This memorandum reaffirms and supplements the principles established in the Presidential Memorandum of December 6, 2011(International Initiatives to Advance the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Persons).  That memorandum, for the first time, directed executive departments and agencies(agencies) engaged abroad to ensure that United States diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons everywhere.  This memorandum builds upon that historic legacy and updates the 2011 memorandum. 

All human beings should be treated with respect and dignity and should be able to live without fear no matter who they are or whom they love.  Around the globe, including here at home, brave lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) activists are fighting for equal protection under the law, freedom from violence, and recognition of their fundamental human rights.  The United States belongs at the forefront of this struggle — speaking out and standing strong for our most dearly held values.  It shall be the policy of the United States to pursue an end to violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics, and to lead by the power of our example in the cause of advancing the human rights ofLGBTQI+ persons around the world. 

Through this memorandum, Biden is directing all agencies engaged abroad to ensure that United States diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons. Specifically, He directs the following actions, consistent with applicable law:
-Combating Criminalization of LGBTQI+ Status or Conduct Abroad. 

-Protecting Vulnerable LGBTQI+ Refugees and asylum Seekers.   

-Foreign Assistance to Protect Human Rights and Advance Nondiscrimination. 

-Swift and Meaningful United StatesResponses to Human Rights Abuses of LGBTQI+ Persons Abroad. 

-Building Coalitions of Like-Minded Nations and Engaging International Organizations in the Fight Against LGBTQI+Discrimination. 

-Rescinding Inconsistent Policies and reporting on Progress.