Thread by @LisaTalmadge

"Today, I want to talk about the work we have left to do to protect one group of people whose human rights are still denied in too many parts of the world today. In many ways, they are an invisible minority." @HillaryClinton at the UN 2011

"They are arrested, beaten, terrorized, even executed. Many are treated with contempt and violence by their fellow citizens while authorities empowered to protect them look the other way or, too often, even join in the abuse." @HillaryClinton at the UN 2011

"They are denied opportunities to work and learn, driven from their homes and countries, and forced to suppress or deny who they are to protect themselves from harm." @HillaryClinton at the UN 2011

"I am talking about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, human beings born free and given bestowed equality and dignity, who have a right to claim that, which is now one of the remaining human rights challenges of our time." @HillaryClinton at the UN 2011

"I speak about this subject knowing that my own country’s record on human rights for gay people is far from perfect. Until 2003, it was still a crime in parts of our country." @HillaryClinton at the UN 2011

"Many #LGBT Americans have endured violence and harassment in their own lives, and for some, including many young people, bullying and exclusion are daily experiences. So we, like all nations, have more work to do to protect human rights at home." @HillaryClinton at the UN 2011

"Now, raising this issue, I know, is sensitive for many people and that the obstacles standing in the way of protecting the human rights of LGBT people rest on deeply held personal, political, cultural, and religious beliefs." @HillaryClinton at the UN 2011

"Progress on this front is not easy, we cannot delay acting. So in that spirit, I want to talk about the difficult and important issues we must address together to reach a global consensus that recognizes the human rights of LGBT citizens everywhere." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011

"The first issue goes to the heart of the matter. Some have suggested that gay rights and human rights are separate and distinct; but, in fact, they are one and the same." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011

"Now, of course, 60 years ago, the governments that drafted and passed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights were not thinking about how it applied to the LGBT community." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011

'They also weren’t thinking about how it applied to indigenous people or children or people with disabilities or other marginalized groups." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011

"Yet in the past 60 years, we have come to recognize that members of these groups are entitled to the full measure of dignity and rights, because, like all people, they share a common humanity." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011

"This recognition did not occur all at once. It evolved over time. And as it did, we understood that we were honoring rights that people always had, rather than creating new or special rights for them." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011

"Like being a woman, like being a racial, religious, tribal, or ethnic minority, being LGBT does not make you less human." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011

🌈"And that is why gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights."
🔥@HillaryClinton, UN 2011

"It is violation of human rights when people are beaten or killed because of their sexual orientation, or because they do not conform to cultural norms about how men and women should look or behave." 🔥@HillaryClinton, UN 2011

"It is a violation of human rights when governments declare it illegal to be gay, or allow those who harm gay people to go unpunished." 🔥@HillaryClinton, UN 2011

"It is a violation of human rights when lesbian or transgendered women are subjected to so-called corrective rape, or forcibly subjected to hormone treatments..." 🔥@HillaryClinton, UN 2011

"...or when people are murdered after public calls for violence toward gays, or when they are forced to flee their nations and seek asylum in other lands to save their lives." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011

"And it is a violation of human rights when life-saving care is withheld from people because they are gay, or equal access to justice is denied to people because they are gay, or public spaces are out of bounds to people because they are gay." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011

"No matter what we look like, where we come from, or who we are, we are all equally entitled to our human rights and dignity." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011

"The second issue is a question of whether homosexuality arises from a particular part of the world. Some seem to believe it is a Western phenomenon, and therefore people outside the West have grounds to reject it." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011

"Well, in reality, gay people are born into and belong to every society in the world." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011

"[LGBT people] are all ages, all races, all faiths; they are doctors and teachers, farmers and bankers, soldiers and athletes; and whether we know it, or whether we acknowledge it, they are our family, our friends, and our neighbors." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011

"Being gay is not a Western invention; it is a human reality." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011

"And protecting the human rights of all people, gay or straight, is not something that only Western governments do. South Africa’s constitution, written in the aftermath of Apartheid, protects the equality of all citizens, including gay people." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011

"In Colombia and Argentina, rights of gays are legally protected. In Nepal, the supreme court has ruled that equal rights apply to LGBT citizens.The Government of Mongolia has committed to pursue new legislation that will tackle anti-gay discrimination." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011

"Now, some worry that protecting the human rights of the LGBT community is a luxury that only wealthy nations can afford." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011

"But in fact, in all countries, there are costs to not protecting these rights, in both gay and straight lives lost to disease and violence, and the silencing of voices and views that would strengthen communities, in ideas never pursued by entrepreneurs who happen to be gay." HRC

"Costs are incurred whenever any group is treated as lesser or the other, whether they are women, racial, or religious minorities, or the LGBT." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011

