On the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, global concern was highlighted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who warned of recent setbacks regarding the rights and equality of queer individuals. While praising the enormous progress achieved in promoting the equality of LGBTIQ persons over recent decades, Guterres noted a worrying global trend of targeted efforts to restrict their human rights. These restrictions manifest through curtailing freedom of expression and assembly, actively fueling hatred, attacking human rights defenders, and reducing funding for fundamental services. A particularly alarming development, he stated, was the increase in the number of countries criminalizing consensual same-sex relationships.
The Secretary-General pointed out that when rights are targeted, LGBTQ+ individuals are often the first to suffer, describing them as scapegoats exposed to greater risks for their safety, health, and overall well-being. Yet, he emphasized that simply being oneself should never be a crime. Recalling this year’s theme, “In the Heart of Democracy” Guterres delivered an urgent appeal: every person must be able to live free from fear and participate equally in society. He stated that the United Nations stands ready to support all members of the human family without discrimination, calling for collective action to advance safety, dignity, and equality for all.
The observance of May 17th originated from a pivotal moment in public health and law. The date was selected to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision on May 17, 1990, to remove homosexuality from its diagnostic classification system.
The event also serves as a historical reminder of legal struggles, particularly referencing Article 175 of the German Penal Code, which had criminalized sexual acts between males. Between 1935 and 1944, this article was enforced, resulting in roughly 50,000 court judgments and the incarceration of approximately 15,000 homosexual individuals in concentration camps. Although the prohibition on homosexual acts was gradually removed from criminal law in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) after the 1950s, Article 175 remained strictly enforced in West Germany until 1969, before finally being completely abolished for West Germany following the reunification of the country.