Every year, the world comes together to mark May 17th as the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). Thirty years after the World Health Organization’s historic decision to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases (1990), much progress has been made. However, people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) continue to face discrimination, persecution or are criminalized around the world.
COVID-19 presents exceptional circumstances. Yet, amidst all the noise this pandemic brings, we must break the silence that surrounds discrimination, harassment and unequal treatment of people who identify differently. We cannot let the COVID-19 pandemic roll back the progress made, and in fact we must use this time to reaffirm the UN’s commitment to the most vulnerable, in particular LGBTIQ+ people.
Sadly, LGBTIQ+ UN personnel continue to be harassed or intimidated by other staff members for being perceived as not conforming to gender norms. This is further perpetuated when the work culture prevents workers from speaking out and taking action to promote a workplace free from homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. UN-GLOBE marked the day, with an online panel to discuss discrimination, harassment, including sexual harassment and the ways to protect LGBTIQ+ personnel in the UN are being addressed.
Panellists included:
Miguel Mourato Gordo Director of the Global Strategy and Policy Division (DMSPC)
Susan Maddox; Chief of the Appeals and Accountability Section (DMSPC)
Fredrick Kagia; Information Systems Assistant (UNON)
Saranya Chuenvichitr, Security Officer (ESCAP)
Roberto Colangelo, Spokesperson (CCISUA Coordinating Committee)