"Former President Mogae of Botswana pointed out recently that for as long as #LGBT people are kept in the shadows, there cannot be an effective public health program to tackle HIV and AIDS. Well, that holds true for other challenges as well."
@HillaryClinton UN, 2011

"The third, and perhaps most challenging, issue arises when people cite religious or cultural values as a reason to violate or not to protect the human rights of LGBT citizens." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011

"This is not unlike the justification offered for violent practices towards women like honor killings, widow burning, or female genital mutilation. Some people still defend those practices as part of a cultural tradition." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011

"But violence toward women isn’t cultural; it’s criminal."
@HillaryClinton UN, 2011

"Likewise with slavery, what was once justified as sanctioned by God is now properly reviled as an unconscionable violation of human rights." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011

"In each of these cases, we came to learn that no practice or tradition trumps the human rights that belong to all of us." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011

"And this holds true for inflicting violence on LGBT people, criminalizing their status or behavior, expelling them from their families and communities, or tacitly or explicitly accepting their killing." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011

"It bears noting that rarely are cultural and religious traditions and teachings actually in conflict with the protection of human rights. Indeed, our religion and our culture are sources of compassion and inspiration toward our fellow human beings." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011

'It was not only those who’ve justified slavery who leaned on religion, it was also those who sought to abolish it" @HillaryClinton UN, 2011

"And let us keep in mind that our commitments to protect the freedom of religion and to defend the dignity of LGBT people emanate from a common source." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011

"For many of us, religious belief and practice is a vital source of meaning and identity, and fundamental to who we are as people. And likewise, for most of us, the bonds of love and family that we forge are also vital sources of meaning and identity." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011

"And caring for others is an expression of what it means to be fully human. It is because the human experience is universal that human rights are universal and cut across all religions and cultures."
@HillaryClinton UN, 2011

"The fourth issue is what history teaches us about how we make progress towards rights for all. Progress starts with honest discussion." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011

🌈"Now, there are some who say and believe that all gay people are pedophiles, that homosexuality is a disease that can be caught or cured, or that gays recruit others to become gay. Well, these notions are simply not true." @HillaryClinton 🔥UN, 2011

"They are also unlikely to disappear if those who promote or accept them are dismissed out of hand rather than invited to share their fears and concerns. No one has ever abandoned a belief because he was forced to do so."
@HillaryClinton 🔥UN, 2011

"Universal human rights include freedom of expression and freedom of belief, even if our words or beliefs denigrate the humanity of others." @HillaryClinton 🔥UN, 2011

"Yet, while we are each free to believe whatever we choose, we cannot *do* whatever we choose, not in a world where we protect the human rights of all" 🌈 @HillaryClinton 🔥UN, 2011

"Reaching understanding of these issues takes more than speech. It does take a conversation." @HillaryClinton 🔥UN, 2011

"In fact, it takes a constellation of 🏳️‍🌈conversations in places big and small. And it takes a willingness to see stark differences in belief as a reason to begin the conversation, not to avoid it"

@HillaryClinton 🔥UN, 2011

"But progress comes from changes in laws. In many places, including my own country, legal protections have preceded, not followed, broader recognition of rights. Laws have a teaching effect." @HillaryClinton 🔥UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈

"Laws that discriminate validate other kinds of discrimination. Laws that require equal protections reinforce the moral imperative of equality. And practically speaking, it is often the case that laws must change before fears about change dissipate."
@HillaryClinton 🔥UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈

"Many in my country thought that President Truman was making a grave error when he ordered the racial desegregation of our military. They argued that it would undermine unit cohesion." @HillaryClinton 🔥UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈

"And it wasn’t until he went ahead and did it that we saw how it strengthened our social fabric in ways even the supporters of the policy could not foresee." @HillaryClinton 🔥UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈

"Likewise, some worried in my country that the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” would have a negative effect on our armed forces."
@HillaryClinton 🔥UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈

"Now, the Marine Corps Commandant, who was one of the strongest voices against the repeal, says that his concerns were unfounded and that the Marines have embraced the change."

@HillaryClinton 🔥UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈

"Finally, progress comes from being willing to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. We need to ask ourselves, “How would it feel if it were a crime to love the person I love?" @HillaryClinton 🔥UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈

"How would it feel to be discriminated against for something about myself that I cannot change?” @HillaryClinton 🔥UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈

"This challenge applies to all of us as we reflect upon deeply held beliefs, as we work to embrace tolerance and respect for the dignity of all persons, and as we engage humbly with those with whom we disagree in the hope of creating greater understanding."
@HillaryClinton 🔥

"A fifth and final question is how we do our part to bring the world to embrace human rights for all people including 🏳️‍🌈LGBT people. Yes, LGBT people must help lead this effort, as so many of you are." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011 🔥

"Their knowledge and experiences are invaluable and their courage inspirational. We know the names of brave LGBT activists who have literally given their lives for this cause, and there are many more whose names we will never know." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011 🔥

