Watch: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon stars in new anti-homophobia video
The Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, appears in a new video designed to challenge homophobia and transphobia.
The video – released by the UN ahead of Sunday’s International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia – features a range of ordinary people who identify as LGBT or as straight allies.
Set to Sara Bareilles track ‘Brave’, it features people including transgender firefighter Brooke Guinan, gay TV journalist Edward Wyckoff Williams, and Ugandan gay rights activist Michael Ighodaro.
The Secretary General makes an appearance at the end of the video.
In a separate blog post, he wrote: “I believe in leading by example.
“At the UN, I have implemented a policy change to extend to same-sex spouses of UN staff the same benefits as heterosexual spouses, including health insurance coverage. The new policy means that the UN now honours the marriage of any same-sex couple wed in a country where same-sex marriages are legal.
“I am proud to champion the cause of equality not just for UN staff, but for all members of our human family and I will continue to fight against transphobia and homophobia globally. All people, without exception, should be free to live a life of dignity no matter who they are or whom they love.
“Millions of people around the world are observing the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia this Sunday, 17 May.
“To mark the Day, the UN human rights office has released a short video called “Faces” as part of its UN Free & Equal campaign. The video, in which I was proud to take part, celebrates the contributions that LGBTI people make to families and local communities everywhere.
“I encourage you to watch the video, share it with your networks and spread the word to help make your world freer and more equal.”
The inclusion of rights activist Michael Ighodaro – who has challenged the Ugandan government’s treatment of LGBT people – will likely not impress the President of the UN General Assembly, former Ugandan Minister Sam Kutesa.
Mr Kutesa was elected to the position un-opposed last year despite supporting his country’s anti-gay policies.
