Ecuador legalizes same-sex marriage
The highest court in Ecuador has ruled in favor of the legalization of same-sex unions, in a major victory for the LGBTQ community.
Gay rights
This archive tracks legal victories, policy shifts, and cultural milestones that have expanded rights and recognition for LGBTQ+ people worldwide. Stories span court rulings, legislative wins, and community-led advocacy across dozens of countries. The focus is on documented progress — what changed, where, and how it happened.
Pride flag flies over California Capitol for the first time
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Monday that the rainbow flag would be flown over the California State Capitol through July 1 in recognition of LGBTQ Pride Month.
Judges in Botswana unanimously rule to decriminalize homosexuality
In the landmark ruling, the southern African nation’s High Court rejected sections of the penal code that criminalize same-sex relations and impose up to seven years in prison.
Brazil’s top court votes to make homophobia and transphobia crimes
Six out of 11 judges voted to consider discrimination against gays and transgender people equivalent to racism.
Taiwan legalizes same-sex marriage in historic first for Asia
Lawmakers in Taiwan have approved a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, making it the first place in Asia to pass gay marriage legislation.
Chicago makes history electing Lori Lightfoot as first black woman mayor
Lori Lightfoot, a political newcomer, was elected the first black female mayor of Chicago. Lightfoot, who will also become the first openly gay mayor of the third-largest U.S. city, appealed to voters who are tired of politics as usual.
Puerto Rico bans gay and transgender conversion therapy for minors
The governor of Puerto Rico signed an executive order on Wednesday banning so-called conversion therapy for gay or transgender minors on the island.
New Jersey will now require LGBTQ history to be taught in schools
Governor Phil Murphy signed a measure that would require all public schools to teach LGBTQ history, making New Jersey only the second state in the U.S. to do so, after California in 2017.
New York passes trans rights bill, conversion therapy ban
New York State made history today, with both houses of the legislature passing bills to ban discrimination based on gender identity and to prohibit the use of conversion therapy on minors. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to sign both.
Colorado’s Jared Polis officially sworn in as first openly gay U.S. governor
Jared Polis was officially been sworn in as Governor of Colorado on Tuesday, making him the first out gay man to claim the title of Governor in any state.