U.S. Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice Records 'International Day Against Homophobia' Message: VIDEO

Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice has posted a video marking today's International Day Against Homophobia.

Says Rice in the clip:

Today, as we commemorate International Day Against Homophobia, we rededicate ourselves to a basic but essential truth – that human rights are universal and must be protected for all. Homophobia, sadly, is present in every corner of our world. And, it is a problem we continue to face here in the United States.

At the United Nations, the United States is standing up for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and fighting to ensure that their voices are heard and protected. The United States was proud to co-sponsor and adopt an historic resolution at the UN Human Rights Council condemning human rights abuses and violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

We will continue to work in every possible arena to protect communities and promote societies in which everyone – especially LGBT youth – can live safely and without fear regardless of who they are or whom they love. We call on all nations and all peoples to join us in ensuring that human rights are universally protected everywhere every day.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

Massive Survey of 93,000 Shows Most European LGBT People are Living in Fear: VIDEO

A massive survey of 93,000 Europeans taken by The European Union's Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) and released to coincide with the International Day Against Homophobia, which is today, shows that most LGBT Europeans are living in fear.

Check out the results of the survey in an interactive map.

The FRA writes:

According to the data collected, LGBT people start facing difficulties early at school, where they regularly experience bullying and harassment. For this reason, anti-bullying policies should be developed and implemented and teachers should be trained about how to better tackle bullying against LGBT students.

FRA research also shows that LGBT people face discrimination in many other walks of life, including work, housing, social services, and in access to goods and services. About half of all respondents had personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the year before the survey because they were LGBT.

Morten Kjaerum: “What is even more worrying is that LGBT people are frequently victims of hate crime and harassment. About a quarter of all respondents said they had been attacked or threatened with violence in the last five years. High levels of under-reporting were also detected: just 22% of the most serious violent incidents against LGBT people in the five year preceding the survey were reported to the police.”

These experiences of hate and discrimination result in LGBT people living in fear: two thirds of the respondents across all EU Member States were scared of holding hands in public with their same-sex partner. For gay and bisexual men this rose to about 75%.

Watch the FRA's video about the survey and a BBC report, AFTER THE JUMP...

Towleroad Guide to the Tube #893

TOM UDALL: New Mexico Senator calls for the repeal of DOMA. 25 Senators now support.

DON'T MIND ME: I'm just diving in the mall fountain.

OUT4IMMIGRATION: Couples share their stories with the DeVote campaign.

PUSHING GRANNY OFF A CLIFF: Paul Ryan's Medicare budget proposal.

For recent Guides to the Tube, click HERE.

U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica Speaks Out Against Anti-Gay Hate

From a quite encouraging editorial by U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica Pamela Bridgewater, printed in yesterday's Jamaica Observer:

We have all read or heard of examples around the world where there has been violence perpetrated against individuals simply because of their sexual orientation.

This is, sadly, all too common. It is equally disheartening that those human rights activists defending the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people also face harassment and arrest. Also disturbing are journalists and artistes who incite hatred and violence through veiled writings and musical lyrics.

As a life-long Christian, I sometimes struggle with the religious beliefs which seem to be at odds with tolerance. Then I simply consider afresh the gospel of love, which convinces me that tolerance is in accordance with Christian faith and practice; it is at the core of Christianity. Tolerance does not ask us to abandon our faith or our values.

I understand well that every nation has its own moral standards and no nation should ignore its own moral compass. But there is also a universal moral standard that crosses all political borders. As we come into the fullness of our humanity, we must not allow hatred and violence to be what defines us. For me, it simply boils down to my belief in and hope that we all follow the advice of Matthew 7:12, and treat others as we would wish ourselves to be treated. That is why such action is called "golden".

Reaffirming the 'Golden Rule' on International Day Against Homophobia [jamaica observer]

Hillary Clinton Releases Statement Marking 'International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia' (IDAHO)

Today is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has released a statement to mark the day:

In every part of the world, men and women are persecuted and attacked because of who they are or whom they love. Homophobia, transphobia and the brutal hostility associated with them are often rooted in a lack of understanding of what it actually means to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). So to combat this terrible scourge and break the cycle of fear and violence, we must work together to improve education and support those who stand up against laws that criminalize love and promote hate. As we mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia this May 17, let us resolve to redouble our efforts.

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am proud to reaffirm 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. 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, 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.

Despite these gains and hard work, there is more to do to turn the tide of inequality and discrimination against the LGBT community. If you are 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.

Also, UK Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne recorded a video about the British government's support for the day's message.

Watch it, AFTER THE JUMP...

Do You Want to Be Lady Gaga's Assistant for a Day?

Lady Gaga is going to be the guest editor of the free daily paper Metro for a day, on May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO), and she's looking for an assistant.

I'm not sure what being the editorial assistant to Mother Monster entails. Polishing the egg?

In any case, you can watch her video, AFTER THE JUMP...

And apply here.