This year’s theme for the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) on May 17 is “No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all”. This theme is key to achieving the  UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fulfilling the promise of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family are the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.

In the last two years, there has been a surge in hostility and discriminatory legislation targeting LGBTQI+ persons fueled by foreign-funded, anti-rights movements and scapegoating of vulnerable populations for political gain. In 2024, the dire consequences on education, heath, civil and political participation, economic inclusion, public services including housing, are felt in various countries, including in Ghana where parliament approved further criminalization of consensual same sex relations between adults, in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines where its High Court upheld the criminalization of consensual same sex relations, and in Uganda where the Constitutional Court’s April 2024 decision upheld the discriminatory Anti-Homosexuality Act.

Despite the discriminatory climate, there has been some progress thanks to the tireless efforts of civil society organizations and allies. The High Court of Dominica determined that laws criminalizing consensual same-sex relations are unconstitutional and void and the Supreme Court of Mauritius ruled the criminalization of consensual same sex relations unconstitutional. Constitutional reform efforts are benefitting from strong civil society recommendations in Barbados to include greater protections for LGBTQI+ persons.

• Hon. Cliff Loussan
  (French Polynesia)

In the pre-European era, people in the Pacific region did not discriminate against LGBTQI+ people, as they were an integral part of our societies. Today, still 6 states in the region have not decriminalized homosexuality, and even though some countries may have legalized it, LGBTQI+ people are still exposed to violence and humiliation.

On this International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, as an elected member of the Assembly of French Polynesia, myself LGBTQI+, I wanted to invite our neighboring states to remember that LGBTQ+ rights are fundamental human rights, and that everyone deserves to live and love freely and without discrimination. Let's support equality and diversity together for a fairer, more inclusive world

Dep. Cliff Loussan (French Polynesia), PGA Member

Members of Parliament are key actors for the protection of vulnerable and marginalized communities, including LGBTQI+ persons. As representatives of the democratic branch closest to citizens, legislators can resist attacks on democracy, shape national agendas, resist executive incursions, and work with civil society to preserve civic and political space, as well as ensure that the domestic legal framework respects the highest standards of equality before the law, inclusion, and justice.

Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) Member-legislators are championing the human rights of vulnerable and marginalized populations and serving as important allies to civil society. PGA’s Campaign Against Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity has engaged over 300 parliamentarians in 52 countries and inspired many to become champions in their countries, taking a public stand to promote the equality and inclusion of LGBTQI+ persons.

• Dip. Margarita Stolbizer
  (Argentina)

On the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, it is imperative to raise our voices. We persist in the fight against violence and prejudice, challenging those who seek to deny the existence of the other. As defenders of social democratic principles, we reiterate our dedication to the cause of equality, freedom and social justice. Full inclusion, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, is the cornerstone for building robust democracies and equitable societies.

On this day, we highlight the importance of embracing and safeguarding vulnerable communities, ensuring their active participation in civic and political life, and promoting the continuous improvement of our health, education and economic systems. Only with a collective commitment to inclusion and solidarity can we build a future where everyone has a place

Dip. Margarita Stolbizer (Argentina), PGA Board Member

• Hon. Bernard Georges
  (Seychelles)

On the occasion of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), I call on everyone to heed the message of this year’s theme, “No one left behind: equality, freedom, and justice for all”. Where individual and group targeting, including on issues of gender identity and sexual orientation, promotes division and separateness, inclusiveness is the cement which binds societies and makes them strong. Let us today refuse to turn our backs on anyone, and instead open wide our arms to everyone and welcome them as equal and full participants on life’s journey. Hon. Bernard Georges (Seychelles), PGA Board Member

• Hon. Tina Browne
  (Cook Islands)

We, in the Cook Islands, believe that our little community will thrive when we have “equality, freedom and justice for all”. Our Constitution guarantees, without discrimination by reason of gender, fundamental human rights and the right of an individual to equality before the law and to the protection of the law. The task ahead is to therefore ensure that we, as a community, move forward together making sure that “no one is left behind".         Hon. Tina Browne, Leader of the Opposition in the Cook Islands

If we are to leave no one behind, all relevant stakeholders nationally, regionally and internationally must address in a concerted and cohesive manner, all discriminatory barriers that prevent LGBTQI+ persons from fulfilling their highest potential, free from any harm.