The US Administration announced in February 2019 its intention to contribute to the global decriminalization of homosexuality, an effort led by US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, the highest-profile openly gay man in the Trump administration. This announcement was partly met with criticism, as the Administration of Mr. Trump has constantly attacked LGBTIQ+ rights in the US. (Politico, Metro Weekly, PinkNews, NBC News, The New York Times) However, there was no argument about the substance of this initiative: the importance of decriminalizing homosexuality in the 70+ countries where it is still criminalized, such as in Lebanon.

According to State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino "This really is not a big policy departure. This is long-standing and it's bipartisan. I would say that this is a good opportunity to listen and to discuss ideas about how the United States can advance decriminalization of homosexuality around the world, and that's been our policy." (U.S. Department of State) This wouldn’t be the first time a government advocates for the end of worldwide criminalization of homosexuality. No government has catalyzed the effort yet.

The American policies in the Middle East are not popular, and Lebanese political formations are critical of them. Therefore, perceiving the LGBTIQ+ file as a by-product of these policies would jeopardize its progress in Lebanon. In order to respond to the American efforts that resonate with our first objective (which is the decriminalization of homosexuality in Lebanon), and in attempt to avoid alienation by local politicians and institutions, Beirut Pride contributes to the American reflection about the global decriminalization of homosexuality. Through its awareness about the Lebanese realities and sensitivities, Beirut Pride advocates for a 360º approach, where all stakeholders are included in the conversation for the good of the order.

In his remarks to the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on 24 September 2019, U.S. President Trump said:

As we defend American values, we affirm the right of all people to live in dignity.  For this reason, my administration is working with other nations to stop criminalizing of homosexuality, and we stand in solidarity with LGBTQ people who live in countries that punish, jail, or execute individuals based upon sexual orientation.