"Time Has Come"

"Some say that sexual orientation and gender identity is a sensitive subject, I understand. Like many of my generation I did not grow up talking about theses issues. But I learnt to speak out because lives are at stake. (...) To those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, let me say: "You are not alone". Your struggle for an end to violence and discrimination is a shared struggle. Any attack on you is an attack on the universal values the UN and I have sworned to defend and uphold. (...) We must tackle the violence, decriminalize consensual same-sex relationships, ban discrimination and educate the public. (...) I count on this council and all people of conscience to make this happen. The time has come."

Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General.