Kerry speaks out about transgender rights
Secretary of State John Kerry released a statementfor Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Transgender persons around the world are targeted by rising levels of violence fueled by hatred and bigotry.
This is a global challenge and we all must do more to protect transgender persons on the basis of equality and dignity.
Around the world human rights and fundamental freedoms are recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that every person is born free and equal in dignity and rights.
That includes transgender men and women, and those who face marginalization on account of their gender expression or gender identity.
Today we stand in solidarity with the incredible resilience and leadership of the transgender community in responding to stigma and marginalization.
Transgender persons deepen our diversity, broaden our communities, and strengthen the values we cherish. When all persons reach their full human potential, free from fear, intimidation, and violence, nations become more just, secure and prosperous.
The United States is committed to advancing the human rights of all persons.
On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, we reaffirm equality for all as part of our core constitutional principles and as a human rights priority of U.S. diplomacy.
--Kerry, temporarily forgetting about the incoming administration
Comments
Thanks, Robyn.
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
Not too bad John Kerry
Good job. Great Secretary of State for negotiating the treaty with Iran.
This is pretty damn good too:
"Transgender persons deepen our diversity, broaden our communities, and strengthen the values we cherish. When all persons reach their full human potential, free from fear, intimidation, and violence, nations become more just, secure and prosperous."
Thanks Robyn.
It's too bad this happens so rarely.
One person where I work recently came out as a trans man. He has had nothing but support as far as I can tell. I find myself wondering if his experience could be an example that educates the hateful: trans folk are different just like everyone else is from one another no more and no less. But I'm afraid too many are lost causes. We need more leaders engaging this issue more often.
Thanks for the essay, and all your work.
Your advocacy will of course become even more crucial in the
years to come. And all of us must be more committed to the rights of every individual, each of whom has something to share with the world. Do keep at it, Robyn.