"But often those who are denied rights are least empowered to bring about the changes they seek. Acting alone, 🏳️‍🌈minorities can never achieve the majorities necessary for political change." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011 🔥

"So when any part of humanity is sidelined, the rest of us cannot sit on the sidelines. Every time a barrier to progress has fallen, it has taken a cooperative effort from those on both sides of the barrier." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011 🔥

"In the fight for women’s rights, the support of men remains crucial." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011 🔥

"The fight for racial equality has relied on contributions from people of all races. Combating Islamaphobia or anti-Semitism is a task for people of all faiths. And the same is true with this struggle for equality." @HillaryClinton, UN 2011 🔥

"Conversely, when we see denials and abuses of human rights and fail to act, that sends the message to those deniers and abusers that they won’t suffer any consequences for their actions, and so they carry on. But when we do act, we send a powerful moral message."@HillaryClinton

"Right here in Geneva, the international community acted this year to strengthen a global consensus around the human rights of LGBT people." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011

"At the Human Rights Council in March, 85 countries from all regions supported a statement calling for an end to criminalization and violence against people because of their sexual orientation and gender identity." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011

"At [the Human Rights] Council in June, South Africa took the lead on a resolution about violence against LGBT people. The delegation from South Africa spoke eloquently about their own experience and struggle for human equality and its indivisibility." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011

"When the [UN Human Rights Council] measure passed, it became the first-ever UN resolution recognizing the human rights of gay people worldwide." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011

"In the Organization of American States this year, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights created a unit on the rights of 🏳️‍🌈LGBT people, a step toward what we hope will be the creation of a special rapporteur." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011

"Now, we must go further and work here and in every region of the world to galvanize more support for the human rights of the LGBT community." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011

"To the leaders of those countries where people are jailed, beaten, or executed for being gay, I ask you to consider this: Leadership, by definition, means being out in front of your people when it is called for." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011

"It means standing up for the dignity of all your citizens and persuading your people to do the same." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011

"It also means ensuring that all citizens are treated as equals under your laws" @HillaryClinton UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈🔥

"Let me be clear- I am not saying that gay people can’t or don’t commit crimes.They can and they do, just like str8 people. And when they do, they should be held accountable, but it should never be a crime to be gay." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈🔥

"And to people of all nations, I say supporting human rights is your responsibility too. The lives of gay people are shaped not only by laws, but by the treatment they receive every day from their families, from their neighbors. " @HillaryClinton UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈

"Eleanor Roosevelt, who did so much to advance human rights worldwide, said that these rights begin in the small places close to home – the streets where people live, the schools they attend, the factories, farms, and offices where they work." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈

"These places are your domain. The actions you take, the ideals that you advocate, can determine whether human rights flourish where you are." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈

"And to LGBT men and women worldwide, let me say this: Wherever you live and whatever the circumstances of your life, whether you are connected to a network of support or feel isolated and vulnerable, please know that you are not alone." ❤️@HillaryClinton UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈

"People around the globe are working hard to support you and to bring an end to the injustices and dangers you face. That is certainly true for my country. You have an ally in the United States and you have millions of friends among the American people." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011

"The Obama Administration defends the human rights of LGBT people as part of our comprehensive human rights policy and as a priority of our foreign policy." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈

"In our embassies, our diplomats are raising concerns about specific cases and laws, and working with a range of partners to strengthen human rights protections for all." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈

"In Washington, we have created [an LGBT] task force at the State Department to support and coordinate this work. And in the coming months, we will provide every embassy with a toolkit to help improve their efforts. @HillaryClinton UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈

"And we have created a program [at the State Department] that offers emergency support to defenders of human rights for LGBT people." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈

"This morning, back in Washington, President Obama put into place the first U.S. Government strategy dedicated to combating human rights abuses against LGBT persons abroad." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈

"Building on efforts already underway at the State Department and across the government, President Obama has directed all U.S. Government agencies engaged overseas to combat the criminalization of LGBT status and conduct, to enhance efforts to protect vulnerable LGBT refugees..."

and asylum seekers, to ensure that our foreign assistance promotes the protection of LGBT rights, to enlist international organizations in the fight against discrimination, and to respond swiftly to abuses against LGBT persons." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈

" I am also pleased to announce that we are launching a new Global Equality Fund that will support the work of civil society organizations working on these [LGBT] issues around the world." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈

"This [Global Equality] fund will help them record facts so they can target their advocacy, learn how to use the law as a tool, manage their budgets, train their staffs, and forge partnerships with women’s organizations and other human rights groups." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈

"We have committed more than $3 million to start the Global Equality fund, and we have hope that others will join us in supporting it." @HillaryClinton UN, 2011 🏳️‍🌈