Today, USAID is hosting its annual LGBTI Pride Month event to celebrate the contributions of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) staff and stakeholders, as well as our efforts to help protect LGBTI people in developing countries from violence, discrimination, stigma, and criminalization.

Millions of LGBTI people around the world are far too often excluded and marginalized. We look forward to a future in which all people - regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression - can live their lives free from violations of their human rights.

On behalf of USAID, I wish you a safe and happy Pride Month.