In a landmark speech in Geneva today, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for global consensus to embrace human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people everywhere.

Speaking in stark and bold language, Clinton denounced anti-LGBT violence and called on the leaders of anti-gay regimes to end the injustices faced by LGBT people.  She told LGBT people worldwide that they have a friend in the U.S., and said their human rights are a priority of American foreign policy.

Clinton referenced a presidential memorandum released this morning by the Obama administration directing all U.S. government agencies engaged overseas to enhance their efforts to protect LGBT refugees and asylum seekers and enlist foreign organizations in the fight for LGBT human rights.

Clinton also announced a global equality fund to aid international organizations and human rights groups in their work toward expanding LGBT human rights.

UPDATE:  More information about Sec. Clinton’s speech is available at HumanRights.gov.