Advancing the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Around the World

“It shall be the policy of the United States to pursue an end to violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics, and to lead by the power of our example in the cause of advancing the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons around the world.”
President Joseph R. Biden Jr.

Presidential Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Around the World

Progress flag with rainbow stripes running vertically down a page with text reading "Fact Sheet The Implementation of the Presidential Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Around the World 2023 "All human beings should be treated with respect and dignity and should be able to live without fear no matter who they are or whom they love. Around the globe, LGBTQI+ activists are fighting for equal protection under the law, freedom from violence, and recognition of their fundamental human rights. The United States belongs at the forefront of this struggle — speaking out and standing strong for our most dearly held values.” —President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. The promotion of human rights, including the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons, remains central to U.S. foreign policy. Countries and democracies are stronger when all people – regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics – are treated with dignity and respect and are fully recognized as free and equal members of their societies. Every day, the U.S. Government is working to advance the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons in furtherance of President Biden’s Presidential Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Persons Around the World. On behalf of the Departments of State, Treasury, Defense, Justice, Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United States International Development Finance 2023"

Read the 2023 Fact Sheet

This fact sheet is an overview of the U.S. government’s implementation of the February 4, 2021, Presidential Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) Persons Around the World. It summarizes the progress of 15 federal agencies to advance the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons abroad. The fact sheet highlights critical programs and achievements, documenting how the needs and rights of LGBTQI+ persons are centered in foreign policy and assistance programs.

Fact Sheet: Implementation of the Presidential Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Around the World (2023) [184 KB] [184 KB]