"The Embassy of the United States of America in Haiti extends its warmest wishes to the Haitian people on the occasion of LGBTI Pride Month, which we celebrate throughout June 2017.

Democracy is most secure when all persons live freely without fear of violence and discrimination. We honor this truth now as we take pride in our differences, in our unique characters, and in the great and wonderful rainbow of human experience. But in our differences there are vulnerabilities, and there are members of our communities in both the United States and Haiti who are subject to abuse because of their orientations. Let us end that abuse. Let us not tolerate the perpetrators of violence against our basic human rights.

If you are lesbian, gay, straight, bisexual, transgender, or intersex you are first and always a human being with inalienable rights, including the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of your dreams. This month as you go to work, as you go shopping, or visit a club, or a church, remember the rainbow that includes all of us in its light.

Pride month is an opportunity and a reminder to reaffirm our respect and tolerance for all people, and to say loudly and clearly, no matter who you are and no matter who you love, we stand with you."

IH/ iciHaiti