Washington, DC - The State Department welcomes Bloomberg L.P. as the newest Partner of the Global Equality Fund.

Launched in December 2011, the Global Equality Fund supports civil society-led efforts to advance and protect the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons around the world. The Fund brings together the resources and expertise of governments, corporations, foundations, and civil society organizations with the shared objective of creating an environment in which LGBTI persons can live freely, safely and without discrimination.

The Fund has provided more than $30 million in assistance to civil society organizations and human rights advocates working in over 80 countries to prevent and respond to violence targeted against LGBTI persons; to promote nondiscriminatory access to public services; to increase access to justice and support legal reform; and to build more allies in promoting positive social attitudes and countering discriminatory practices.

Bloomberg L.P. joins the United States and other like-minded partners – including the governments of Argentina, Chile, Croatia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Uruguay as well as the Arcus Foundation, the John D. Evans Foundation, FRI: the Norwegian LGBT Organization, the M•A•C AIDS Fund, Deloitte LLP, the Royal Bank of Canada, Hilton Worldwide, the Human Rights Campaign and Out Leadership – to advance freedom, equality, and dignity for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.