EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State network of over 425 international student advising centers in more than 175 countries. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. Here are some pointers for staying safe while abroad: If You Need Help, Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert on Thursday said LGBTI-specific issues will remain in its annual human rights report. Antony J. Blinken February 22, 2021. WASHINGTON – State Department spokesperson Ned Price on Friday did not say whether any of the $4 billion in aid the Biden administration hopes to use to mitigate the causes of migration from Central America’s Northern Triangle will go to LGBTQ rights groups or HIV/AIDS service organizations. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy, Seeking Election to the UN Human Rights Council, Remarks to the 46th Session of the Human Rights Council, Advancing the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Persons Around the World, DRL Promoting and Protecting: Women’s Rights in Marriage; Free and Fair Elections; Rule of Law; and Marginalized Communities, DRL FY2020: Global Equality Fund Programs in East Asia, DSS and GLIFAA show their pride during 2019 Capital Pride events. Secretary of State … Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Last week’s Congressional notification that the Trump Administration has decided not to abolish the LGBTI human rights Special Envoy position was an unexpected surprise. It would also make permanent the State Department requirement to report on human rights violations against LGBT people in the future. The U.S. Department of State's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016 stated that: Acts of Violence, Discrimination, and Other Abuses Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. Legal protections vary from country to country. 7:45pm Apr 28, 2016. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service for U.S. citizens traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. A State Department spokesperson on Wednesday expressed concern over the passage of a bill in Uganda that would further criminalize consensual same-sex … WASHINGTON — A State Department spokesperson on Wednesday expressed concern over the passage of a bill in Uganda that would further criminalize consensual same-sex sexual acts. Randy Berry, the Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Persons, is continuing “in his role under the current administration,” a State Department spokesperson said on Monday. Additionally, the Department of State has not verified the veracity of information included on those websites nor is the Department of State involved in updating the information on websites maintained by private groups or organizations. Some insurance companies have products specifically tailored to LGBTI travelers. The State Department in previous statements to the Blade insists it continues to defend LGBTI rights around the world. Advancing the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Persons Around the World. The State Department, led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, is vowing to “use a broad range of diplomatic and programmatic tools and resources” to protect queer refugees and asylum seekers, fight against the criminalization of LGBTQ individuals, and “allow swift US responses to human rights violations and abuses of LGBTQI+ persons.” Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative. Living Abroad with your Foreign National Spouse or Partner, Obtaining a U.S. Visa for your Foreign National Spouse or Fiancé, Registering the Birth of your Child Born Abroad. Remarks to the 46th Session of the Human Rights Council. Biden sec. He assumed responsibility for this new State Department position in April 2015. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. The 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, Consular Information Frequently Asked Questions, Insurance Providers for Overseas Coverage. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert on Feb. 22, 2018, said LGBT and intersex issues will remain in the State Department’s annual human rights report that it will release later this year. By Conor Finnegan Prior to being appointed Special Envoy, he served as the United States … State Department's 1st openly gay spokesperson sends signal to the world, advocates say But his appointment must be followed by action to protect LGBT rights, they say. of state nominee promises to resurrect Obama’s ‘special envoy’ for ‘LGBTI’ rights News By Victoria Gisondi ‘Fertility is not a disease’: How a medical miracle changed this… “The Department of State’s effort to cherry-pick human rights – in order to unlawfully deny the rights of women, LGBTI people and others – is a dangerous political stunt that could spark a race to the bottom by human rights-abusing governments around the world,” said Erika Guevara-Rosas. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Randy W. Berry, a career Senior Foreign Service Officer, is the first U.S. Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Persons. State Department expresses concern over anti-LGBTQ bill in Uganda By : Michael K. Lavers of the Washington Blade, COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL LGBT MEDIA ASSOCIATION May 6, 2021 Some transgender travelers have reported difficulties entering a country on a passport bearing a name and photo that no longer correspond to their gender identity. Recommended Web Browsers: Internet Explorer 11 with compatibility view or Google Chrome. That “assumption of parentage,” as the State Department calls it, now seems to LGBT parents to be reserved solely for heterosexual married couples. LGBTI travelers should take copies of important documents, especially when traveling in countries where legal rights differ from those in the United States: Travel insurance can cover your costs during emergencies, including in cases where medical evacuation may be required. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. The Defense Department … U.S. Department of State: (2018) Facebook Live discussion on social inclusion for #LGBTI individuals hosted by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights & Labor U.S. by Michele Kelemen . The commission comes in addition to the State Department's existing Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, which issues an annual report on human rights around the world. The inclusion of the websites above on travel.state.gov does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of the U.S. Department of State. For State Department's LGBTI Envoy, Every Country Is A Different Challenge. The office oversees the United States government’s efforts to support the human rights of LGBT people around the world. For State Department's LGBTI Envoy, Every Country Is A Different Challenge : Parallels Randy Berry says the U.S. is supporting activists worldwide, but is also aware of risks they face. