Political wins, but aggressions continue

The increase in LGBTI-phobic attacks around the world is hitting the headlines; these are savage attacks that find explicit support on social media from organizations and individuals. The examples are many and at different levels.

The attack on ILGA Europe’s offices in Geneva with anti-Semitic and LGBTI-phobic messages, the appeal filed by Botswana’s government against legislation passed in favour of LGBTI persons, the violent attack on demonstrators at the pride parades in Poland by ultra-conservative groups or the killing of Russian LGBTI activist Yelena Grigoryeva in Saint Petersburg. She was also active in other causes such as protesting the reform of the pension system, the fight for the release of Ukrainian political prisoners or being active in the pro-democracy and anti-war movement.

LGBTI-phobia is displayed openly and violently, threatening, attacking and murdering people with a non-normative sexual orientation or gender identity and activists. After commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall events, denouncing this, violence continues but there are also political wins to counter this and they are a sign of progress.

Institutional visibility and support are examples of political progress. At the UN headquarters in Geneva, the Trans week of activism was held from 24 June to 12th July; a week that was established in 2017 to bring visibility to the cause and increase the leadership and participation of trans and gender activists in international organizations. There, the issues most affecting the trans community were raised and proposals for international policy changes were made, with the participation of 16 activists from 15 countries.

The United Nations has renewed the mandate of the independent expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This expert assesses the implementation of international human rights instruments for LGBTI groups and offers support and advice to member states; helps raise awareness among the general population and cooperates with states to promote policies against discrimination and violence for these reasons. This renewal was endorsed by 1,312 NGOs and 174 states and territories.