Fair treatment and protection from violence and abuse are things that many of us take for granted. Yet for millions of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people, justice is far from guaranteed. Globally, too many countries retain outdated or repressive laws, either lagging behind or willfully rejecting progress towards LGBTI equality.

Because of this, being LGBTI often means hiding who you are or risking rejection, discrimination and violence. In some countries, it means arrest, a jail sentence or even the death penalty. Legal reform is urgently needed to protect people from acts of injustice and abuse and hold the perpetrators of such violations to account.

Real progress has been made in the fight for equality, but we’re not there yet. That’s why it’s so important to mark our support for LGBTI equality and show governments around the world that their citizens do not support repression or abuse in any form. It's time to accelerate the global march towards equality.

Join the UN in demanding justice and protection for everyone, no matter who they are or whom they love. Read more via Free & Equal