Report of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity

v. madrigal-borloz

Overview of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Such acts are committed in all corners of the world, and victims are presumed to be in the millions, every year. These acts extend from daily exclusion and discrimination to the most heinous acts, including torture and arbitrary killings. At their root lie the intent to punish the non-conformity of victims with preconceived notions of what should be their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Independent Expert highlights how lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender non-conforming persons are affected differently by these acts and how intersecting factors have an impact on their vulnerability and on their risk of exclusion and marginalization. He also examines the link between hate speech and hate crimes, and the role of the media in amplifying and disseminating messages that reinforce stigma and foster violence and discrimination.