May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia and its celebration is related to the removal of homosexuality from the list of diseases by the World Health Organization on 17 May 1990.

The International Day Against Homophobia and Transparency is not being openly celebrated by LGBT+ community, LGBT rights defenders and their supporters this year, due to lack of security guarantees, which is a step backward on the path of improvement of the rights situation of the LGBT community and realization of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.

It should be emphasized that celebration of this day is aimed at condemning violence and expressing solidarity towards LGBT people. Unfortunately, celebration of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia has been related to violence and endangered people's safety in recent years in Georgia.

It is unfortunate that the rights situation of LGBT people has not changed substantially in the country. The influence of anti-gender groups and homophobia are still strong in the society, which is why LGBT people suffer from oppression, discrimination and often become victims of violence. In addition, due to the homophobic and transphobic sentiments of a significant part of society, enjoyment of the right to education, work, healthcare and social protection remains a problem for LGBT+ persons.

The measures taken by the state for the protection of LGBT+ people are inadequate and cannot respond to real challenges. Unfortunately, the state does not have a systemic vision about how to improve the rights situation of LGBT people.

Consequently, it is necessary to reflect the agenda of the rights of LGBT+ people, as one of the most vulnerable groups, in the gender equality national action plans and to ensure the involvement of LGBT organizations and LGBT community at each stage of the development of a systemic vision for solving this problem.