Human Rights Resources
“It is absolutely imperative that every human being’s freedom and human rights are respected, all over the world.”– Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir
Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death. These rights apply regardless of where you are from, what you believe, or how you choose to live your life. For the LGBTQ+ community, understanding and advocating for these rights is crucial in the ongoing fight for equality, dignity, and respect.
While significant progress has been made in many parts of the world, LGBTQ+ individuals still face numerous challenges. Discrimination, violence, and legal inequalities continue to be serious issues and can lead to queer people having to flee their home country due to persecution.
However, advocacy and legal reforms are ongoing, and many organisations are working tirelessly to advance LGBTQ+ rights globally.
Key Human Rights You Should Know
Right to Equality and Non-Discrimination
Everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, has the right to be treated equally and without discrimination. This includes protection against unfair treatment in areas such as employment, housing, education, and access to services.
Right to Privacy
LGBTQ+ individuals have the right to privacy concerning their personal and family life. This includes the right to keep one's sexual orientation or gender identity private and to be protected from unlawful interference.
Right to Freedom of Expression
All people have the right to express their identity freely. This includes the ability to speak out about LGBTQ+ issues, to advocate for rights, and to live openly as one's true self without fear of censorship or repression.
Right to Family Life
LGBTQ+ people have the right to form families and have those families recognised and protected by law. This includes the right to marry, adopt children, and access reproductive technologies.
Right to Health
Access to health care without discrimination is a fundamental right. LGBTQ+ individuals should receive appropriate and respectful medical care, including mental health services and gender-affirming treatments.
How to Advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights
Stay Informed
Knowledge is power. Stay informed about the legal rights and protections available to LGBTQ+ individuals in your region and internationally.
Speak Out
Use your voice to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues. Support campaigns, join advocacy groups, and participate in community events.
Support Organisations
Many organisations are dedicated to protecting and advancing LGBTQ+ rights. Support them through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about their work.
Educate Others
Help combat ignorance and prejudice by educating others about LGBTQ+ rights. Share accurate information and personal stories to foster understanding and acceptance.
Engage with Policymakers
Engage with local, national, and international policymakers to advocate for laws and policies that protect LGBTQ+ rights. Write letters, attend meetings, and participate in public consultations to ensure that the voices of the LGBTQ+ community are heard in the legislative process.
External Links
An independent and non-party political organisation seeking to promote and protect the human rights of individuals, communities and nations, in the UK & internationally, in accordance with established national and international human rights law. Working on a selected range of human rights issues in selected countries.
An organisation that documents and exposes abuses based on sexual orientation and gender identity worldwide (including arrests under unjust laws, censorship, medical abuses, discrimination, abuses against children, and more) and advocates for laws and policies that will protect everyone’s dignity.
Providing practical and emotional support for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum to help improve their confidence and self-esteem and reduce isolation. Providing specialist legal information and advice, and campaign to improve the treatment of people seeking asylum.
A charitable organization that helps lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex individuals escape violence and persecution in their home countries.
LGBT Unity Glasgow is a group which supports Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Asexual, and Intersex Refugees, Asylum Seekers and other Migrants.