Hillary Clinton, USAID Mark ‘International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia’

Clinton condemns “cycle of hate”; calls LGBT cause “universal human rights” 

Americans For Truth received an email today forwarded by a U.S. soldier serving overseas, who was sent an official notice containing the following statement by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton marking “International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia” (IDAHO; May 17th). Clinton’s statement had been forwarded by an “EEO  (Equal Employment Opportunity) Counselor,” who endorsed it enthusiastically.  The statement is published on the State Department website HERE. Accompanying it in the e-mail obtained by AFTAH is a notice by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) extolling IDAHO. The USAID notice is reprinted verbatim below.

In recent years, “transgender” activists and their allies have begun to popularize the use of the term “Transphobia” [See Urban Dictionary “definitions”]. Of  course, the word is tendentious and a derivation of its controversial LGBT cousin, “Homophobia” — the use of which continues to expand to cover opposition to homosexuality rather than irrational “fear” (phobia) of homosexuals. — Peter LaBarbera, www.aftah.org

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Press Statement

For Immediate Release

International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
 
WASHINGTON, DC – 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). 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.
 
Despite these gains and hard work, there is more to do to turn the tide of inequality and discrimination against the LGBT community. If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, know that the United States stands with you and we are unwavering in our commitment to ending this cycle of hate.

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The following notice from USAID (United States Agency for International Development) was included in the e-mail sent to the U.S. soldier serving abroad: 

USAID Notice
 
Subject: International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, May 17th
 
On May 17, 2011, USAID observes International Day Against Homophobiaand Transphobia (IDAHO) in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, andtransgender (LGBT) communities in the U.S. and abroad fighting for legal and social equality, and to call for an end to discriminationand mistreatment of LGBT people worldwide.  IDAHO is celebrated worldwide on May 17 as the date in 1990 when the World Health Organization (WHO) removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders.  The theme this year is “As I Am,” which is a response to the daily homophobia and transphobia that seek to deny the individual worth of LGBT people.  IDAHO is an opportunity to reflect on the international LGBT community’s ongoing struggle for equal social treatment, civil protections, and rights.   Through its programs and policies, USAID encourages equality for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation and/or gender  identity/expression.  For example, across Asia, USAID helps ensure that LGBT people have equal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment.  Additionally, in Washington, USAID has updated its “Policy on Diversity in the Workplace, Equal Employment Opportunity, and Non-Discrimination” to include protections on the basis of gender identity.  Despite these gains, there remains much work to remove inequality and discrimination against the LGBT community, and we encourage all USAID employees to consider how they, through their programs and daily actions, can speak out against and proactively undo homophobia and transphobia wherever and whenever it occurs.
 
USAID’s Office of Civil Rights and Diversity (OCRD) is committed to ensuring the equality and proper treatment of all its employees, and is proud to observe IDAHO in partnership with Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies (GLIFAA).  GLIFAA is the officially recognized employee resource group of LGBT and ally employees in U.S.foreign affairs agencies serving in the U.S. and abroad — it works to achieve full equality (in policy, treatment, benefits, etc.) for its members.  For further information and/or to join GLIFAA, please visit www.glifaa.org. Click here for further information about IDAHO, and to learn about related events in Washington and abroad.  Any questions concerning this notice may be directed to — Sheri Solomon, OCRD, (202) 712-1051.