All the gays and gay-minded in the world, unite!

The Federation of Young European Greens FYEG is launching a campaign on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, IDAHO, held on the 17th of May. The idea is simple: just change your profile picture in social media to one which demonstrates your sympathy and solidarity to the cause.

The co-spokesperson of FYEG Terry Reintke elaborates: "A lot of prejudices against gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans people still exist, and "gay" is often used as a pejorative. FYEG strongly deplores homophobia and transphobia. We think that everybody should have the right to live out their sexuality and sexual and gender identity. It is crucial to stand up for the recognition of sexual minorities and their rights as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and queer."

FYEG believes that the rights and responsibilities should be the same for all whatever their sexual orientation. Therefore education and information on sex, gender, sexual orientation and identity is needed to combat prejudices and stigmatisation. FYEG stresses that ensuring equality for LGBTQ people is in the interest of everyone.

The co-coordinator of the FYEG gender working group Razvan Sandru adds: "By advocating human rights for everybody you ensure that you are neither discriminated nor discriminating anyone. Many heterosexuals are at odds with the heteronormative gender stereotypes as well, and by joining us you can make a statement against that. The campaign doesn't signal coming out, but support for the common cause."

FYEG believes that the definition of one’s sexual identity should be in each individual’s own hands. We demand that the EU, its member states and civil society support and defend LGTBQ rights and LGBTQ movements in other countries and welcome you to join our cause!

Show your solidarity with LGBTQ by changing your profile picture on 17.5.!