Watch: UN’s powerful new video highlights LGBTI faces

The United Nations has unveiled a moving new video highlighting the diverse faces, backgrounds and professions of LGBTI people.

The video made its public début in New York City’s bustling Times Square on Thursday, where it was shown on huge outdoor screens. It was also posted online through YouTube.

Dubbed Faces, can you see past the label? the clip is part of the UN’s Free & Equal campaign promoting global LGBTI equality.

Faces aims to “celebrate the contributions that millions of LGBTI people make to families and local communities around the world.”

The two-minute clip features real people filmed in their workplaces and homes; among them, a firefighter, a police officer, a teacher, an electrician, a doctor and a volunteer.

It ends with an appearance by one of the world’s most high-ranking straight allies, none other than UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and the message: “Be proud. Be an ally”.

Seventy six countries around the world currently criminalise homosexuality. It is punishable with the death penalty in eight states.

Watch the Faces video below.