Obama Issues Message On International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia

"Michelle and I join our fellow Americans and others around the world in commemorating the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. We take this opportunity to reaffirm that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights are human rights, to celebrate the dignity of every person, and to underscore that all people deserve to live free from fear, violence, and discrimination, regardless of who they are or whom they love.

"We work toward this goal every day. Here at home, we are working to end bias-motivated violence, combat discrimination in the workplace, and address the specific needs of transgender persons. Overseas, I am proud of the steps that the United States has taken to prioritize the protection and promotion of LGBT rights in our diplomacy and global outreach.

"There is much more to do, and this fight for equality will not be won in a day. But we will keep working, at home and abroad, and we will keep fighting, for however long it takes until we are all able to live free and equal in dignity and rights." - President Barack Obama, via White House press release.

His Name Was Mark Carson

This weekend as the world marks the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia, let us all remember that it was one year ago tonight that LGBT New Yorkers poured into the streets of the West Village to protest the senseless murder of Mark Carson, who was shot point-blank in the head after saying "yes" when asked if he was gay. At the vigil one year ago tonight, speaker after speaker exhorted the crowd: "Say his name!" Everybody: "Mark Carson, Mark Carson, MARK CARSON!" 

Mark Carson's killer was apprehended immediately and the first stage in his trial on a charge of second-degree murder as a hate crime is scheduled for June 3rd. I'll be following the trial closely.

VIDEO: YouTube user Michael Paul this weekend posted the below look back on the reaction to Mark Carson's murder.

#IDAHOT

Quote Of The Day - President Obama

"Tomorrow, as we commemorate the 10th annual International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, we recommit ourselves to the fundamental belief that all people should be treated equally, that they should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, and that no one should face violence or discrimination -- no matter who they are or whom they love.

"This year, the United States celebrates the 60th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, and the 45th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. In doing so, we reflect on lessons learned from our own civil rights struggles and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that the human rights of all people are universally protected.

"At a time when, tragically, we are seeing increased efforts to criminalize or oppress LGBT persons, we call on partners everywhere to join us in defending the equal rights of our LGBT brothers and sisters, and in ensuring they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve." - President Barack Obama, via press release.

UN: Tell Your Story On International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Via press release:

On the eve of the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has released an emotive, new video that focuses on the impact that each of us can have by sharing our own stories and by showing our support for our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex friends, colleagues and family members. The video, entitled 'The Power of Sharing' has been produced as part of the OHCHR- led Free & Equal campaign, which is aimed at raising awareness of homophobic and transphobic discrimination, and promoting respect for the rights of LGBT people. It focuses on the impact that each of us can have by sharing our own stories and by showing our support for our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex friends, colleagues and family members.

Via their IDAHOT website.