The rights of LGBT+ people
Why LGBT+ rights are a key issue
All people are of equal value. But not everyone has equal opportunities.
In more than 70 countries it is illegal to have sexual intercourse with people of your own sex . In many places in the world, LGBT+ people live in fear of being persecuted, beaten or imprisoned. Your life can even be at stake, if you publicly show your love for the one and only. The well-being, physical and mental well-being of LGBT+ people is generally lower than in the rest of the population. Also in Denmark.
Often, LGBT+ people are challenged with quite ordinary things such as being able to work, be with their family or take the education they dream of, to be able to wear the clothes they want, to walk in the city or to organize in communities.
Why should something you don't choose yourself decide if you can be allowed to do what you love?
What DFPA work for
In Denmark, far too many LGBT+ people suffer from poor mental well-being. LGBT+ people suffer from depression to a greater extent than the rest of the population and are overrepresented in statistics on suicide attempts.
We all have the responsibility to fight for all people to be allowed to do what they love. Whether you're left-handed, transgender, red-haired or switch to your own gender.
- 49% of Danish LGBT+ people do not hold their partner's hand because they are afraid of assault, threats and harassment.
- Suicidal thoughts are more than twice as prevalent among LGBT+ people than among the rest of the Danish population.
- Far too many are exposed to bullying and exclusion in education and in the workplace.
Situation for LGBT+ people in the world
In large parts of the world, LGBT+ people are persecuted and discriminated. In many places there are officially no LGBT+ people and it is impossible to be open about who you are.
It is well known that LGBT+ people are persecuted and can receive up to 14 years in prison in countries such as Kenya and Uganda, but closer to home - in Europe - we also see attacks on the rights of LGBT+ people. For example in Poland, where we find LGBT-free zones.
How DFPA works to strengthen LGBT+ rights
- We work internationally to strengthen LGBT+ people's opportunities to organize and to have access to non-discriminatory health services in some of the countries where persecution is most severe.
- We collaborate with vocational education in Denmark to create inclusive teaching environments for everyone. Also for LGBT+ people.
- We work inclusively in all our counselling, information and education.