The United Nations and its forerunner the League of Nations are institutions that have achieved a great deal since the end of the 1939-45 war that defeated European fascism. They have medical aid branches, education and are a forum for discussing international matters. But as the LGBT+ petition website points out, they are still only just beginning to press for LGBTQIA rights and culture.

All Out issued a press release to explain their new campaign:

"What does Pride mean to you?

For some people, it means freedom. For others, belonging, resistance, love, or simply the right to exist openly.

More than 700 people around the world have already shared their answers with us through our campaign calling on UNESCO to recognise Pride as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. That's the UN's official list of living traditions the world has agreed to protect.

Why does that matter? UNESCO recognises more than 800 global living traditions as intangible cultural heritage – from Jamaican reggae to Indian yoga. Not one of them is LGBT+. At a time when Pride and LGBT+ people are still being attacked and pushed out of public life, making sure our history and culture are recognised matters.

And today, October 17, is the International Day of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. So we wanted to share some of those voices with you:

"I still remember being gay in 1963 California where my very existence was literally illegal! Insulted, spit on, physically aggressed, chased through the streets, harassed by police officers... I can't tell how important the birth of Pride was and remains for me." – Douglas, Switzerland

"I have enjoyed 26 years of absolute happiness with my partner, and we celebrate it despite living in Peru, where our rights are not recognised; that does not stop us from continuing to fight for our rights with pride and love." – Gabriela, Peru

These are just two of the hundreds of voices showing what Pride means across generations, countries, and communities.

Don't forget to sign the petition and join 15,000+ All Out members calling for Pride to be recognised as part of humanity's cultural heritage.

Our stories are our heritage. Let's make sure the world remembers them.

https://allout.org/en/campaigns/pride/