U.S. Human Rights Reports Fail to Highlight LGBTQI+ Abuses: A Call for Visibility and Action

Spotlight on 2024's human rights report: Where's our LGBTQI+ visibility?

Imagine a packed, bustling Dhaka, Bangladesh. Among its many voices, one story stands out—a courageous young gay man's account. After a grueling five-hour journey, he arrives at a U.S. ambassador's home, hoping his voice will finally be heard. Activists, like him, have long relied on U.S. support, believing it would highlight their struggles and advocate worldwide LGBTQI+ rights. But with this year's human rights reports, that trust feels shattered. These documents, meant as beacons, have glaringly ignored abuses against LGBTQI+ communities.

Why U.S. human rights reports matter

For many years, U.S. State Department Human Rights Reports have been essential in highlighting global human rights abuses. Initially, they missed LGBTQI+ issues entirely. Yet, relentless advocacy over two decades finally brought these issues under their spotlight, addressing injustices based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics. This was a significant breakthrough that both political sides supported, underscoring why documenting these violations matters so much.

It's all about accurate LGBTQI+ abuse records

When we worked with The Office Of The U.S. Special Envoy For LGBTQI+ Rights, accuracy was our ultimate goal. We gathered information from embassies, NGOs, and survivors worldwide, painting a stark picture. By January, every country report had a special section on LGBTQI+ abuses, becoming a critical tool not just in policymaking but also among human rights activists.

2024's reports: A disappointing setback

This year, however, things took a wrong turn. The reports were released during a congressional break, seemingly timed so they'd slip under most radars. They're missing major chunks—especially regarding women, minorities, and LGBTQI+ people. The previously dedicated sections? Gone. The word "LGBTQI+" or "gender identity?" Almost nonexistent.

Omitting reality: A global consequence

Look at countries like Uganda and Russia in 2024's reports. One might get a rosy picture that doesn't match reality. Last year, 45 abuses were noted in Uganda and 36 in Russia, and those issues are hardly resolved. When these abuses go unmentioned, it paints a misleading picture, suggesting things are getting better when they're not.

For instance, in Iraq, a law that classifies homosexuality as prostitution, with prison as a penalty, isn't even on their radar. In Kyrgyzstan, legislation targeting LGBTQI+ support groups? Ignored. And in Afghanistan, where LGBTQI+ individuals face dire threats from Taliban forces, their nightmare isn't mentioned.

Erasure's danger and resilience's strength

Not addressing these issues emboldens authoritarian regimes. They feel they can target minorities without consequences. Domestically, it hints that LGBTQI+ rights could be up in negotiations. In parallel, a U.S. Supreme Court petition questions marriage equality, highlighting a troubling trend.

Yet, history shows erasing us won't break our resolve. Our community's visibility, like during Stonewall or through global triumphs in LGBTQI+ rights, fuels our fight. Silencing our voices only seems temporary, sparking resilience and progress instead.

Time For Action: Stand up and be counted

The administration's choice not only feels deliberate but demands action. We must reach out, urging our senators and representatives (call them at (202) 224-3121) and insist they hold this administration accountable. Passing Senate bill S. 2611, advocating proper LGBTQI+ coverage in reports, should be a priority. Plus, global governments should improve their human rights documentation, taking cues from NGOs and academic standards.

No matter how these reports might change, they can't erase those who bravely tell their stories or our victories. The milestones we've reached are lasting. We must demand truth, voice it across platforms, and push forward in our journey toward equality that refuses disappearance.

About The Authors

Jessica Stern, a Senior Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School's Carr-Ryan Center, co-founded The Alliance For Diplomacy And Justice and was once The U.S. Special Envoy For LGBTQI+ Rights.

Suzanne B. Goldberg, a professor at Columbia Law School, served as a senior advisor in The Office Of The Special Envoy For LGBTQI+ Human Rights.

Reggie Greer, a Global LGBTQI+ Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, previously worked as a Senior Advisor To The U.S. Special Envoy For LGBTQI+ Rights and The White House Director For LGBTQI+ Engagement.