In a bold display of global solidarity, Canada, Brazil, Australia, and a cluster of European nations linked arms for LGBTQ rights on Pride Day — but the United States? It was nowhere to be found.
The group issued a joint declaration affirming their support for the LGBTQI community, condemning rising hate speech, criminalization, and discrimination around the world. “We are speaking and acting as one to champion the rights of LGBTQI people,” read the statement, which was signed by countries including Ireland, Spain, Belgium, and Colombia.
And yet, as rainbow flags flew high across continents, the United States — once a vocal champion of LGBTQ rights abroad — chose silence. The move raised eyebrows, especially as former President Trump and his ideological echo chamber continue their aggressive rollback of civil rights protections for queer Americans. Under his administration, trans servicemembers were banned from the military, and federal support for LGBTQ protections has been systematically gutted.
The statement from U.S. allies doesn’t mince words: “At a time when hate speech and hate crimes are on the rise… we reject all forms of violence, criminalization, stigmatization or discrimination.” It’s a strong rebuke of anti-queer sentiment that many worry is metastasizing globally — especially in nations where LGBTQ individuals already face systemic oppression and criminalization.
This quiet snub from Washington stings harder considering the timing. With Pride celebrations blazing across cities from Dublin to São Paulo, the absence of American backing sends a chilling message. For many LGBTQ Americans, it underscores the broader threat: their government is increasingly unwilling to show up — even symbolically — for their human rights.
Adding to the global context, Hungary saw a massive pushback against its own rising authoritarianism on the same day. Tens of thousands flooded the streets of Budapest in defiance of a law banning Pride marches. The rally turned into one of the biggest protests against Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s crackdown on LGBTQ expression, sending a powerful counter-message to regressive leaders everywhere.
LGBTQ advocates say the lack of U.S. participation not only undermines global solidarity but risks emboldening homophobic regimes and ideologies worldwide. “When America stays silent, dictators listen,” said one activist who works with international LGBTQ asylum seekers. “This isn’t just about a piece of paper. It’s about whether queer people around the world feel seen and protected.”
While U.S. officials haven’t commented on the snub, their silence speaks volumes — and the global queer community is taking notes. Pride, after all, isn’t just a parade. It’s a protest. And right now, it seems like some governments are still choosing the sidelines.