In the United States, President Barack Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry and Vice-President Joe Biden released statements and tweets of support for the worldwide May 17 mobilisations this year. A nationwide initiative to demand full and equal non-discrimination protections as a human rights imperative co-ordinated a ‘Day of Organising’, with some activity taken around May 17 in 30 states. Particularly strong mobilisations were registered this year in Atlanta in the state of Georgia, Omaha in Nebraska, and New Orleans in Louisiana, with street marches, exhibitions and many other events stretching out around the Day.

In fact, many major LGBTI rights NGOs and campaigns working nationwide in the country marked the Day with statements of support, online campaigns, news articles or other initiatives. A major US-based international anti-bullying campaign launched a major series of campaigns and messages of support on May 17 and mobilised and supported its local affiliates in various countries to take action for the IDAHOT.

This article will be updated in the coming days, as we aim to capture the full scale and diversity of events in the United Stated this year.

The White House statement now follows in full:

WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2014

Statement by the President on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Tomorrow, as we commemorate the 10th annual International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, we recommit ourselves to the fundamental belief that all people should be treated equally, that they should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, and that no one should face violence or discrimination — no matter who they are or whom they love.

This year, the United States celebrates the 60th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, and the 45th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. In doing so, we reflect on lessons learned from our own civil rights struggles and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that the human rights of all people are universally protected.

At a time when, tragically, we are seeing increased efforts to criminalize or oppress LGBT persons, we call on partners everywhere to join us in defending the equal rights of our LGBT brothers and sisters, and in ensuring they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.