UN Women statement on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
At the heart of democracy
On the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (17 May), under the 2026 theme, “At the heart of democracy”, UN Women affirms that democracies are strongest when they are inclusive, representative, and accountable—upholding the equality, dignity, protection, and full participation of LGBTIQ+ people in all areas of life.
Around the world, LGBTIQ+ people are facing rising discrimination, violence, and criminalization. These trends are part of broader patterns of democratic backsliding, including shrinking civic space, constrained dissent, and rollbacks on gender equality and human rights.
Protecting and promoting the rights of all people is essential to safeguarding democratic pluralism, strengthening accountability, and ensuring that institutions reflect the diversity of the people they serve. This work is being led every day by activists, feminist leaders, and women human rights defenders, who are resisting efforts to roll back rights and freedoms, often at escalating personal and collective risk. Yet, declining resources for civil society are weakening the foundations of inclusive democracy and placing organizations under increasing strain, even as demand for their work grows. UN Women works with partners to advance legal and policy reform, strengthen protection systems, and support feminist and LGBTIQ+ movements driving change in challenging contexts.
On this day, we call on governments and partners to be inclusive, reverse regressive measures, protect and expand civic space, and invest urgently and sustainably in feminist and LGBTIQ+ movements.
