Today, GLAAD was honored to be included in a welcome reception for Randy Berry, the first person appointed as The US State Department's Special Enjoy for LGBT Persons. This historic step taken by the US government will give focus and attention to those places where LGBT people are marginalized and persecuted. Berry, who has served in the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nepal, and South Africa, was introduced by Secretary of State John Kerry.
“We have a moral obligation to speak out against the persecution and the marginalization of LGBT persons,” said Kerry during a State Department reception where he formally introduced Berry. “The United States of America remains unwavering in our commitment to advance the human rights of all being, and that includes LGBT persons.”
Berry, who was joined by his husband and two children, spoke in detail about the ways in which the US State Department was going to advocate for LGBT people around the globe, including working with local partners, engaging with multi-national corporations, partnering with LGBT advocacy groups around the world, and leading alongside of countries like Sweden, the Netherlands, and Argentina.
Berry thanks and acknowledged those LGBT advocates from around the world, especially in places where it is dangerous to be LGBT or support those who are. "I am in the greatest admiration of those who refuse to leave and refuse to stay silent."
“We can and we must do better,” added Berry. “Lives, futures, hopes and dreams depend on that and that is why we are here today and that is also why this type of role is needed.”
GLAAD's Global Voices program offers support and amplifies the voice of LGBT people around the globe. Even as we bring global LGBT stories to an international office, the advocacy from the State Department will help advance that work, by demonstrating that the United States is serious about helping end the persecution of LGBT people in countries like Uganda and Russia. We will be keeping in contact with Mr. Berry, supporting his work, as well as calling on the US to do more for LGBT people around the globe.