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Enforcement Protections for LGBT Workers Affinity Groups The U.S. Department of State encourages individualism in its workforce and offers several employee organizations to help strengthen and support its diversity. Antony J. Blinken February 4, … The legislation is sponsored by Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) in the Senate and Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-CA) in the House. The U.S. Department of State … “launched two global funding partnerships – the Global Equality Fund and the LGBT Global Development Partnership – which have provided millions of dollars in assistance … to LGBT civil society activists and organizations” (emphasis added). Press Statement. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. The Biden administration in February issued a memorandum that committed the U.S. to promoting LGBTQ rights abroad. The U.S. Department of State assumes no responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the private organizations whose links appear above. More than seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. For State Department's LGBTI Envoy, Every Country Is A Different Challenge . In June 2013, Secretary of State John Kerry reaffirmed the State Department’s commitment to President Barack Obama’s Memorandum on International Initiatives to Advance the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Persons. Tweet Share Google+ Email Share Google+ Email Verify that any insurance you purchase will cover all traveling family members. Review our country information pages for information specific to LGBTI travelers (under Special Laws & Circumstances). The State Department is just one of several government bodies in the Trump era that has become more hostile to LGBTQ people, especially transgender people. When officials at the State Department began mulling the notion of creating a special LGBT envoy, there was some trepidation. Video Remarks. 2016 United States Department of State report. A State Department cable reviewed by The New York Times says U.S. embassies and consulates may now fly LGBTQ pride flags. We know there are many dedicated State Department officials who believe passionately that the United States must stand for human rights, including equality and dignity for LGBT individuals everywhere, as a… An official website of the United States government, Office of the Coordinator for Cyber Issues, Office of the U.S. The United States is concerned about demonstrations at a Turkish university and condemns anti-LGBT rhetoric surrounding them, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Wednesday. The Memorandum calls on the Departments of State and Homeland Security to enhance their efforts to ensure that LGBT refugees and asylum seekers have equal access … Global AIDS Coordinator and Global Health Diplomacy, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Special Representative for Syria Engagement, U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority, Office of the U.S. EducationUSA Interactive: LGBTI Campus Life | EducationUSA Jump to … The Global Equality Fund alone spent more than $30 million dollars in 80 countries. Today, HRC released the following statement after it was discovered that the Trump Administration has removed from the State Department website former Secretary of State John Kerry’s apology for the infamous “Lavender Scare” witch hunt in the 1950s and 1960s, as well as other content regarding LGBTQ pride month observances and the State Department’s Special Envoy for the Human … U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, Replace or Amend a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, foreign embassy or consulate in the United States, eligibility requirements and application procedures, IGLTA, the International Gay/Lesbian Travel Association, International Lesbian and Gay Association, To update the sex marker on your passport, see the, Be wary of new-found “friends.” Criminals may, Some resorts or LGBTI neighborhoods can be quite, Consular officers will protect your privacy and, If you plan on traveling overseas to adopt, be aware that, If your child was born abroad, he or she may be eligible for a. Visit our Traveler’s Checklist. In 1953, years after the State Department began firing gay employees, Dwight Eisenhower instituted a nationwide ban on gay men and lesbians working for … You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage . Only … Coordinator for the Arctic Region, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, Office of International Religious Freedom, Office of the Special Envoy To Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, Office of the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Office of the Science and Technology Adviser, Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, Bureau of Information Resource Management, Office of Management Strategy and Solutions, Bureau of International Organization Affairs, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, U.S. The Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Persons is a position at the United States Department of State within the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor. The nearest U.S. embassy or consulate may be able to help if you run into problems overseas, especially if you feel you cannot approach local police or have had difficulties already. State Department condemns Turkey's anti-LGBT rhetoric against protesters A woman gestures as Turkish police detain activists supporting Bogazici University students protesting the appointment by the Turkish government of a new rector in Ankara on Feb. 2, 2021. Legal protections vary from country to country. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. The law prohibited consensual sexual relations between men, but authorities did not enforce it. For State Department's LGBTI Envoy, Every Country Is A Different Challenge. By Michele Kelemen • Apr 28, 2016 . support of initiatives that protect and advance human rights of LGBTI persons around the world