Miss South Africa pageant opens its doors to transgender women
For the first time in South Africa’s beauty pageant history, transgender women are allowed to compete.
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.
Alabama removes anti-LGBTQ language from sexual education curriculums
Previous legislation in Alabama was discriminatory towards LGBTQ individuals and required that curriculums emphasize “that homosexuality is not a lifestyle acceptable to the general public.”
Queen Elizabeth II announces U.K. government will ban conversion therapy
While the practice has been discredited by every major medical association, the religious right continues to promote the technique despite the increased risk of suicide and depression by participants.
Biden bans discrimination against LGBTQ people in healthcare
The Biden administration has reversed a Trump-era policy that allowed healthcare providers to discriminate against LGBTQ people if they claimed a religious exemption.
Vermont bans lawyers from using “panic” excuse for killing LGBTQ people
Vermont is the 14th state to ban the gay and trans “panic defense” that allowed defendants to justify murder by saying they were surprised to find out someone is an LGBTQ person.
Biden administration reverses Trump’s ban on rainbow flags at embassies
Secretary of State Anthony Blinken authorized the rainbow flag at all American outposts, in time for Pride Month.
Virginia bans the gay/trans panic legal defense
It’s the 12th state to ban defendants from arguing they “panicked” when they found out their victim was LGBTQ.
U.S. military to release new trans-inclusive policies to reverse Trump’s military ban
The measures will allow service members to access gender-affirming health care, among other provisions.
Dr. Rachel Levine makes history as first trans official confirmed by U.S. Senate
After a bipartisan vote, Dr. Levine will be the assistant secretary of health at the Department of Health and Human Services despite opposition from the religious right.
Japanese court rules same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional
The court ruled that sexual orientation, like race, is not a matter of individual preference and therefore denying same-sex couples the same benefits as straight couples is unconstitutional.