GATE and MPact believe that homophobia and transphobia constitute a public health crisis globally
Homophobia and transphobia are inextricably linked, threatening the lives, rights, and dignity of LGBTQ persons across the globe. LGBTQ persons are persistently more likely to experience violence than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. The rise of anti-trans legislation across the globe has resulted in violence, lack of social protections, insufficient healthcare access, and social exclusion. In many countries, LGBTQ persons cannot access appropriate and adequate healthcare.
The real-world consequences of homophobia and transphobia are the criminalization of same-sex sexual behavior and gender diversity, structural discrimination, denial of healthcare, stigma, violence, torture, and execution. The HIV pandemic – now in its fourth decade – is an ongoing example of how the systemic oppression of a group of people can cause a society-wide public health crisis.
How can you support?
The oppression of LGBTQ people globally has profound negative consequences for broader community health, as well as on individual physical and mental health, the ability to access quality healthcare, and the ability to participate as an active member of society.
We call on public health officials and government leaders, public and private sectors to recognize homophobia and transphobia as a public health crisis and to act accordingly. In light of the public health crisis caused by homophobia and transphobia, MPact Global and GATE collectively demand:
- A declaration by public health agencies that recognizes homophobia and transphobia are a public health crisis;
- Public health agencies to resource interventions to end homophobia and transphobia;
- Resources for LGBTQ-led organizations to organize LGBTQ people to resist homophobia and transphobia;
- Elected officials to recognize the public health crisis and advocate against homophobia and transphobia;
- Media partners to highlight the ways that homophobia and transphobia persist in contemporary society, including the increasing levels of violence against LGBTQ persons; and
- Further community-engaged research on the health impacts of homophobia and transphobia.