From adopting more conservative definitions of gender identity to instructing the State Department to spend more time focused on old-school 'natural law' rights, protections for the gay, lesbian and transgender communities appear to be under threat in the U.S.

Victor Madrigal-Borloz is a U.N. Special Rapporteur for Human Rights and researches the laws and rhetoric that shape the lives of gay, lesbian and transgender individuals. After a year-and-a-half on the job, we’ll ask him how the U.S. stacks up against the rest of the world and what steps can be taken to reduce violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

If you enjoy this discussion, leave us a review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. To share feedback with us, send an email to [email protected].

Produced, hosted and edited by Luke Vargas.