LGBTI people

Around the world, lesbian, gay, bi, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people continue to face widespread stigma, exclusion and discrimination, including in education, employment and health care – as well as within homes and communities. Many LGBTI persons face targeted physical attacks and extreme violence—they are beaten, sexually assaulted, tortured and killed. In many countries, discriminatory laws criminalize consensual same-sex relations and trans people, exposing LGBT people to arrest, blackmail, extortion, stigma, and in 5 countries, even the death penalty, for consensual same sex relations. In most countries, trans people have no access to legal recognition of their gender identity, or face abusive requirements to obtain such recognition. Intersex children and adults may be forced or coerced to undergo medically unnecessary interventions, in violation of their human rights.

Learn more about LGBTI persons and the discriminations they face

UN Human Rights carries out monitoring, advocacy, technical cooperation and public information campaigns towards ending violence and discrimination against LGBTI people. Through the UN Free & Equal campaign, we build awareness about the human rights of LGBTI people. We work with States, UN partners, civil society organizations and the private sector to advance equality and strengthen respect and protection for the human rights of LGBTI people.

Learn more about our work on LGBTI people's rights