British mission in Brazil organised Rainbow Day event to mark IDAHO
Staff from UK posts in Brasilia, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Recife wore colours of the rainbow flag to show their support for IDAHO.
To mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO), now celebrated in more than 100 countries across the world, staff from the UK mission in Brazil dressed in rainbow flag colours to support the LGBT cause. The action aims to show the UK’s support for the LGBT community in Brazil and inspire others to do the same.
The rainbow flag was designed to reflect the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, and it is often used as a symbol of gay pride in LGBT rights marches.
The UK government is committed to protecting and promoting LGBT rights and opposes all forms of violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. The UK strives to be a tolerant society that welcomes diversity. Britain believes that human rights are universal and should apply equally to all people.
The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO)
IDAHO is an important day that provides a platform to raise awareness about discrimination faced by LGBT people around the world. It’s also a day that can draw attention to outdated prejudices that some still have to face on their daily lives.
Internationally, LGBT rights form part of the human rights work of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. The UK Government works with other International Institutions, such as the European Union, the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to lobby for changes in discriminatory practices and legislation. Our embassies and high commissions around the world attempt to support civil society organizations in their efforts to make positive social changes toward equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
Further information
For more information about UK’s work on LGBT equality see:
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Working for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality: Moving Forward, published in March 2011
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Advancing Transgender Equality – a plan for action published December 2011
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The FCO’s annual Human Rights & Democracy Report , which the Foreign Secretary launched on 30 April, also includes a section on LGBT issues