Clinton Supports I.D.A.H.O.

International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia is being celebrated around the world today. It’s the seventh time the event brings attention to LGBT issues in more than 50 countries.

Among the more noteworthy events, Latin America unveils a public campaign, “Cures That Kill,” which blasts so-called reparative therapies aimed at converting gays and lesbians into heterosexuals. Lady Gaga is also guest editing today’s Metro, where she’s expected to focus on gay and lesbian issues in several of the newspaper target cities.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also released a statement in support of the event and the fight to end homophobia on a global scale.

“On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States,” Clinton says, “I am proud to affirm our support for LGBT communities at home and abroad, and to call for an end to discrimination and mistreatment of LGBT persons wherever it occurs.”

Secretary Clinton, who has been very outspoken about gay, lesbian and transgender rights in recent years, shed light on regions of the world where LGBT people are persecuted.

“Whether by supporting LGBT advocates marching in Belgrade, leading the effort at the United Nations to affirm the human rights of LGBT persons, or condemning a vile law under consideration in Uganda,” she says, “we are committed to our friends and allies in every region of the world who are fighting for equality and justice. These are not Western concepts; these are universal human rights.”

Clinton – along with her husband the former president Bill Clinton and her daughter Chelsea – recently spoke out in favor of marriage equality in her home state of New York. She also expresses the need for ongoing education and advocacy.

“Despite these gains and hard work,” she explains, “there is more to do to turn the tide of inequality and discrimination against the LGBT community. If you are a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, know that the United States stands with you and we are unwavering in our commitment to ending this cycle of hate.”