Switzerland overwhelmingly reaffirms marriage equality in national referendum
Final figures are reflecting that nearly two of every three Swiss voters supported the measure, despite conservative efforts to stoke outrage and overturn the law.
LGBTQ+ rights & well-being
This archive tracks real progress on LGBTQ+ rights and well-being — from legal protections and policy wins to health access, community support, and cultural recognition. Each story focuses on what’s working and where momentum is building, offering a grounded, hopeful look at a topic that shapes millions of lives.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs grants all benefits to those discharged under ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’
Veterans who were discharged because of their gender identity, sexual orientation or HIV status will now receive the full range of veterans’ benefits including home loan guaranty, pension benefits, health care, and more.
Carl Nassib becomes first openly gay player to play in NFL game
Nassib played a critical role in the Raiders’ win with a sack and forced fumble that set up the Raiders’ game-winning touchdown in overtime.
Bryan Ruby becomes the first active professional baseball player to come out as gay
“I want to help create a world where future generations of baseball players don’t have to sacrifice authenticity or who they really are to play the game they love,” said Bryan Ruby of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes.
Argentina’s new trans employment law further protects LGBTQ rights
In June, the country passed a new law establishing a one percent quota for transgender people employed in the public sector, which means that one percent of all public sector jobs should be held by trans people.
Israel is ending its ban on blood donation from queer men
Nitzan Horowitz, the out Minister of Health in Israel, proclaimed, “There’s no difference between one blood and the other. Discrimination against gays in donating blood is over.”
Charlotte passes LGBTQ nondiscrimination law
Charlotte, North Carolina has passed an ordinance to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity after years of delays and billions of dollars.
Kataluna Enriquez will be the first trans woman to compete in Miss USA pageant
After winning the Miss Nevada USA pageant this past Sunday, Kataluna Enriquez will become the first transgender woman to compete in the national Miss USA pageant.
Biden administration will create non-binary X gender marker for U.S. passports
The State Department just announced that non-binary people will have an option for the gender marker on their U.S. passports and that transgender people will be able to correct the gender marker on their passports without “medical certification” that they are transitioning.
British Methodist Church allows same-sex marriage in ‘momentous’ vote
A vote to change the definition of marriage at the Methodist Conference on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed by 254 in favor with 46 against.