A new set of stamps is coming out in Southwest Florida this week that raises awareness for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality.  The United Nations will unveil the new stamps at the Sarasota National Stamp exhibition Feb. 5, as part of a global UN campaign raising awareness for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality.

The stamps are from the United Nations Postal Administration and commemorate the U.N.’s Free and Equal Campaign which promotes LGBT rights as human rights.  The campaign was launched in 2013 and so far has reached more than a billion around the world. 

“It was born out of a recognition that right around the world lesbian, gay, bi and trans people are singled out and targeted for abuse, for violence, for discrimination,” said Charles Radcliffe, Head of Global Issues at the U.N. Human Rights Office. 

“Countries and governments have a responsibility and we want to see measures being taken to protect people.  This campaign is all about getting that message out there and beginning to reach a broader public to raise awareness about the kind of challenges that the LGBT community face in many parts of the world.”

U.N. Postal Administration Art Director Sergio Baradat created six different images for this stamp initiative.  “They say something, express something about the LGBT experience whether it’s coming out or gender transitioning or same-sex couples or same-sex parents,” said Radcliffe.  “They’re just beautiful pieces of art.  We believe that this is, in fact the first time that a postal service anywhere in the world has issued a set of stamps promoting LGBT equality globally.”

The Stamps will be unveiled only at the Sarasota National Stamp Exhibition which runs Feb. 5-7 at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium.  They will be available to purchase online through the U.N.’s Postal Administration.  The stamps can only be used for postage in the U.S. for items mailed from U.N. headquarters in New York City.