Argentina will be joining the Global Equality Fund to push for the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) individuals all around the world.

Last week, the U.S. White House released a statement announcing the partnership, making Argentina the third Latin American country, after Uruguay and Chile, to join in the initiative.

The announcement also coincided with President Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama’s visit to the country.

Launched in December 2011, the Global Equality Fund is a collaborative effort led by the U.S. Department of State, bridging government, companies and NGOs with the objective of empowering LGBTI persons to live freely and without discrimination.

The Fund aims to support civil society organisations and programs that advance the human rights of every LGBTI person around the world.

Argentina is one of the most progressive nations in South America, leading in its policies that protect LGBTI citizens.

Same-sex marriage was legalised in Argentina in 2010, making the nation the first in the region to allow gay couples to wed.

In 2012, the Congress of Argentina passed a law that allows people to legally change their gender without the need to prove that he or she had undergone surgery or hormone treatments.

Most recently, in September last year, the country allows gay and bisexual men to donate blood.

Speaking with the Washington Blade, the Vice President of LGBT Federation of Argentina, Esteban Paulón, described the partnership as great news:

‘It means taking a step in the direction of “exporting” the rights that we have achieved in our country, and cooperating regionally on this issue.’