Statement: UNGA81 Side Event - Standing up for LGBTI

Statement by H.E. Ms. Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir,
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland
LGBTI Side Event during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Championing Diversity in Times of Adversity: Standing up for LGBTI
21 September 2026

Dear colleagues, dear friends,

I am very pleased to have this opportunity to address this group, now for the second time.

Let me begin by stressing how grateful we are for our cooperation in the LGBTI Core Group, and by thanking our chairs, Mexico and Norway, for all their important work.

Let me also thank Outright International, one of our closest international partners, for our good collaboration.

Today, we have been asked to reflect on adversity: on moments when we have faced challenges in standing up for diversity, and on what those experiences can teach us.

These are particularly relevant questions today.

We are witnessing a global backlash against the rights of LGBTQI+ people.

Violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics remain widespread and systematic.

Around the world, including in my own country, we see a rise in hate speech and dehumanizing rhetoric, both online and offline.

In recent weeks and months, we have also witnessed alarming crackdowns on civil society organizations and arrests of LGBTQI+ persons – including the deeply troubling developments we are currently seeing in Türkiye.

These are not isolated incidents. They are part of a broader pattern threatening people’s dignity, equality and safety. People are persecuted simply for being who they are.

And we increasingly see this struggle playing out through language itself.

Attempts are being made to decide which words can be used, which identities can be named, and which rights can be spoken about.

Let me be clear: Iceland will not allow others to define our values or dictate the language we use to defend human rights.

We are also seeing this troubling trend within the multilateral system. Today’s meeting takes place just days after the establishment of a new UN core group presenting itself as “pro-life” and “pro-family.”

Of course, we welcome diverse perspectives and open dialogue. But language about protecting life and families must never become a vehicle for discrimination or a pretext for rolling back established human rights.

So, what do we do when standing up for diversity becomes difficult?

For Iceland, the answer is clear: we do not retreat from our commitment to human rights when they come under pressure.

Being a champion for diversity requires courage, cooperation and, perhaps most importantly, political will.

What, then, can we learn from adversity?

First, we cannot take progress for granted. Rights and protections achieved over decades can be rolled back remarkably quickly. That is why we must remain vigilant and actively protect and promote them.

Second, we are stronger when we work together. This group demonstrates that we are united in defending equality. Here at the UN, for example, we must make clear that language about protecting life and families must never be used as a vehicle for discrimination

Third, we need mechanisms and institutions that turn principles into action. Here, the role of the Independent Expert on sexual orientation and gender identity remains essential.

Fourth, we need to invest in those doing this work every day. For Iceland, this means not only advocating for equal rights but also supporting organizations fighting violence and discrimination.

And finally – and perhaps most importantly – we cannot wait for easier times to defend human rights.

Equality matters most when it is under pressure, and solidarity matters most when it is tested. And our values mean very little if we only defend them when doing so is easy.

We must continue to stand together, protect those who are most vulnerable, uphold international human rights law, and ensure that everyone can enjoy their full human rights.

Iceland remains committed to that work – and to standing together with all of you in doing it.

Thank you.