Announcement took place at Microsoft’s New York headquarters
Violence, discrimination remain pervasive in the region
LGBT rights advocates attended presidential palace ceremony
Walmart among companies to participate in initiative
It remains unclear whether measure includes adoption
Anti-transgender campaign was in U.S. earlier this year
Madrid, Kiev among cities holding parades, marches
Rainbow flag raised over U.S. Embassy in Dominican Republic
Michelle Bachelet made announcement in speech to country’s Congress
Sebastián Piñera running for second term in South American country
