Adam Sterling is U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia.
On July 14, the U.S. Embassy building in Bratislava will light up in the colors of the rainbow and a rainbow flag will hang prominently from the Embassy’s balcony. These are symbols of the United States’ firm commitment to the human rights of LGBTI people everywhere. The same day, I will join people from across Slovakia who gather at Rainbow PRIDE Bratislava 2018 to march for the rights and acceptance of sexual minorities and transgender people and to celebrate LGBTI pride.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” and we support members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) community and all those around the world who work to advance the principle that LGBTI rights are human rights. All people, regardless of who they love or their gender identity, should have the same dignity and should be able to enjoy the same fundamental human rights. I applaud the fearlessness and dedication of the many Slovak NGOs and brave individuals working in this area. As U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo said, “LGBTI persons – like all persons – must be free to enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
