Throughout the world, members of the LGBTQ community continue to struggle for their rights. In some countries, they have made some progress. In 2016, 20 countries legally recognized marriage for same-sex couples (Human Rights Campaign, 2016). However, in other countries, the LGBTQ community faces much greater obstacles, and the consequences of fighting for basic rights are grave for both LGBTQ individuals and allies. Being gay is a crime punishable by death in 10 countries and is illegal in a total of 73 countries (Human Rights Campaign, 2016). Because of the violence and social exclusion experienced globally, LGBTQ individuals may seek refugee status because of their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression (UN High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR], 2016).
Human Rights Campaign. (2016). International. Retrieved from http://www.hrc.org/explore/topic/international
UN High Commissioner for Refugees. (2015). Protecting persons with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities: A global report on UNHCR’s efforts to protect Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex asylum-seekers and refugees. Retrieved from http://www.refworld.org/docid/566140454.html
To prepare: Read the United Nations Address on Global LGBT Rights by Hilary Clinton.
