Tokyo becomes biggest city in Japan to recognize same-sex partnerships
Over 100 local governments in Japan now recognize same-sex partnerships, which grants the right to rent property together and to visit their partner in the hospital.
LGBTQ+ rights & well-being
This archive tracks 337 stories about legal protections, health equity, community milestones, and policy advances for LGBTQ+ people around the world. From court rulings to local programs expanding access to care, these articles document real progress — reported with context and care.
Nevada becomes first U.S. state to recognize gay marriage in state constitution
Nevada voters overturned an 18-year-old ban on same-sex marriage, making the state the first to enshrine gay couples’ right to marry in its constitution.
Canada bans conversion therapy
As of January 7, 2022 it will be a crime punishable by up to five years in prison to cause another person to undergo conversion therapy.
Chile to become the 31st country to recognize same-sex marriage
The new law removes restrictions on same-sex couples around parentage, adoption rights, and assisted reproduction.
Botswana decriminalizes homosexuality
Botswana’s Court of Appeal has declared the government’s appeal unsuccessful, effectively decriminalizing homosexuality in the country, a big win for the LGBTQ+ community.
Chile elects its first transgender official to their national legislature
Trans woman and activist Emilia Schneider became the first trans person to win an election to the Chilean legislature this week.
Major French dictionary adds non-binary pronouns for the first time
An entry for iel and iels was added to the dictionary Le Robert that says: “Third person subject personal pronoun – singular and plural – used to refer to a person of any gender.”
Brian Michael Smith becomes the first trans man to be named one of People’s Sexiest Men Alive
In 2019, he became the first out Black transgender man cast in a regular role on a network series with 911: Lone Star.
Facebook to stop targeting ads based on race, sexual orientation, and politics
Facebook said it decided to make these changes to “address feedback from civil rights experts, policymakers, and other stakeholders on the importance of preventing advertisers from abusing the targeting options we make available.”
China’s first clinic for transgender children and adolescents set up in Shanghai
Experts expect that the clinic will serve as a bridge between transgender children, parents, doctors and the various circles of society.