They aren’t protected equally by laws – in fact, they’re often targeted and scapegoated by those who make and enforce the laws. In many countries, they face violence, harassment, stigma, rejection. One of the leading human rights issues of our time is the treatment of LGBTQI people around the world. So let me just say a few words to get us started, and then look forward to having a conversation with you and other colleagues who will join in.
And I especially want to thank you, Jonathan, for serving as moderator today.Īnd thank you to the Atlantic Council and all of my friends there for many, many years for helping to bring us together, and to GLIFAA for bringing us together as well for what is an important discussion. I am delighted to be part of this conversation. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Jonathan, thank you very, very much. Secretary, before we begin our discussion, your opening remarks. We welcome you to engage in the conversation using the hashtag #ACFrontPage. GLIFAA has been working for nearly 30 years to ensure LGBTQI employees can serve their country proudly and with dignity. State Department and other foreign affairs agencies. The event is also co-hosted by GLIFAA, the LGBTQI+ employee affinity group for the U.S. This event is hosted by the Atlantic Council which, through its LGBTI Advisory Council and LGBTI in Foreign Affairs Fellowships and Out in Energy network, is promoting LGBTI leadership throughout the foreign affairs and national security community. Secretary, I’m looking forward to your remarks and our conversation. Secretary Blinken served as deputy secretary of state for President Barack Obama from 2015 to 2017 and before that as President Obama’s principal deputy national security advisor. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to hear more from him about the Biden administration’s priorities for protecting and promoting the LGBTQI community, starting at the State Department and reaching beyond our borders. Today, I am delighted to be joined by U.S. Government has a chance to effect change and move the needle on human rights around the world. missions abroad to fly the pride flag in solidarity with a global LGBTQI community and by taking a more assertive approach to LGBTQI foreign policy, so that the U.S. Already the State Department has encouraged U.S. In his first year in office, President Biden and his administration have an opportunity to advocate for the social, economic, and political equality for sexual and gender minorities. However, both at home and abroad, there are significant challenges that affect the everyday lives of LGBTQI individuals. Thank you for joining us today.Īcross the country and around the world, the month of June is dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the LGBTQI community from all walks of life. I’m Jonathan Capehart, a journalist with The Washington Post and MSNBC. MR CAPEHART: Hello and welcome to this special edition of AC Front Page, the Atlantic Council’s premier live ideas platform for global leaders.
Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance.Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security.Arms Control and International Security.Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources.Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy.Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority Special Representative for Syria Engagement.Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation.Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs.Global AIDS Coordinator and Global Health Diplomacy Office of the Coordinator for Cyber Issues.