Australia, US are setting global example in fight against homophobia

Countries such as Australia and the US are fighting homophobia for gay communities the world over, the US ambassador to Australia John Berry says.

Berry, who recently married his partner of 17 years Curtis Yee, said the two countries had achieved great advances for their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities in recent years, but they must continue to move forward to set a global example.

"We do not have to accept this, the world can fight homophobia," Berry said in a video filmed for samesame.com.au and released on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, .

"It is so important because we need to communicate to our brothers and sisters who are in less fortunate places that we have not forgotten them, that we stand together, that gay rights are human rights and both the US and Australia will stand to protect them."

Berry also commended Australia's sporting codes for taking a stand against homophobia.

Berry, who cared for his previous partner as he died from AIDS, will address the AIDS Action Council's 25th international candlelight memorial in Canberra on Sunday to speak about his vision for a world free of the disease.