Yokohama recognizes partnerships for LGBT couples
The city of Yokohama near Tokyo began issuing certificates recognizing the partnerships of sexual minority and common-law couples on Monday.
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.
Survey of 167 countries shows tolerance toward LGBT people rising globally
The rise in acceptance of LGBT people was particularly marked, rising from about one in four people expressing acceptance a decade ago to almost a third in the latest report.
Kansas City bans gay conversion therapy
The city council on Thursday approved an ordinance banning the therapy, which tries to change a gay or transgender person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Mattel launches groundbreaking gender fluid, customizable doll line
Mattel’s research has concluded that today’s kids generally don’t want what toys they are expected to play with to be dictated by their gender.
Merriam-Webster officially recognizes ‘they’ as a nonbinary pronoun
Merriam-Webster has formally acknowledged the use of “they” as a nonbinary, gender neutral pronoun, adding that definition to its dictionary.
Sarajevo hosts landmark gay pride parade
The capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina has held its first ever gay pride event amid heavy security. Bosnia is the last of the countries of former Yugoslavia to hold a pride event.
Illinois passes law requiring LGBT history curriculum be taught in schools
The law requires all schools in the state include “the role and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the history of this country and this State” in official textbooks.
Victoria’s Secret hires Valentina Sampaio, its first openly transgender model
Victoria’s Secret has hired Valentina Sampaio as its first transgender model, her agent said on Tuesday, as the struggling lingerie brand seeks to modernize its image.
Japan elects Taiga Ishikawa as first openly gay male lawmaker
Taiga Ishikawa made history on July 21 when he became the first openly gay male lawmaker in the country’s history.
Alan Turing – prosecuted for gay acts in 1952 – to be the new face of the U.K.’s £50 banknote
Despite his tremendous contributions to society, Turing was ultimately convicted for being gay and chemically castrated in 1952.