In a country where the legality of homosexuality is a gray zone  and police still raid gay-friendly establishments periodically, a number of Lebanese celebrities are speaking out against homophobia.

TV host Fouad Yammine  and director Zeina Dacche  joined several other prominent stars in a video condemning discrimination. The stars cite the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, calling on people to reject using the law to oppress any group.

The video, which also features Cythnia Karam, Bruno Tabbal  and Natasha Choufani, was released by Proud Lebanon  ahead of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia (IDAHOT) on May 17.

Full translation, from Global Voices :

Did you know that the first article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights? Did you know that in the 21st century, there are still people being beaten, stigmatized, arrested and in some cases even killed… just because they are LGBT? Being different isn't shameful… what's shameful is fighting diversity. He could be your brother, your neighbor or your co-worker. She could be your sister, your friend, or even your boss at school. If you don't recognize their existence, it doesn't mean that they don't exist. Protesting this injustice isn't enough. We should all work together to change these unjust laws and replace them with laws that protect all citizens. Because laws are for protection, not discrimination. We were all born free and equal. I know that it's hard to face society, but at least the laws need to be just. Democracy is not only majority and minority, it is to provide security to all citizens. You don't have to be poor to defend the rights of the poor. You don't have to be a woman, to defend the rights of women. You don't have to be a refugee, to defend the rights of refugees. And you don't have to be gay, to defend the rights of LGBT. Being human is enough. Even if we are different, we shouldn't disagree. Meet us on May 17 at Hotel Monroe to participate together at IDAHOT from 11am till 6pm.

In a region that has seen little progress on the rights of minorities – whether the queer community or religious and ethnic groups – in recent years, it is refreshing to see influential members of society putting themselves out in front on this issue. I hope this will encourage more celebrities, and not just from Lebanon, to speak out against hate.

Remember: “You don't have to be gay to defend the rights of LGBT ."