The struggle for equal rights for queer people concerns us all.

Today, on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia, my thoughts turn to all those who are still being denied basic human rights based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. In many places, state institutions not only refuse to act, but themselves take an active role in discriminating against queer people. In 69 countries, LGBTI people are still subject to criminal prosecution – and they even face the death penalty in 11 countries.

LGBTI people are also particularly affected by armed conflicts. When it comes to crisis prevention, stabilisation, peacebuilding and humanitarian assistance, their needs and rights are often not sufficiently taken into account. It is therefore one of the tasks of a feminist foreign policy to make sure that institutions can meet the needs of this group.

Trans and intersex people are particularly prone to becoming socially marginalised. It was only in 2018 that the WHO officially stopped classifying gender incongruence as a disorder. And violence and discrimination continue – also in Germany. This is why I call for swift implementation of the queer policy items in the coalition agreement. This includes, for example, abolishment of the transgender law. A new self-determination law would, among other things, create a dignified procedure for changing the gender under which one is registered.

Each person’s right to live in accordance with their identity, which includes their sexual orientation and gender identity, must be protected throughout the world. It is both my aim as Commissioner and our collective calling to promote diversity and pluralism at home and abroad, and to strengthen all those who stand up for these principles.