U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
has called homophobia and transphobia a “terrible scourge” on the International
Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).
The annual May 17th event is
the brainchild of Louis-Georges Tin, a professor and author of a
number of books, including the Dictionary of Homophobia.
IDAHO celebrates the 1990 date homosexuality was removed from the
World Health Organization's (WHO) International Classifications of
Diseases.
“In every part of the world, men and
women are persecuted and attacked because of who they are or whom
they love. Homophobia, transphobia and the brutal hostility
associated with them are often rooted in a lack of understanding of
what it actually means to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender
(LGBT),” Clinton said in a statement. “So to combat this
terrible scourge and break the cycle of fear and violence, we must
work together to improve education and support those who stand up
against laws that criminalize love and promote hate. As we mark the
International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia this May 17, let
us resolve to redouble our efforts.”
“On behalf of President Obama and the
people of the United States, I am proud to reaffirm our support for
LGBT communities at home and abroad, and to call for an end to
discrimination and mistreatment of LGBT persons wherever it occurs.
Whether by supporting LGBT advocates marching in Belgrade, leading
the effort at the United Nations to affirm the human rights of LGBT
persons, or condemning a vile law under consideration in Uganda, we
are committed to our friends and allies in every region of the world
who are fighting for equality and justice. These are not Western
concepts; these are universal human rights.”