2014 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
June 20, 2014
The Department of State joins the world in celebrating LGBT Pride Month and reaffirms its commitment to the promotion
and protection of the human rights of LGBT persons around the globe.
In the United States, we have made marked progress in tearing down the unjust and unfair barriers that have prevented
the full realization of the human rights of LGBT persons. We know there is more to do, but here, the arc of history is
bending towards justice.
I was proud to join my colleagues at our Embassy in London last August to announce that, going forward, same-sex spouses
who applied for visas would have their applications considered in the same manner as those of opposite-sex spouses.
And just this week, President Obama announced his intention to sign an Executive Order banning federal contractors from
discriminating against employees on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
In many places around the world, however, trends are running in the opposite direction. LGBT individuals and their
allies are harassed, arrested, and even killed because of who they are and the work they do. Governments are enacting
laws that discriminate against LGBT individuals and their allies and restrict their fundamental human rights.
The United States strongly condemns these discriminatory acts and legislation and is working every day, both here in
Washington and at our embassies and consulates around the world, to ensure that all persons can exercise their human
rights, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
We raise the human rights of LGBT persons both publicly and privately, and we support civil society organizations who
are working on the frontlines to ensure equality and dignity for all. Through the Global Equality Fund – a partnership
supported by 14 like-minded governments, foundations, corporations and non-profit organizations – the Department of
State has allocated more than $9 million for both emergency and long term LGBT-related programming in more than 50
countries worldwide.
This important work, done in conjunction with allies from civil society, faith communities, the private sector and other
governments, is central to our foreign policy.
So, to the activists, allies, and LGBT individuals on the front lines combatting discrimination, you have a partner in
the United States. I stand with you and I wish you safe and happy 2014 Pride celebrations.
ENDS