Thank you. First, let me congratulate the Seoul Queer Culture Festival Organizing Committee on this fantastic event.
I’m Philip Goldberg, the U.S. Ambassador to Korea.
I just arrived this week, but it’s my honor to join you, members of the LGBTQI+ community and allies, for today’s Pride event as my predecessors have in years past.
At the very start of current administration, the United States recommitted to putting equality and human rights at the center of our foreign policy. These values are part of who we are as a country and a people.
When preparing for my assignment I heard about the noble work that many of you are doing to construct a more equitable and inclusive society. A place where all kids know that they’re perfect just the way they are.
The United States shares your commitment to ending discrimination, wherever it occurs, and to ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and humanity.
And while we recognize our own shortcomings, we also know that protecting minorities and vulnerable groups is a key part of global leadership and a shared responsibility of the world’s democracies. We simply cannot afford to leave anyone behind.
Thank you for this warm welcome to Korea. I hope to meet many of you in the coming months. Happy Pride, and let’s do this together!