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The diplomatic missions of 29 countries and the European Union presented a strong declaration of support yesterday at the German Embassy in Argentina, calling for the guarantee of the rights of LGBTI+ people. "We, the undersigned representatives of the Diplomatic Missions in Argentina, unite as Diplomats for Equality/Diversity to express our solidarity and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer people in Argentina and throughout the world ." This is how the Joint Declaration, signed by Germany, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Colombia, Slovenia, Spain, the United States, Finland, France, Ireland, Israel, Lithuania, Mexico, Norway, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and the European Union, begins.

“Unfortunately, in 2024, it is still not a given that LGBTIQ+ rights are respected worldwide. On the contrary, in more than 60 countries, queer people currently face criminal prosecution and even risk the death penalty. They suffer stigmatization, social exclusion, and violence around the world,” said Minister Peter Neven, representing Germany, the host country of the meeting. “There is still much to be done in every country in the world. Germany is no exception, however, and we are working on it with significant progress,” he added. He also noted that, starting November 1st, Germany will have a new gender identity law that will allow trans, intersex, and non-binary people to change their official documents more easily in the civil registry, eliminating the need for a court process, as they will only need to make a declaration.  

This Joint Declaration, convened at the German Embassy, ​​brought together ambassadors as well as activists, organizations such as Mocha Celis and La Garganta Poderosa, and journalists. Its origins lie in the 2016 Global LGBTI Human Rights Conference held in Montevideo, Uruguay. Since then, the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) has been committed to working for the human rights of LGBTIQ+ people and inclusive development. It does so in member states as well as non-member states, in collaboration with other organizations and activist groups.

“As Diplomats for Equality, we want to express our solidarity in the fight against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. Not only during Pride Month, not only in Buenos Aires, not only in Argentina, but in all the countries where we, as diplomats, represent our governments. We will continue fighting against stigmas and practices that discriminate, violate, or infringe upon access to rights. We will continue raising our voices until LGBTQ+ people no longer have to endure hardship to exist. Until dignity and equality become the norm,” stated Camila del Carmen Aviña Zavala, from the Political Affairs section of the Mexican Embassy.

Diana Zurco, a trans communicator and radio host, was also among the speakers. "These gatherings are key to building the backbone that will make us stronger. Especially today, when crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity are still being committed," remarked Zurco, who was the first trans anchor on the Public Television news program. "I am absolutely convinced that we must value the great assets and talents of all people of diverse backgrounds; this ultimately benefits communities and the nation as a whole," she expressed. The event concluded with a tango, drag, and folklore performance.

The Joint Declaration can be read here .