Emphasizing that this issue is a matter of fundamental human rights, the President expressed the United States' solidarity with LGBTQI+ communities in their pursuit of a life free from discrimination and violence.

Since taking office, President Biden has made advancing the human rights of LGBTQI+ people a top priority. In his first month as President, he signed a Presidential Memorandum directing that diplomacy and development efforts be conducted in a manner that reflects the government's commitment to equal human rights for LGBTQI+ individuals globally. The President's administration has strongly opposed laws that target LGBTQI+ individuals for criminal prosecution and worked tirelessly to protect vulnerable LGBTQI+ refugees from exploitation and abuse.

Additionally, the Biden-Harris Administration launched a comprehensive Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally, recognizing the unique risks and barriers faced by LGBTQI+ individuals. President Biden also signed an Executive Order to combat the harmful practice of so-called "conversion therapy," which predominantly affects children.

Through these concerted efforts, tangible progress has been achieved. The United States has taken concrete actions to respond to abuses against LGBTQI+ individuals abroad. Foreign assistance programs have been reimagined to ensure LGBTQI+ people are not overlooked, while access to refugee programs has been expanded to better support LGBTQI+ individuals in need. The Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons, appointed by President Biden, plays a crucial role in swiftly responding to proposed anti-LGBTQI+ legislation worldwide.

Reflecting on the 30th anniversary of the World Health Organization's decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder, President Biden emphasized that the fight for equality is far from over. While progress has been made, LGBTQI+ communities continue to face instances of violence and discrimination. The President reiterated the shared moral responsibility to combat homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia, alongside all forms of hate-fueled violence, both domestically and globally.

As the Biden-Harris Administration proudly joins the ongoing pursuit of equality, President Biden acknowledged the imperative to address the remaining challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals worldwide. Ensuring equal access to healthcare, housing, employment, education, and justice for all is of paramount importance. Ultimately, LGBTQI+ people deserve equal rights, citizenship, and dignity.

The actions taken by the United States over the past decade have proven influential in inspiring other nations to decriminalize same-sex conduct. The leadership demonstrated by the United States in the pursuit of LGBTQI+ rights remains critical on the international stage.

President Biden's unwavering commitment to promoting LGBTQI+ rights sends a message of hope and solidarity to LGBTQI+ communities across the globe. The journey toward justice and equality continues, and the Biden-Harris Administration is actively contributing to this vital cause.