All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
from article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
This pertains to all humans regardless of the position they take in society. However, the significant LGBTQ+ community still faces stigma, discrimination and hate across the globe. Examples of prejudice are numerous and include
- criminalisation of of aspects of LGBTQ+ life, which in some cases incur the death penalty
- increased rates of violence and abuse
Even in Europe, which we sometimes view through rose-tinted glasses when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, has serious issues when it comes to recognising equality.
As well as these headline figures, people from the LGBTQ+ community often suffer prejudice at work, in sport and with access to healthcare. As an example, the report by the respected UCLA School of Law clearly outlines the discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people at work. For transgendered people this is exacerbated by misgendering and deadnaming.
We need to respect all people regardless and provide them with the opportunities and community we all expect.