UN marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

 Together Always: United in Diversity

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Lesbophobia and Transphobia is observed on May 17 and aims to coordinate international events that raise awareness of LGBT rights violations and stimulate interest in LGBT rights work worldwide. By 2016 the commemorations had taken place in over 130 countries.

Mentioning this year’s theme in a statement to mark the day, Together Always: United in Diversity, the UN chief called on leaders ‘to speak with one voice” to eliminate stigma and discrimination, that result in sometimes deadly attacks targeting LGBTQI+ communities.

The Secretary-General showed his deep concern over the levels of violence directed towards LGBTQI+ people and how those communities are still vulnerable to multiple forms of attack.

“As we mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, we face a stark fact. In every corner of the world, LGBTQI+ people continue to face violence, persecution, hate speech, injustice, and even outright murder,” said the UN chief.

''Pride - Embrancing diversity-LGBTQ in Angola''

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the latest webisode of our show!

This analysis focused on whether people around Angola think that homosexuality should be accepted by society or not. The full question wording was, “Angola has decriminalized homosexuality. What's your opinion? 

Today we have a very special guest, she/he belongs to the LGBTQ community in Angola.

My name is Euclides Manuel, I belong to the LGBTQ community.

Can you tell us what your daily life has been like? How do people view you in society?

Thank God my days has been more or less, some people accept me and others don't. But I try to appease so there are no quarrels.

In this way, I ask that people respect me, that people have more love and more empathy for the LGBTQ community.

We are also human and we are people just like you and our right is also the same as yours.

So have more love and more passion for us.

It's all we want.

Thanks!

We interviewed several people of different genders and ages, and carefully analyzed each one's point of view. Very few people say that society should accept homosexuality; specifically 98% of them categorically do not accept homosexuality, other 2% who support the inclusion of the LGBTQ community in society are people who apparently are not rigorous practitioners of religion.

For example, this woman who preferred to speak anonymously was very satisfied with the decision of the Angolan government, for having decriminalized homosexuality in our society.

Hi!

What did Angola do?

Angola has decriminalized homosexuality. What is your point of view?

Well, for me this is even better, it's good.

So, do you agree with the government's decision?

Yeah, if they decided like that, who are we to say no?

This research was enough to realize that there are no significant differences between the opinion of men and women in the capital of Angola. However, of the 6 people interviewed (except the LGBTQ representative), there was a significant difference, women were more likely to approve of homosexuality than men. 

We spoke with 6 ordinary citizens 3 female and 3 male, the study shows the largest divide, with 90% of 2 females saying homosexuality should be accepted by society against 10% of a female who does not accept homosexuality. In the case of boys, 100% of them categorically do not accept homosexuality and they are based on very strict biblical principles.

Religion, both as it relates to the relative importance in people’s lives and actual religious affiliation, also plays a large role in perceptions of the acceptability of homosexuality in many societies across the globe.

In our case study, those who say religion is “somewhat,” “not too” or “not at all” important in their lives are more likely to say that homosexuality should be accepted than those who say religion is “very” important.

Despite major changes in laws and norms surrounding the issue of same-sex marriage and the rights of LGBT people around the world, public opinion on the acceptance of homosexuality in society remains sharply divided by country, region and economic development.

Angola has decriminalized homosexuality. What's your opinion?

Good evening ladies and gentlemen,

You're welcome to the second day of our program!

Today we have a lady who categorically does not agree with the inclusion of LGBT people in Angola.

Interviews. What is the public's opinion? Agree or disagree?

Today we have two guests of completely different age, sex and opinion.

What is the opinion of this 67 year old man?

Good afternoon!

Good afternoon.

Please, can you tell us your age?

I am 67 years old.

Angola has decriminalized homosexuality. Do you agree or disagree?

I do not agree.

Why?

Because it's always nice to have a girlfriend.

Why exactly?

Because man with man doesn't work. It has to be just a woman with a man.

This 15-year-old girl thinks completely different

Good afternoon girl!

Good afternoon.

What is your name?

My name is Edvania.

How old are you?

I'm 15 years old.

What do you think of homosexuality in Angola?

Honestly speaking I think this is normal. A man liking another man like him... I can't explain.

But for me it's something basic that can happen from one day to the next (overnight).

So, do you agree with the new government law?

Yes I agree.

Our campaign came to an end, collecting very important interviews. The end of the program is not the end of the movement, thanks to all who believes and supports our initiative.

Please click the links below to watch all the webisodes.

1. kickoff event - Embracing diversity. LGBTQ in Angola. day 1 

2. Embracing diversity. LGBTQ in Angola. day 2

3. Embracing diversity. LGBTQ in Angola. day 3

4. Embracing diversity. LGBTQ in Angola. day 4

We stand for inclusivity. We believe that everyone has the right to a safe and welcoming environment in our society.

Harassment includes but is not limited to offensive verbal or written comments related to gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, social class, economic status, veteran status, sexual images, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

Summary: Be respectful. Harassment and abuse are never tolerated.

The SDGs have a guiding principle that “no one will be left behind” and a commitment to prioritizing the poorest and most marginalized. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 has similar commitments to including and prioritizing the poorest and most marginalized in development efforts. There is wide-spread evidence that sexual and gender minorities are often among the most socially, politically and economically marginalized populations and thus require specific consideration and targeted inclusion to realize the vision of the SDGs. 

We have zero-tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of  race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.