UNAIDS Press Statement: International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Published on Friday, 17 May 2013 09:27 Message from UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé GENEVA, 17 May 2013—More than 30 years ago, gay men lit the first spark that kindled the world’s response to the AIDS epidemic. Thanks to the audacity and courage of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people, we have now seen extraordinary progress against AIDS around the world.

However, stigma and discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity still drive new HIV infections and are an obstacle to treatment efforts in every part of the world. We call on political and community leaders to cast aside discriminatory laws and social practices. The right to health belongs to everyone. Everyone should have access to HIV prevention, care, treatment and support.

Today and every day, UNAIDS stands with our fellow LGBT brothers and sisters for a world without homophobia and transphobia. Let us work together to realize our vision: a world with zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths.

Source: UNAIDS