with LGBTQI+ activists around the world, celebrating and fighting for our rights. Recognizing both the cause for celebration and the need for activism, join us and take action for LGBTQI+ this Pride—and all year long!