June is Pride Month, a commemoration of the Stonewall riots in 1969, which led to the gay rights movement and activism. Pride Month celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community's right to love and be loved openly, without fear of discrimination or persecution. While society has come a long way in terms of recognizing and accepting this community's rights, there is still a long way to go. In our last blog, we explored anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation being proposed in Texas and throughout the United States. This blog will examine LGBTQIA+ rights in international law, mental health issues that affect this community, and how we can help reduce the criminalization of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

The United Nations and LGBTQIA+ Rights

The United Nations (UN) has worked steadfastly in recent decades to promote the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. The UN has published studies and passed resolutions to demonstrate and advocate for equality for LGBTQIA+ individuals under the laws of member nations. Since 2013, the UN’s Free and Equal Rights Campaign has generated a stream of materials including social media posts, factsheets, and videos that have reached an estimated two billion people worldwide. The purpose of this powerful campaign is to promote equal rights and fair treatment of LGBTQIA+ individuals throughout the world, and progress is being made—same sex marriage is now protected in 34 countries throughout the world.

Anti-LGBTQIA+ Legislation Worldwide

Despite the global movement to respect the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals, there is still cause for concern. According to Human Rights Watch, at least 67 nations have laws that criminalize same-sex relationships between consenting adults. Furthermore, some countries have outlawed transgender identity. The penalties for breaking these laws vary widely from country to country, ranging from fines, to life in prison, to the death penalty. You can read further information on anti-LGTBQIA+ legislation in countries throughout the world here.

Mental Health and the LGBTQIA+ Community

Criminalization of same sex relationships obviously affects the physical safety of LGBTQIA+ individuals, but the discrimination that members of the community face also has a devastating mental health impact. LGBTQIA+ individuals frequently face difficulties in finding acceptance and validation from their families, peers, and even healthcare providers. According to the American Psychiatric Association, LGBTQIA+ individuals are more than twice as likely to have a mental health disorder in their lifetimes than their heterosexual counterparts. The LGBTQIA+ community is also at increased risk for suicide attempts, as compared with the heterosexual community. These mental health issues are often associated with the stigma, prejudice, and discrimination that LGBTQIA+ individuals face. In this country and throughout the world, these individuals need accessible mental health resources to find happiness and stability. It is essential to raise awareness of the mental health disparities faced by the LGBTQIA+ community and seek better access to mental health resources and services.

Advocating for Equality Under the Law

As allies and members of the LGBQIA+ community, we must support campaigns and initiatives aimed at decriminalizing and normalizing non-heterosexual practices. To reduce the criminalization of LGBTQIA+ individuals, we must support community-led initiatives that advocate for their rights. This can involve participating in local pride events, learning about the challenges faced by this community, volunteering at LGBTQIA+ organizations, or supporting policies that promote equal treatment for all. Education is also essential in reducing discrimination towards LGBTQIA+ individuals. Providing proper sex education classes that include information on sexual diversity and training healthcare providers on inclusive care can help reduce the stigma and discrimination that this community faces.

The importance of LGBTQIA+ rights goes beyond borders, laws, and policies. It's about validating one's humanity and working towards equality regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. During Pride Month, we need to recognize the critical efforts made to increase awareness and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community's existence. It’s also essential to remember that these rights and freedoms struggle to gain ground in many places globally. We must keep pushing for change, stand up against discrimination, and support the communities wherever they are. Together we can offer the necessary support towards achieving universal equality. Happy Pride Month!

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