by Jake Okechukwu Effoduh

Today, 73 countries criminalize LGBTQI people for being who they are. Twelve countries still impose the death penalty as punishment for private, consensual, same-sex sexual activity. Even in countries where LGBTQI rights are guaranteed, these minorities are disproportionately targeted and victimized, especially in times of outbreaks and pandemics.

The celebration of Pride in several cities takes place in the month of June to recognize LGBTQI history and the progress made towards equality. Due to COVID-19, many annual Pride events and festivals have been cancelled. Beyond the festivities, the significance of Pride is to promote the visibility of LGBTQI people; provide an opportunity to break stereotypes; and show support to family and friends who are queer.

For some people, Pride is also a protest as people get to march against the continued injustices that LGBTQI people face in the world. Because sexual minorities are still heavily marginalized in many countries, Pride is also a time for activism; a time to support LGBTQI businesses and families; and a time to celebrate queer lives in a world where it is still challenging for people to be different.

With COVID-19, human rights are witnessing further regression across the world, as LGBTQI people are singled out, blamed, abused, incarcerated and stigmatized as vectors of disease during the pandemic. Several religious leaders have falsely blamed LGBTQI people as being responsible for COVID-19, thereby fuelling hate and perpetuating stigma. Such misinformation about COVID-19 has incited violence and discrimination against LGBTQI people. Some rightwing governments are using the COVID-19 situation as a means to pass anti-rights legislation. Read more via World Economic Forum